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 Class 37 pioneer D6700, appearing courtesy of the National Railway Museum and the Heavy Tractor Group.
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
- Double-heading Class 37s on Saturday evening’s popular Beer-Ex service
- Triple-headed finale with 37s on Sunday afternoon!
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, making it easy to get to and from the event. (Details to follow)
Don’t miss this diesel enthusiast weekend – full event details and tickets available on our website!
All contributing to this milestone year that is Railway 200!
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.
D6700 was the first of its Class to be built, and was selected for preservation upon being withdrawn from service.
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.
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.
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.
• EE Type 1 / British Rail Class 20 No. 20228 backdated to 1980s condition
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.
This privately owned 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.
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.
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.
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.
Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham stations will be open at 8.30 and Broadway at 9.00.
