GWR Diesel Gala 2023

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway hosted its annual Summer Heritage Diesel Gala between Friday 7 and Sunday 9 July this year. The Gala is the flagship event for the railway’s resident diesel locomotive fleet and this year GWR welcomeed a popular and versatile 56-year-old British Rail Bo-Bo diesel locomotive. The locomotive in question is recently restored Sulzer Type 2 / British Rail Class 25 No. D7659 (7659/25309/25909), and is appearing courtesy of Peak Rail and the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust. D7659 last visited GWR in 1996/97.

Following a successful Gala last year, this year’s the three-day diesel spectacular offers visitors and enthusiasts of all ages the chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of classic heritage diesel traction from the heyday of British Rail when British Rail ran locomotive hauled trains the length and breadth of the country, from large powerful express locomotives on inter-city journeys, to smaller mixed traffic and freight types many of which were pressed into use during the summer months taking people from the towns to our seaside resorts.

Up to 10 trains ran each day to Broadway, with additional services running between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse giving a full 28 mile round trip on most services, which together with passing trains in the loops at Gotherington, Winchcombe and Toddington allows a 45 minute frequency service all day.  

At Toddington, the diesel locomotive shed was open to visitors offering the chance to see ongoing restoration and maintenance projects, including 1959-built Class 26 No. D5343 and Class 20 No. 20228 which are currently undergoing overhaul.