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, 18th to Sunday, 21st June.
47715
47715 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, courtesy of Mike Vaughan & Rail Engineering Solutions.
Built in 1966 as D1945 at Brush’s Falcon Works in Loughborough, 47715 entered service during the heyday of British Rail’s dieselisation programme. Like many members of the versatile Class 47 fleet, it enjoyed a varied career, handling everything from fast passenger services to cross-country freight workings across the national network.
In later years, the locomotive transitioned into departmental use, reflecting the adaptability that made the Class 47 one of the most successful and long-lived diesel classes in Britain. During its operational life, it also spent time allocated to the Network SouthEast sector, working services in the busy south of England.
Today, 47715 carries Rail Express Systems livery, representing the parcels and mail traffic that became a key part of the Class 47 story in the 1990s.
37025
37025 appearing courtesy of The Scottish Thirty-Seven Group
Class 37
We’re delighted to welcome Class 37 No. 37025 “Inverness TMD” to the Diesel Gala.
Built in 1961 at English Electric’s Vulcan Foundry as D6725, 37025 entered service on British Rail’s Eastern Region, where it spent the first two decades of its working life. In 1981, the locomotive transferred north to Scotland, beginning a long association with depots including Eastfield, Inverness and Motherwell, and becoming a familiar performer on Scottish duties.
During this period, 37025 gained distinction as the first locomotive to carry the striking BR Large Logo livery, later also appearing in Departmental Grey and Civil Engineers ‘Dutch’ colours. In March 1994, following repainting back into Large Logo livery, the locomotive was named “Inverness TMD”, reflecting its strong links with the Highland capital.
After moving south in 1995 for the final years of its BR career, 37025 was withdrawn in 1998 following a failure at Stockport. The locomotive was subsequently purchased by the Scottish Thirty-Seven Group in 2000, and after an extensive restoration, returned to traffic in September 2007.
31108
31108 appearing courtesy of A1A Locomotives Ltd
Class 31
We’re pleased to welcome Class 31 No. 31108 to the Diesel Gala.
Built in 1959 at Brush Traction’s Loughborough works as D5526, 31108 entered service on British Rail’s Eastern Region, where it would spend the majority of its working life. A regular performer across East Anglia and beyond, the locomotive saw allocations to a number of key depots including Stratford, March, Finsbury Park, Tinsley, Immingham and Thornaby, reflecting the wide-ranging duties carried out by the dependable Class 31 fleet.
Renumbered 31108 under the TOPS system in 1974, the locomotive continued in front-line service into the early 1990s, with its final years spent based at Immingham. It was withdrawn in September 1991 after being stopped for engine repairs at Scunthorpe.
Saved for preservation by A1A Locomotives Ltd, 31108 moved to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley in 1995. Following a comprehensive overhaul, including major engine repairs, the locomotive returned to traffic in May 2000, resplendent in early 1990s Railfreight grey livery. Today, it remains an active member of the heritage diesel fleet, appearing at railways and events across the country.
Europhoenix Rail
‘Class 37’ appearing courtesy of Europhoenix Rail
Class 37
For the first time at the KWVR Diesel Gala, Europhoenix Rail will be supplying a locomotive for all four days of the event.
Our first confirmed guest is a Class 37, with the identity of the locomotive to be revealed nearer the time
TIMETABLES
The Gala Team are currently finalising visiting locomotives and working on the timetable. A preview timetable will be available here soon.
event information
Step behind the scenes during the Gala weekend and experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a working locomotive shed. This guided tour offers a rare opportunity to get up close to both steam and diesel locomotives, brought to life with knowledgeable commentary from your experienced guide.
Please note that the tour takes place in a live railway environment. The route includes uneven and potentially slippery surfaces, as well as steps, and is therefore not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. For safety reasons, open-toed footwear is not permitted.
Access to the shed is strictly limited to authorised tour groups, who must remain together at all times. As this is a hazardous working area, children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Due to operational requirements within the yard, tours may be altered, curtailed or cancelled at short notice.
Tours depart from Haworth Station Booking Hall, where your guide will meet you outside the station before leading the group to the yard.
Haworth Shed Tours will begin shortly after each service arrives from Keighley, and will meet 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.
| Journey | Price |
|---|---|
| Full-Line Return | £15.00 |
| Damems Return | £7.50 |
Tickets coming soon!
