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Diesel gala

Diesel gala

2025 Diesel Gala - Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July

Get ready for a weekend of diesel locomotives, nostalgic journeys, and unforgettable experiences at the heart of the scenic Gloucestershire countryside. Our annual Diesel Gala promises a unique blend of vintage charm and modern power, celebrating the rich heritage of railway transportation.

Event Highlights:
Join us for a thrilling three-day celebration of classic diesel traction, featuring an impressive line-up of both English Electric and Sulzer-powered locomotives.

Special Guest Appearance:
We’re excited to welcome two visiting locomotives for this gala, including:
- BR Class 37 pioneer No. D6700, courtesy of the National Railway Museum and the Heavy Tractor Group.
- BR Class 50 No. 50021 'Rodney' courtesy of 50021 Owners Ltd. 50021 once resided at Toddington in 1992 and hauled its first train in November 1993. Our line has grown significantly since then, so we look forward to introducing the locomotive to the full length of the line!

Locomotive Action:
- Intensive timetable running across all three days
- A chance to clock up mileage behind each locomotive
- Our class 20 locomotives will work in multi all weekend
- Triple-headed Class 37s on Saturday evening’s popular Beer-Ex service
- 50021 'Rodney' will feature on our passenger trains

Behind the Scenes Access:
- Visit the Diesel Shed at Toddington
- See Class 24 No. 5081 (24081) on display during its engine overhaul. Cab access available at set times (subject to loco availability)

‍Getting Here:
A free heritage bus shuttle will operate between Cheltenham Spa Railway Station and Cheltenham Race Course station on Friday and Saturday only, making it easy to get to and from the event. (Details to follow)

Don’t miss this diesel enthusiast weekend!
All contributing to this milestone year that is Railway 200!

Tickets and Pricing

We offer a range of tickets from 1 day to 3 day tickets that can be purchased in advance or on the day. Our Diesel Gala is always hugely popular, so we advise you to book in advance. For latest prices and to book your tickets click the button below.

Tickets can be bought on the day or in advance online at a lower price. As a special deal to celebrate Railway 200, on Sunday the 27th KIDS GO FREE! (terms and conditions apply)

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One day tickets Two day tickets Three day tickets
Adult:  £    36.00    Adult 2 Day:  £    58.00    Adult 3 Day:  £    79.00
Child  £    17.00    Child 2 Day:  £    27.00    Child 3 Day:  £    27.00
Family  £    90.00         --/--     --             --/--     --    
Adult Late Entry  £    28.00    Child Late Entry:  £    13.00    Family Late Entry:  £    75.00

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Purchase Tickets
 
Public Timetable

Contact Information


01242 621405

Essential Information

AccessibilityTravelling with Children & BuggiesTravelling with BikesTravelling with DogsFAQs

guest locos

D6700

Class 37

D6700 was the first of its Class to be built, and was selected for preservation upon being withdrawn from service.

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50021 - Rodney

Type: BR Class 50 diesel-electric locomotive

Type: BR Class 50 diesel-electric locomotive. Nickname: "Dave". Service History: Withdrawn from British Rail in 1989, saved from scrapping. Current Status: Fully operational and in preservation, owned by 50021 Owners Limited. Preservation: First ran in preservation in 1992 at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway before moving to the Bo'ness Railway. Recent Restoration: A second restoration was completed at Eastleigh Works.

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Home locos

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.

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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.

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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.

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20228

Diesel Locomotive

• EE Type 1 / British Rail Class 20 No. 20228 backdated to 1980s condition

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D2280

Class 04

D2280 arrived on the GWSR in 2018 and is now part of the shunting fleet at Toddington

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D2182

Class 03

D2182 is usually to be seen shunting at the carriage works at Winchcombe

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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.

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5081

Diesel Locomotive

This privately owned (static display) BR Sulzer Type 2 has been preserved since 1981 and is now a permanent resident at the GWSR. Currently is having a full overhaul of its 6 cylinder Sulzer engine.

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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.

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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.

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D5343 / 26043

26

The Class 26 a BRCW Sulzer type 2 is owned by The Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group. Following an extensive engine and body overhaul will be returning to service during 2025.

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Things to see and do

Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham stations will be open at 8.30 and Broadway at 9.00.

D2182 will be giving Brakevan rides at Winchcombe, it will be £10.00 per passenger, over 16 years old only.

D2280 cab rides at Toddington Diesel Shed are £5.00 perperson with a hight restriction of 1200MM.

 Both shunters will be on a first come first served basis, cash only, running between 10 am and 3 pm subject to availability.

At Broadway:

  • View progress on our newest station
  • Visit our railway shop & friends of Broadway fundraising shop
  • Take a short walk in to the Cotswold village of Broadway
  • Broadway station café open - selling tea/coffee, snacks and beers

At Toddington:

  • Locomotive shed open to  view Class 24 – 5081/24081 under restoration
  • Trade stands and model railway sales
  • Visit our new Cotswold Halt Café, coffee shop, gift shop and bar
  • Hawkstone Brewery bar at Toddington (subject to confirmation)
  • Narrow gauge operating diesel train rides
  • Visit the GWRT Office - we are open for our visitors to come and talk to us about Membership and Volunteering etc.

At Winchcombe:

  • Griddle serving bacon rolls, burgers, and more. The Coffee Pot Café on platform 1 will be selling teas/coffee, snacks and beers
  • Model Railways are available to view in the Tim Mitchell Building on Platform 1
  • Discovery coach and model railway coach. The Model Railway coach will feature a large scale diesel fleet for this weekend only!

At Gotherington:

  • Private station grounds open specially courtesy of the owners Bryan & Savita
  • Light refreshments are available at this station from the private Station on the platform
  • Ride on the Pump Trolley or enjoy the Wickham Trolley
  • Good spot for viewing passing trains or to chill out and enjoy a picnic.
  • Trains passing with the Broadway bound trains held in the loop until Cheltenham trains have departed

At Cheltenham RACE COURSE:

  • Connecting shuttle bus service with Cheltenham Spa
  • Original 1912 ticket office open
  • Snacks by the Tracks refreshments

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