Diesel Gala

The Return of the Diesels!

Many visitors won’t remember steam traction, so the Diesel Gala brings back memories of these heritage machines that worked right from the end of steam up until recent memory – and in some cases, continue to do so!

The event will take place from Thursday, 19th to Sunday, 22nd June.

GUEST LOCOMOTIVES

COLAS

Class 37 appearing courtesy of Colas Rail

Class 37

We are thrilled to announce that Colas Rail will be supporting our upcoming Diesel Gala with the appearance of one of their iconic Class 37 locomotives!

Best known for their role on Network Rail Infrastructure Monitoring test trains, the locomotive is scheduled to arrive on Friday afternoon and will depart the railway on Sunday.

The exact locomotive number will be confirmed closer to the event—stay tuned for updates!

We extend our sincere thanks to Colas Rail for their generous support—this marks the first time they’ve provided a locomotive for our event, and we’re excited to welcome them!

📸 Tom Noble

55009

Class 55 appearing courtesy of The Deltic Preservation Society

‘Alycidon ‘

A true icon of diesel traction, 55009 ‘Alycidon’ is one of the surviving members of the legendary Deltic fleet that once roared down the East Coast Main Line.
Built in 1961, this locomotive racked up an incredible service life, and is now proudly preserved by the Deltic Preservation Society.

‘Alycidon’ makes her KWVR debut in 2025, unveiled in the striking Finsbury Park “white cab” livery, appearing for the first time in this new guise.

Get ready for the unmistakable growl of Napier engines echoing through the Worth Valley — a sound not to be missed!

📸 Ian Dixon

47714

47714 appearing courtesy of Wensleydale Railway

Class 47

Built in 1966 as D1776, 47714 is a veteran of express passenger work during the British Rail era. Later reclassified with ETH (Electric Train Heating) for modern coaching stock, it served on both intercity and secondary duties across the UK.

Now preserved, 47714 makes its first appearance at KWVR, bringing with it the unmistakable presence of one of BR’s most successful diesel classes.

Don’t miss seeing this iconic locomotive in action—combining classic diesel power with a bold new look.

📸 George Stephens

50021

50021 appearing courtesy of Paul Spracklen

‘Rodney’

Another returning favourite, 50021 ‘Rodney’ was built in 1968 for high-speed duties on the West Coast Main Line.

Known for their dramatic sound and performance, the Class 50s have long been fan favourites.

Preserved by Paul Spracklen, ‘Rodney’ returns to KWVR following a standout appearance in 2024 – now sounding even better after further restoration work. She’ll be running alongside 55009 for an unforgettable display of diesel power.


Welcome back, Dave!

47715

47754 appearing courtesy of Mike Vaughan & Rail Engineering Solutions

Class 47

We’re pleased to welcome Class 47 No. 47715 ‘Rail Engineering Solutions – Quality Assured’ to the Diesel Gala, thanks to Mike Vaughan & Rail Engineering Solutions.

A stablemate to 47714, 47715 was also built in 1966 (as D1777) and followed a similar operational life – from fast passenger duties to departmental work later in its career. She’ll be running alongside her sister loco, 47714, and this could be your last chance to catch 47715 in her iconic Network SouthEast livery before she gets a new paint job!

Together, 47714 and 47715 form a classic pairing, and both will be starring at the Diesel Gala for the very first time.


📸 Ian Dixon

37508

37508 appearing courtesy of Loram UK Ltd

Class 37

Originally built in 1961 at the English Electric Vulcan Foundry as D6704, this locomotive later became 37606 during its long mainline career. Now restored and running as 37508, it’s preserved and maintained by LORAM.


Class 37s were the backbone of both passenger and freight services for decades, beloved for their distinctive growl and durability.


Thanks to a rake of air-braked Mk1 coaches provided by WCRC, 37508 will be hauling its first passenger services in preservation under its current identity — a historic moment not to be missed!


📸 Kenny Felstead

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TIMETABLES

The preview of the locomotive allocations and working timetables will be available soon. These will be available in a booklet on the day you collect your tickets. There is no need to print beforehand!

event information

D9520 was completed at Swindon Works on 11th November 1964 and initially allocated to Cardiff Canton. In January 1967, it was transferred to Hull with
other members of the Class for work in the North East Region but was with­drawn from BR service there in April 1968.

Purchased by Stewart& Lloyds Minerals Ltd. the loco arrived, in company with D9523 at Glendon Quarries near Kettering on 16th December 1968, where it became No. 24 (Plant No. 8311/24) and was used to haul wagons of iron­stone from the quarries to the exchange sidings, from where BR then hauled the trains to Corby Iron and Steel Works.

In the early 1960’s British Railways was getting a clearer idea of which of the early prototypes were going to become the standard designs. This, however, did not prevent them from looking at other types for evaluation. No. D2511 came under this category and was part of an order for 10 locomotives of the same type which were delivered between 1961 and 1962. After delivery no. D2511 was allocated to Barrow and Workington for use on the dock systems at these ports. As the class was not of a standard type, British Railways had withdrawn the entire class from traffic by 1968.

After a working life of only 16 years, the diminutive shunter was purchased by members of the KWVR and arrived here in August 1977. After two years of restoration, including the rebuilding of the cab and refurbishment of the axle-boxes, bearings, transmission and wheel tyres it entered KWVR service in 1980.

Not all prototypes were submitted for consideration for mass production as British Railways looked to modernise in 1955. Many fell by the wayside and were unceremoniously sent for scrap after a short life.

The engine was placed on permanent loan to the KWVR by English Electric in 1966 and is a most useful engine for the line. As the line has a 25 mph maximum speed limit, many limitations found in the British Railways service are eliminated. The 500 hp power rating means it can deal with our works trains at a speed that does not hamper passenger services working in the opposite path. The engine is capable of standing in on passenger services in the event of a steam engine failing in traffic. All in all, this engine has found a niche in preservation that it never found before.

In 2014 D0226 had its greatest passenger triumph when it was one of the two diesel locomotives used to haul the downhill leg of the intensive two-train operation that brought spectators to the Worth Valley during the Tour de France in July of that year.

In 54 years of operation on the KWVR, D0226 has sported many varied and striking liveries but currently sports one appropriate to its life on the national network. However, whatever the colour scheme, D0226 is arguably the most reliable and useful engine on the 5-mile branch line.

The docks estates at Liverpool and Birkenhead were for many years controlled by the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board which operated a fleet of steam locomotives for shunting the sidings and transferring wagons between sites. In hazardous areas of the docks (i.e. oil terminals) the Docks Board owned and operated several fireless locomotives to prevent sparks from causing fires. During the Second World War, however, one of these fireless locomotives was destroyed by enemy action.

To replace this engine, the Harbour Board approached the Hunslet Engine Co., Leeds, which resulted in the purchase of a Diesel Mechanical Diesel Shunter. This was works number 2699 and on delivery became Mersey Docks & Harbour Board Fleet No. 32. The engine was named “Huskisson” in memory of the eminent Liverpool politician who died on the opening day of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830.

The locomotive was purchased by a private member of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (Mr. Ben Wade) and arrived on the Worth Valley under its own power in January 1971. It initially saw much useful service on the Railway, primarily acting as shunter in one of the Railway’s yards and saw occasional use on the main branch line on works-trains and hauling short passenger services during special events.

However like all aging machines, a work-worn 32 was finally withdrawn and the long process of overhaul was begun by its owner. At the diesel gala in June 2014, 32’s long journey back to health was completed and the locomotive was able to take its place in the line-up for the weekend and has since seen occasional passenger use on two coach Keighley – Ingrow shuttles at diesel galas and special events.

Across the Gala weekend, you will encounter the excitement and nostalgia of the Locomotive works, with its exclusive sounds and smells; get up close to our fleet of Steam and Diesel locomotives with knowledgeable commentary from your experienced guide.

The tour involves walking on uneven and slippery surfaces and includes steps. For this reason, it is not suitable for those with mobility problems. Regretfully, open-toed shoes are not permitted.  Access to the sheds is only allowed for authorised groups who must always remain together.

Please be aware that this is both a hazardous and a working environment; children under 16, therefore, MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. Due to yard restrictions and operating requirements, tours may have to be curtailed or cancelled without notice.

Tours start from Haworth Station Booking Hall, and a Tour Guide will gather the group outside the station before walking to the Yard; approximate tour start times are expected to be 10:00, 10:45, 11:40, 12:30, 13:30 & 14:20.


Haworth Shed Tours will begin shortly after each service arrives from Keighley, meeting inside the Booking Hall in Haworth.
Tickets for the tour cost £6.00 and will be available for booking online shortly.

Experience the Railway from the Guards’ Van on the Engineers’ Train.

The Brake Van Ride is returning to the Diesel Gala, and you’ll get a picture-perfect view of the railway. You’ll journey in the 56287 Southern Railway Goods Brake Van ‘Queen Marys’ owned by The Bahamas Locomotive Society.

JourneyPrice
Full-Line Return£15.00
Damems Return£7.50
BOOK NOW

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ticket and EVENT INFORMATION

Our Four-Day Rover is the best ticket for your visit, which gives you all-day travel across the gala weekend and entry into the Museums at Ingrow West. One, two, and three-day tickets will also be available.

Return tickets will be available for the full length of the line.

FOUR DAY ROVER

TICKETADVANCEON THE DAY
Adult£95.00£100.00
Child (5 – 15)£47.50£50.00
Under 5FreeFree
One Adult & One Child£119.00£125.00
Member – Adult£68.50£72.00
Member – Child (5 – 15)£33.50£35.00
BOOK TICKETS
TICKETADVANCEON THE DAY
Adult£76.50£80.50
Child (5 – 15)£38.50£40.50
Under 5FreeFree
One Adult & One Child£95.50£100.50
Member – Adult£55.00£58.00
Member – Child (5 – 15)£27.00£28.50
BOOK TICKETS
TICKETADVANCEON THE DAY
Adult£58.00£61.00
Child (5 – 15)£29.00£30.50
Under 5FreeFree
One Adult & One Child£72.50£76.00
Member – Adult£41.50£43.50
Member – Child (5 – 15)£20.00£21.00
BOOK TICKETS
TICKETThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Adult£28.00£34.00£34.00£32.00
Child (5 – 15)£14.00£17.00£17.00£16.00
Under 5FreeFreeFreeFree
One Adult & One Child£35.00£42.50£42.50£40.00
Member – Adult£20.00£24.50£24.50£23.00
Member – Child (5 – 15)£10.00£12.00£12.00£11.00
BOOK TICKETS
TICKETThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Adult£29.50£35.50£35.50£33.50
Child (5 – 15)£14.50£18.00£18.00£17.00
Under 5FreeFreeFreeFree
One Adult & One Child£37.00£44.50£44.50£42.00
Member – Adult£21.00£25.50£25.50£24.00
Member – Child (5 – 15)£10.50£12.50£12.50£11.50
FULL LINE RETURNON THE DAY
Adult£17.00
Child (5 – 15)£8.50
Under 5Free
One Adult & One Child£21.50
Member – Adult£12.00
Member – Child (5 – 15)£6.00

Please note that this gala will not have reserved seating whether you buy online or on the day (except for coach parties).  All customers will need to choose their seat once they have boarded the train or speak to staff if you have any queries.

Standard Booking Ts & Cs apply.

  • Members’ Free tickets are withdrawn.
  • Heritage Railway Association passes and free travel for reciprocal organisations cannot be used as normal – Member-priced tickets are charged.
  • Local Residents Railcards discount is amended – the member price is charged on the day.
  • Break of Journey on Single / Return tickets is not permitted, except that Full Line Return ticket holders may only break their journey at Haworth.
  • Carer / Wheelchair user discounts are available as normal.
  • Other promotions/discounts are not available.
  • Complimentary ticket vouchers are not valid unless they are printed as being issued for the gala itself.

Car parks are available at five of the KWVR stations, and for the benefit of satellite navigation system users, the KWVR station addresses & postcodes are:

  • KEIGHLEY – Keighley Railway Station, Station Bridge, Keighley, BD21 4HP
  • INGROW – Ingrow Railway Station, South Street, Ingrow, Keighley, BD21 5AX
  • OAKWORTH – Oakworth Railway Station, Station Road, Oakworth, Keighley, BD22 0DZ
  • HAWORTH – The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8NJ
  • OXENHOPE – Oxenhope Railway Station, Station Road, Oxenhope, Keighley, BD22 9LB

You can find more information about getting the railway in the dedicated travel section.

The Railway is pleased to welcome all dogs and their owners onto our Steam Gala Trains, subject to their owners ensuring that their dogs do not cause a distraction to the operation of the train or inconvenience and difficulties to fellow passengers. In addition, dogs are not allowed onto carriage seats.

In the opinion of the Station Master or Guard, if a dog is not in the control of its owner and is causing problems, the Station Master or Guard may, at their discretion, request the dog be taken away from the Railway’s premises or removed from the train at the next available station or be cared for by its owner in a more appropriate area away from other passengers.

However, dogs are NOT allowed in carriages where food is served, for example.

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