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Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Diesel Gala Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction over our steeply graded line The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and our home-fleet of diesel locomotives. It will be a three day event, taking place from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July, and will see an intensive train service operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction. More details to follow. Visiting locomotives First Guest: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the gala has been confirmed as Class 423 4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettit, courtesy of our friends at the Southern Electric Traction Group and the Bluebell Railway. The 4VEP units were a fleet of 194 high density express passenger electric units drawing power from the 750-volt DC third rail. Once an everyday sight on the Southern Region of British Rail operating between 1967 and 2005, 3417 is now the only complete 4VEP left and is being lovingly restored thanks to the Southern Electric Traction Group with the support of the Bluebell Railway. Built partly at York and Derby works this unit entered service as 7717 on 8th July 1967 (the day before steam traction finished on the Southern Region) and was based at Bournemouth. The unit was later renumbered to 3417 in the 1990's and in 2004 the unit was repainted by South West Trains into a version of the original BR Blue as built livery and named Gordon Pettit after the much-respected last General Manager of the Southern Region. 3417 then became a bit of celebrity and brought down the curtain on regular mainline slam door operation on the Southern region in May 2005. Saved for preservation by the Southern Electric Traction Group initially stored at Wimbledon Park Depot, the unit moved for a time to East Grinstead and subsequently to Strawberry Hill Depot near Twickenham (SW London). There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fabulous unit over the gala weekend. Second Guest Locomotive: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall, subject to the completion of repairs and recertification. The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well. The type was unique in this country having an A-1-A wheel arrangement, in that the outer wheels of each bogie were powered, but the centre wheels were unpowered and purely carried the weight. Built as D5634, the loco entered service on 21st July 1960 at Stratford depot, and then to March depot. Originally built with a Mirrless JVS12T engine, however, the type suffered in the early years with cracking, and British Rail decided to replace all of the engines with an English Electric 12SVT engine rated at 1470 hp. D5634 received its new engine in May 1968, along with the BR corporate blue livery and in 1973 was allocated to Finsbury Park. March 1974 saw the introduction of the TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) which gave all locomotive a five-character number (the first two numbers indicating the Class), and from then on D5634 became 31210. In 1976 31210 moved to Bristol Bath Road on the Western Region. 31210 worked its last passenger train on 9th September 1990, which was a Carlisle to Cleethorpes charter train, and by the Autumn of 1991 was stored unserviceable and officially withdrawn in February 1992. After a lengthy overhaul at several locations, 2026 will see 31210 once again active, and we are delighted to be one of the first locations for this locomotive to be operating since 1991. More visitors to be announced!
Diesel Gala Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction over our steeply graded line The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and our home-fleet of diesel locomotives. It will be a three day event, taking place from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July, and will see an intensive train service operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction. More details to follow. Visiting locomotives First Guest: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the gala has been confirmed as Class 423 4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettit, courtesy of our friends at the Southern Electric Traction Group and the Bluebell Railway. The 4VEP units were a fleet of 194 high density express passenger electric units drawing power from the 750-volt DC third rail. Once an everyday sight on the Southern Region of British Rail operating between 1967 and 2005, 3417 is now the only complete 4VEP left and is being lovingly restored thanks to the Southern Electric Traction Group with the support of the Bluebell Railway. Built partly at York and Derby works this unit entered service as 7717 on 8th July 1967 (the day before steam traction finished on the Southern Region) and was based at Bournemouth. The unit was later renumbered to 3417 in the 1990's and in 2004 the unit was repainted by South West Trains into a version of the original BR Blue as built livery and named Gordon Pettit after the much-respected last General Manager of the Southern Region. 3417 then became a bit of celebrity and brought down the curtain on regular mainline slam door operation on the Southern region in May 2005. Saved for preservation by the Southern Electric Traction Group initially stored at Wimbledon Park Depot, the unit moved for a time to East Grinstead and subsequently to Strawberry Hill Depot near Twickenham (SW London). There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fabulous unit over the gala weekend. Second Guest Locomotive: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall, subject to the completion of repairs and recertification. The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well. The type was unique in this country having an A-1-A wheel arrangement, in that the outer wheels of each bogie were powered, but the centre wheels were unpowered and purely carried the weight. Built as D5634, the loco entered service on 21st July 1960 at Stratford depot, and then to March depot. Originally built with a Mirrless JVS12T engine, however, the type suffered in the early years with cracking, and British Rail decided to replace all of the engines with an English Electric 12SVT engine rated at 1470 hp. D5634 received its new engine in May 1968, along with the BR corporate blue livery and in 1973 was allocated to Finsbury Park. March 1974 saw the introduction of the TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) which gave all locomotive a five-character number (the first two numbers indicating the Class), and from then on D5634 became 31210. In 1976 31210 moved to Bristol Bath Road on the Western Region. 31210 worked its last passenger train on 9th September 1990, which was a Carlisle to Cleethorpes charter train, and by the Autumn of 1991 was stored unserviceable and officially withdrawn in February 1992. After a lengthy overhaul at several locations, 2026 will see 31210 once again active, and we are delighted to be one of the first locations for this locomotive to be operating since 1991. More visitors to be announced!
Diesel Gala Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction over our steeply graded line The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and our home-fleet of diesel locomotives. It will be a three day event, taking place from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July, and will see an intensive train service operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction. More details to follow. Visiting locomotives First Guest: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the gala has been confirmed as Class 423 4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettit, courtesy of our friends at the Southern Electric Traction Group and the Bluebell Railway. The 4VEP units were a fleet of 194 high density express passenger electric units drawing power from the 750-volt DC third rail. Once an everyday sight on the Southern Region of British Rail operating between 1967 and 2005, 3417 is now the only complete 4VEP left and is being lovingly restored thanks to the Southern Electric Traction Group with the support of the Bluebell Railway. Built partly at York and Derby works this unit entered service as 7717 on 8th July 1967 (the day before steam traction finished on the Southern Region) and was based at Bournemouth. The unit was later renumbered to 3417 in the 1990's and in 2004 the unit was repainted by South West Trains into a version of the original BR Blue as built livery and named Gordon Pettit after the much-respected last General Manager of the Southern Region. 3417 then became a bit of celebrity and brought down the curtain on regular mainline slam door operation on the Southern region in May 2005. Saved for preservation by the Southern Electric Traction Group initially stored at Wimbledon Park Depot, the unit moved for a time to East Grinstead and subsequently to Strawberry Hill Depot near Twickenham (SW London). There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fabulous unit over the gala weekend. Second Guest Locomotive: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall, subject to the completion of repairs and recertification. The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well. The type was unique in this country having an A-1-A wheel arrangement, in that the outer wheels of each bogie were powered, but the centre wheels were unpowered and purely carried the weight. Built as D5634, the loco entered service on 21st July 1960 at Stratford depot, and then to March depot. Originally built with a Mirrless JVS12T engine, however, the type suffered in the early years with cracking, and British Rail decided to replace all of the engines with an English Electric 12SVT engine rated at 1470 hp. D5634 received its new engine in May 1968, along with the BR corporate blue livery and in 1973 was allocated to Finsbury Park. March 1974 saw the introduction of the TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) which gave all locomotive a five-character number (the first two numbers indicating the Class), and from then on D5634 became 31210. In 1976 31210 moved to Bristol Bath Road on the Western Region. 31210 worked its last passenger train on 9th September 1990, which was a Carlisle to Cleethorpes charter train, and by the Autumn of 1991 was stored unserviceable and officially withdrawn in February 1992. After a lengthy overhaul at several locations, 2026 will see 31210 once again active, and we are delighted to be one of the first locations for this locomotive to be operating since 1991. More visitors to be announced!
Diesel Gala Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026 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 Visiting Locomotives: - BR Class 27, No. 27056 courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group. - BR Class 25, No. 25262 courtesy of the South Devon Diesel Traction Ltd. - BR Class 35, No. D7018 courtesy of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd.
Diesel Gala Friday 24 July 2026 Derwent Valley Light Railway Diesel Gala (18:00-21:00) The following locos are expected to work: 03079, D2245 and 08528.
Diesel Gala Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026 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 Visiting Locomotives: - BR Class 27, No. 27056 courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group. - BR Class 25, No. 25262 courtesy of the South Devon Diesel Traction Ltd. - BR Class 35, No. D7018 courtesy of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd.
Diesel Gala Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026 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 Visiting Locomotives: - BR Class 27, No. 27056 courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group. - BR Class 25, No. 25262 courtesy of the South Devon Diesel Traction Ltd. - BR Class 35, No. D7018 courtesy of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd. Event Highlights: Sunday Only: This year we also pay tribute to Pathfinder Railtours, which ceased trading at the end of 2025 following its final tour on 20th December hauled by D1015 Western Champion. The Gloucestershire-based company, founded by Peter Watts, organised railtours across the country from 1973 and became a much-loved name in the enthusiast scene. Fittingly, several of our resident diesel locomotives have themselves hauled Pathfinder excursions over the years. Throughout Sunday we will see all of our trains bearing one of the headboards from their past excursions. This will also be the final time to meet the former Pathfinder team at the railway, including Peter.
Diesel Running Weekend 2026 Friday 7 August, Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August 2026
Diesel Running Weekend 2026 Friday 7 August, Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August 2026
Diesel Running Weekend 2026 Friday 7 August, Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August 2026
08 Day Sunday 9 August 2026 One for all of the Gronk fans out there. Come and join us for a day of 08 traction. Subject to availability, all three of our resident 08s will be in action throughout the day. We will aim to double-head on some trains and may even run a triple-headed train. Trains will depart from Wallingford at 1100, 1230, 1400 and 1530. Departures from Cholsey will be at 1130, 1300, 1430 and 1600.
Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast! Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026 As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style. We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar! Visiting locomotives include 33108 courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company and 50026 courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG Tours.
Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast! Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026 As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style. We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar! Visiting locomotives include 33108 courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company and 50026 courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG Tours.
Heritage Shunters Trust (at Peak Rail) Diesel Day Saturday 5 September 2026
Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast! Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026 As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style. We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar! Visiting locomotives include 33108 courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company and 50026 courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG Tours.
Shunter Sunday Sunday 6th September 2026 Are you ready to travel back to the 1980s, when British Rail blue dominated the railway and diesel power ruled the rails? If so, then back by popular demand following last year's successful event, our two BR blue shunters?03078 and 08915?are once again stepping out of the yard and into the spotlight for our 2026 Shunter Sunday! Usually confined to shunting duties and standby work for the steam fleet, this is their chance to take charge of the line. Throughout the day, the pair will haul a varied mix of passenger and freight services, recreating the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Expect double-headed action, top-and-tail formations, and plenty of rare mileage behind both locomotives as they work a busy and intensive timetable. Whether you joined us last year or are looking to experience something a little different, this is a day not to be missed.
Diesel Pioneers Gala 12 and 13 September 2026 Celebrate the Legacy of Industrial Diesel Power! Join us this September for the Diesel Pioneers Gala. Taking place on the 12th and 13th of September 2026, this gala is a tribute to the industrial diesel locomotives that played a vital role in Britain's railway heritage - featuring STAR guest locomotive soon to be confirmed! What's on over the weekend? Visiting locomotive, (announced later in 2026) in action with a variety of freight and passenger trains. An intensive timetable is in operation with a RARE chance to travel behind our diesel fleet. Visit our 1854 built Marley Hill engine shed, see the work that goes on to keep the railway running. Browse around our well stocked book shop at Andrews House station. Take part in guided tours of the site. Live music across the site & kids activities.
Diesel Pioneers Gala 12 and 13 September 2026 Celebrate the Legacy of Industrial Diesel Power! Join us this September for the Diesel Pioneers Gala. Taking place on the 12th and 13th of September 2026, this gala is a tribute to the industrial diesel locomotives that played a vital role in Britain's railway heritage - featuring STAR guest locomotive soon to be confirmed! What's on over the weekend? Visiting locomotive, (announced later in 2026) in action with a variety of freight and passenger trains. An intensive timetable is in operation with a RARE chance to travel behind our diesel fleet. Visit our 1854 built Marley Hill engine shed, see the work that goes on to keep the railway running. Browse around our well stocked book shop at Andrews House station. Take part in guided tours of the site. Live music across the site & kids activities.
Autumn Diesel Gala Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026 An itnesive three days of running (TBC) with our home diesel fleet. Expect a range of passenger and goods trains with appearances from our Class 47, Class 08 and Class 121. Subject to maintenance our Class 37 may also be available for the Gala. Visiting locos to be confirmed.
Autumn Diesel Gala 25, 26, 27 September 2025 The diesel fleet come to the fore for three Autumn days of fantastic action over our challenging gradients! The home fleet, including our shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. We'll have British Railways blue liveried locomotives working with our blue and grey liveried coaching stock too! Class 20 diesel locomotive 20227 hauls a train into North Weald station Class 47 diesel locomotive 47635 at North Weald station Class 03 D2170 Class 08 08114 Further details to be announced What to expect As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in your great value fare! You'll be able to see our blue locomotives hauling our rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over our challenging gradients! Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all our train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services) On train bars Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of real ales, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train. LNER Cafeat North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafeat North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Autumn Diesel Gala 25, 26, 27 September 2025 The diesel fleet come to the fore for three Autumn days of fantastic action over our challenging gradients! The home fleet, including our shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. We'll have British Railways blue liveried locomotives working with our blue and grey liveried coaching stock too! Class 20 diesel locomotive 20227 hauls a train into North Weald station Class 47 diesel locomotive 47635 at North Weald station Class 03 D2170 Class 08 08114 Further details to be announced What to expect As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in your great value fare! You'll be able to see our blue locomotives hauling our rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over our challenging gradients! Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all our train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services) On train bars Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of real ales, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train. LNER Cafeat North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafeat North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Autumn Diesel Gala Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026 An itnesive three days of running (TBC) with our home diesel fleet. Expect a range of passenger and goods trains with appearances from our Class 47, Class 08 and Class 121. Subject to maintenance our Class 37 may also be available for the Gala. Visiting locos to be confirmed.
Autumn Diesel Gala 25, 26, 27 September 2025 The diesel fleet come to the fore for three Autumn days of fantastic action over our challenging gradients! The home fleet, including our shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. We'll have British Railways blue liveried locomotives working with our blue and grey liveried coaching stock too! Class 20 diesel locomotive 20227 hauls a train into North Weald station Class 47 diesel locomotive 47635 at North Weald station Class 03 D2170 Class 08 08114 Further details to be announced What to expect As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in your great value fare! You'll be able to see our blue locomotives hauling our rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over our challenging gradients! Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all our train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services) On train bars Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of real ales, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train. LNER Cafeat North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafeat North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Autumn Diesel Gala Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026 An itnesive three days of running (TBC) with our home diesel fleet. Expect a range of passenger and goods trains with appearances from our Class 47, Class 08 and Class 121. Subject to maintenance our Class 37 may also be available for the Gala. Visiting locos to be confirmed.
Diesel Gala Sunday 27 September 2026
Last Hurrah Diesel Gala Saturday 21 November and Sunday 22 November 2026 Ending the season with a weekend of diesel action Why should steam fans have all the fun? Say goodbye to 2026 and get some miles in with an intensive weekend timetable starring the GCR diesel home fleet. Following the popular Last Hurrah Steam Gala, the spotlight turns to heritage diesel traction for one final gala weekend of the year. Expect a busy timetable, plenty of mileage, and the chance to see the Great Central Railway's diesel fleet out in force. Whether you're a long-time diesel enthusiast or simply enjoy the distinctive sights and sounds of classic diesel locomotives, this is the perfect opportunity to round off the year on the railway.
Last Hurrah Diesel Gala Saturday 21 November and Sunday 22 November 2026 Ending the season with a weekend of diesel action Why should steam fans have all the fun? Say goodbye to 2026 and get some miles in with an intensive weekend timetable starring the GCR diesel home fleet. Following the popular Last Hurrah Steam Gala, the spotlight turns to heritage diesel traction for one final gala weekend of the year. Expect a busy timetable, plenty of mileage, and the chance to see the Great Central Railway's diesel fleet out in force. Whether you're a long-time diesel enthusiast or simply enjoy the distinctive sights and sounds of classic diesel locomotives, this is the perfect opportunity to round off the year on the railway.