The Severn Valley Railway has announced two guest locomotives that will be visiting for its Spring Diesel Festival in May.
BR Class 44 No. 44004 ‘Great Gable’ (D4) and BR Class 46 46045 (D182) will visit for the May 19-22 event, with the latter returning to the SVR for the first time since 2016.
The engines will be visiting the railway, courtesy of Peak Locomotive Co Ltd, which owns both D4 and D182.
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It will be a rare opportunity to see both engines away from their base at the Midland Railway – Butterly, in Derbyshire. 46045 is one of three remaining class members, whilst D4 is one of only two surviving Class 44s. Interestingly, this loco hasn’t visited the SVR since 1987 when it starred at the railway’s first ever diesel gala.
Alongside both ‘Peaks’, the SVR will be operating its unrivalled fleet of Class 50s, Class 42 ‘Warship’ and ‘Greyhound’, Class 52 ‘Western Champion’ and ‘Western Courier’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9551 and Class 17 Clayton D8568.
The event will run in a traditional format, allowing passengers to hop-on-and-off at their leisure, switching between trains to ensure they clock up mileage. The SVR’s catering outlets, pubs and The Engine House will all be open throughout the event.
Gus Dunster, chairman of the Severn Valley Railway Diesels Committee, said: “It’s a real coup to get both D4 and D182 to visit the SVR for the Spring Diesel Festival. Each year the event gets bigger and we’re really pleased that Peak Locomotive Co Ltd have entrusted us with both locos for the event.
“We expect to announce a further two more visiting heritage locomotives in the coming weeks as well as some modern freight locomotives, courtesy of some of the rail freight companies that the SVR works closely with.
“With a variety of motive power running the full length of the line across all four days, we’re certain that every passenger will find plenty to see.”
Alongside the visiting locomotives, the SVR’s first diesel event of 2022 will see the return of multi-day rovers for the first time since 2019 – allowing customers to book more than a single day in advance and save money against individual ticket prices.
Tickets are available online now or by calling 01562 757 900. Passengers who pre-book can make a significant saving against on-the-day prices at booking offices.
