A Full Day of Pure Diesel Power – No Steam, Just Thrash!
Diesels Take Over: Choppers & Peak Day at the GWSR
Join us for a rare and exciting day as the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway hands the reins over entirely to heritage diesel traction. For one day only, our timetable will be operated exclusively by two of the most iconic diesel types in British railway history:
- A pair of Class 20s – the famous “Choppers”
- A Class 45 – the mighty “Peak”
These locomotives will take charge of a full two-train service between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, offering enthusiasts and families the chance to experience these characterful machines working hard across our 14 miles of Cotswold scenery.
Whether it’s the unmistakable growl of the Class 20s or the thunderous presence of the Class 45, this is a day for anyone who loves classic BR diesels in action.
What to Expect
- Timetable operated entirely by diesels – no steam service running
- Two-train operation providing plenty of mileage and photo opportunities
- Run from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway, stopping at all major stations
- Perfect for diesel fans, photographers, families, and anyone wanting a unique day out
More details, including timetables and locomotive allocations, will be published closer to the event.
Come and enjoy a day of pure horsepower as the Choppers and the Peak take centre stage on the GWSR.
Let the diesels do the talking.
Prices
Adult
Child
Family
Dog
Prices
Adult
Child
Dog
Family
2 Adults and up to 3 Children
Extended Family
4 Adults and up to 3 Children
Contact Information
01242 621405
Trains Running
TSO 4763
Preserved in 1987 by the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway, moved to the GWSR by March 2004.
BSK 34929
Preserved 1982 By Stratford area group of GWSR.
FO 3132 (Mary)
Named 'Mary' in honour of a long-serving volunteer on the railway.
Class 122
DMU / Railcar
W55003 is a Class 122 'Bubblecar' owned by Cotswold Diesel Railcar Limited and is currently undergoing refurbishment plus the creation of wheelchair-friendly accommodation at Toddington.
John
Steam Locomotive
'John' has been on the Railway for over 30 years. The loco is presently undergoing restoration including the construction of a virtually new boiler.
20228
Diesel Locomotive
20228 (D8128) - Class 20 Diesel Electric Locomotive. 20228 is privately owned and is now a permanent resident on the GWR. 20228 moved to the GWR in 2020 and should become serviceable during the 2022 season.
D2280
Diesel Locomotive
D2280 arrived on the GWSR in 2018 and is now part of the shunting fleet at Toddington. It is privately owned . There is a Bachman model of this locomotive available in BR green.
11230
Diesel Locomotive
11230 arrived on the GWSR in 2003 and is now working at Toddington with its restoration almost complete.
D2182
Diesel Locomotive
D2182 is usually to be seen shunting at the carriage works at Winchcombe
47376
Diesel Locomotive
47376 is owned by The Brush Type 4 Fund and is a permanent resident on the GWR. The Brush Type 4 Fund was formed in 1992 and, in November 2002, bought No 47376. The loco was transported to the GWR in 2003 after receiving a replacement engine at Ashchurch from sister loco No 47295.
47105
Diesel Locomotive
The Brush Type 4 Fund was formed in 1992 with the aim of preserving a Series Parallel Class 47, after 2 years of fund raising 47105 was bought from Crewe in January 1994.
45149
Diesel Locomotive
A class 45/1 Diesel Electric Locomotive. This locomotive is owned by The Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group and is a permanent resident on the GWR. It first ran in preservation during the 2013 Heritage Diesel Weekend.
37215
Diesel Locomotive
A class 37/0 Diesel Electric Locomotive, is owned by The Growler Group and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 37215 was preserved in 1994 and was returned to working order in 1998.
D6948
Diesel Locomotive
A class 37/0 Diesel Electric Locomotive, is owned by four individuals who are both Growler Group members and active working members of the GWR diesel department and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 37248 came to Toddington in 2010 and has undergone an extensive refurbishment including the provision of steam heating and a return to BR green.
26043
Diesel Locomotive
A class 26 Diesel Electric Locomotive. This locomotive is owned by The Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 26043 ran for the first time in preservation during the 2013 Heritage Diesel Weekend.
24081
Diesel Locomotive
A privately owned and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 24081 was preserved in 1981 and has remained operational throughout its life in preservation. Its bogie refurbishment is now complete and the loco is fit for service.
20137
Diesel Locomotive
A class 20 Diesel Electric Locomotive. 20137 is privately owned and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 20137 was purchased from British Rail at Wigan in 1994 and moved to the GWR. 20137 was returned to working order in 1995.
76077
Steam Locomotive
A BR Standard Class 4 mixed traffic locomotive, built 1956. Restoration started.
3850
Steam Locomotive
A '2884' class heavy freight locomotive, built 1942. Owned by Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited. It's comprehensive 10-year overhaul has just been completed at Toddington. It returned to steam on August 2024, bearing the wartime black GWR livery it carried when new.
2874
Steam Locomotive
A '28xx' class heavy freight locomotive, built 1918. This locomotive is owned by The 2874 Trust Limited and it is slowly being restored from 'Barry Scrapyard' condition.
2807
Steam Locomotive
A '28xx' class heavy freight locomotive, built in 1905. This locomotive is owned by Cotswold Steam Preservation Limited and, after a 29 year restoration, is one of the GWR's resident locomotives.
Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co.
Steam Locomotive
35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. is a Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 steam locomotive. It was built at Eastleigh locomotive works in December 1941 and given the Southern Railway number 21C6.
Foremarke Hall
Steam Locomotive
Although every inch a Great Western Railway thoroughbred, No. 7903 Foremarke Hall was one of the 79XX series, in the last batch of the Modified Hall class built at Swindon in 1949 under BR auspices.
Gallery
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