As previously announced, Class 31 No. 5580 (31162) will be visiting the GWR for the Summer Diesel Gala and is expected to arrive at Toddington in the next few weeks. It is expected that the loco will remain at the GWR for the majority of the 2008 season.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that a second visitor for the gala has been agreed: Class 47 47701 will also be making a flying visit to the Railway for only a few months to initially participate in the gala.

It is anticipated that we hope to have additional driver experience courses and charters utilising both these locos on top of the already-advertised services.

It is believed that the visit of 47701, from Long Marston where the loco is currently in store, will be the first time the loco has operated on a preserved line and will work alongside resident Class 47, 47105 owned and operated by the Brush Type Four Fund.

A copy of the working timetable and loco roster is now available and a copy is also going to be made available throughout the event.

In addition to this line-up, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be sending their Spitfire aircraft on a fly-past at Toddington on the Saturday of the event. Anyone who saw the fly-past during the recent steam gala know this is something not to be missed!

The Sunday of the event will also see a bus rally be held at Toddington. Many historic buses and coaches are expected to be on show and it is hoped that free bus rides will be available for anyone who wishes to experience travel from a by-gone age. Click here for some more details.