Diesel running days on the increase
ALTHOUGH it is highly unlikely there will be any more galas this year, the number of railways offering running days using their diesel fleet has increased over the last few weeks. Many of these require booking in advance, and it is pleasing to record that a number have already sold out – so please check with railways concerned for availability and confirmation beforehand.
The ran Class 24 No. D5054 on services between Heywood and Ramsbottom on August 29-31, and similar workings are planned for September. No. 40106 is due to be used on September 19, after which it should return to the Severn Valley Railway, where its steam-heat boiler will be most welcome, for the winter season. The following Saturday (September 26) will hopefully see
No. D832 Onslaught back in service in its new livery, the colour of which is yet to be revealed.
The is operating a diesel turn on Fridays throughout September, with three round trips between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth providing 96 miles of haulage. Due to be used on September 18 are two Class 50s, replacing No.
East Lancashire Railway Severn Valley Railway
37190 which is out of service, while September 25 should see No. D821 Greyhound in action, with D9551 providing double-heading assistance at some point during the day.
The has some midweek running days planned for ‘Peak' No. 45041 Royal Tank Regiment, and these should take place on September 23/30.
Nene Valley Railway TYPE 2 RELAUNCH
Although some of its diesel operating days in August were cancelled due to low bookings, the is planning to re-launch No. D5310 (26010) into service on September 26. The Sulzer Type 2, which had a test run on August 18, will make two round trips from Llangollen to Carrog and back.
The has two running days in the pipeline for October. The first will feature No. D6729 (37029) on October 3, with No. 47635 Jimmy Milne being used on October 17.
Five round trips should be on offer, with an assisting ‘top and tail' loco being used between North Weald and Epping Forest.
The
Llangollen Railway Epping Ongar Gloucestershire-Warwickshire
has a number of Sunday running days planned for September, offering three round trips from Toddington. Sulzer Type 2 No. 5081 (24081) is booked to run on September 20, with
No. 47376 Freightliner 1995 due to appear seven days later.
One diesel-hauled return working between Quorn & Woodhouse and Leicester North is being operated by the at weekends. No. 37714 Cardiff Canton is due to be used on September 19/20, with
No. D5185 (25035) rostered for the following weekend. October 3/4 should see No. D123 (45125) Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry in use, followed by No. 50017 Royal Oak on October 10/11.
After the success of its running evening with No. 37075 on August 29, the is hoping to organise an all-day event using its resident Class 20 (No. 20031) and the ‘37' on September 26.
The and
which have been using diesel traction since recommencing operations in July, are continuing to operate diesel-hauled services. At Ecclesbourne, No. 31601 was due to return to traffic in early September.
Railway Great Central Railway Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Avon Valley Valley railways, Ecclesbourne
The engine block acquired by the C37LG that will be used to rebuild a power unit for No. 37003.