THE ANNUAL Spring Diesel Gala has been held at the Severn Valley Railway which saw around 18 locomotives hauling services during the four-day event, writes Neil Gordon.
Among the visiting freight and passenger locomotives, there were a class 67 used to haul the royal train, plus several members of the railway’s home fleet, in operation on the preserved 18-mile route between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
Hugely popular Deltic 55009 ‘Alycidon’ and Hymek D7018 pass at Hampton Loade. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
The four-day event commenced on May 14 with visiting Heavy Haul Rail’s engine, 59001, working the 8.10am service from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, after a diesel multiple unit (DMU) and home-based class 20, had both worked local services from Bewdley to Kidderminster.
The recently extended platforms at Kidderminster Station were in use throughout the gala, which saw late night services running until around 10.30pm on both Friday and Saturday.
GWR’s mainline passenger engine, 57604 Pendennis Castle, arriving at Bewdley. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
Three current-day mainline class 57 locomotives also worked services, including West Coast Railways’ 57010, GBRf’s 57306 and GWR’s 57604 Pendennis Castle.
Meanwhile, locomotive 67006 saw action just weeks after hauling the royal train with King Charles III on board to an engagement in Lancashire.
SVR-based locomotives 46045 and 33108 pass each other at Hampton Loade. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
And home-based engines working services included class 14 number D9551, class 33 number 33108, class 42 ‘Warship’ D821 and class 50 number 50049 Defiance.
Rail enthusiasts from across the county attended the event, while celebrity rail enthusiast and social media personality Francis Bourgeois also visited the gala.
