Saturday 9th November 2024
For the first time since 2019, the South Devon Railway is hosting a diesel gala. This one-day event will see the SDR’s home fleet of diesel locomotives in use throughout the day on an intensive timetable. This will provide a rare opportunity to enjoy all of the operational mainline diesel locomotives on the same day, on a variety of different workings.
Please be aware that our heritage diesel locomotives do not have any train heating, therefore please make sure you wrap up warm!
Further event details, including a working timetable with allocations and catering arrangements, will be published here soon.
Fares
During this event, special fares are in operation. Only ranger tickets are available, there are no single, return or part journey tickets.
We are running a special offer with early bird tickets being available to purchase up until Saturday 2nd November at a heavily discounted rate. Please note that these tickets are not refundable.
There are no discounts available on tickets, including SDRA members, shareholders, PRIV, HRA passes etc.
| Fare Type | Early Bird | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £24 | £29 |
| Senior | £23 | £28 |
| Child (3+) | £17 | £21 |
| Child under 3 | FREE | FREE |
| Dog | £2.50 | £4 |
Breaking news - Class 60 to visit for gala
We are delighted to announce that a DCRail Class 60 will be visiting the South Devon Railway for our diesel gala on Saturday 9 November 2024. The locomotive attending is expected to be 60029 “Ben Nevis”.
This will be the first time since 2003 that this locomotive has worked a passenger train, and its first ever visit to a heritage railway, providing a very rare opportunity to travel behind a locomotive that can normally be found hauling heavy trains for the construction of HS2.
Thank you to our friends at DCRail and Cappagh Group for organising and facilitating this visit.
Working Timetable
Locomotives in use
The following locomotives are expected to be in use during this Diesel Gala. Please be aware that advertised locomotives are subject to availability and operational requirements. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the locomotives operate as planned, these are heritage assets and sometimes things don’t go to plan.
A Class 60 is expected to visit, courtesy of DCRail. The locomotive due to attend is 60029 “Ben Nevis”.
The powerful and resilient Class 60 is a true heavy-hauler designed for demanding freight services, boasting an impressive maximum tractive effort of 106,500 lbs. With its robust, single-engine design, this locomotive is known for incredible pulling strength and efficiency, tackling everything from construction trains to steel loads. Its low rumbling sound and distinctive boxy appearance make it a striking presence on the rails, and it’s a must-see for anyone attending the gala.
Photo courtesy of DCRail.
Class 33 33002.
The versatile Class 33, affectionately known as the “Crompton,” is a compact powerhouse that saw much use in the West Country. Designed for mixed traffic, this locomotive was a Southern Region staple, handling both passenger and freight duties with ease. 33002 is the oldest Class 33 that survives in preservation, and has been a popular locomotive throughout the years at the SDR.
Photo courtesy of Rob Sherwood.
Class 25 7535 (25185).
The Class 25, affectionately known as the “Rat,” is a reliable and versatile locomotive from British Rail’s diesel fleet. Earning its nickname due to its widespread presence and persistence on the rail network, much like the hardy rodent, this locomotive became a staple across the UK. The Class 25 was built for mixed-traffic duties, handling both passenger and freight routes with ease. Known for its rugged design, Class 25s are a popular addition to any diesel gala.
7535 has been away at the Spa Valley Railway and this will therefore be its first passenger workings on the South Devon Railway this year.
Photo courtesy of Rob Sherwood.
Class 25 25262.
Recently repainted into BR Blue to match sister locomotive 7535, this will provide the first opportunity for both of the SDR-based Class 25s to pair up in the same livery.
Photo courtesy of Sam Ryder.
Class 04 D2246 will be working its first timetabled passenger trains since overhaul. The locomotive has been out of service for many years having significant work carried out, and we are delighted that it has just passed fitness to run examinations to enable it to operate at our diesel gala.
The Class 04 is a compact yet capable diesel-mechanical shunting locomotive, famous for its hard-working reliability and agility in yard operations. This little loco was a common sight around British Rail’s depots and freight yards during the 1950s and ’60s. Its distinctive boxy shape, bright livery, and instantly recognisable exhaust stack make the Class 04 a delightful little locomotive.
Photo courtesy of Adam Howard.
Class 04 D2271.
A regular work horse on South Devon Railway, shunting carriages at Buckfastleigh and hauling wagons along the line for track maintenance, this event will provide a rare opportunity to travel behind both of the SDR-based Class 04s.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Harris.
