The Severn Valley Railway’s own diesel fleet will take centre stage this autumn, with an intensive four-day celebration of home-based traction from 1 to 4 October. Timetables and locomotive allocations have just been announced.
The SVR’s Autumn Diesel Bash will showcase the sheer variety, character and strength of arguably the UK’s most prestigious heritage diesel collections, with the railway’s own fleet providing the stars of the show.
This year’s event is deliberately focused solely on the SVR’s home fleet, giving enthusiasts and visitors the chance to see an impressive range of locomotives in action, working an intensive timetable across the railway’s 16½-mile route between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
From iconic mainline diesel-electrics to some of the rarest surviving examples of British diesel-hydraulic traction, the SVR’s collection represents an extraordinary cross-section of the country’s diesel railway history.
The railway is home to the largest collection of operational Class 50 locomotives in preservation, alongside legendary Western Region diesel-hydraulics including Class 52 Westerns, a Class 42 Warship and the sole surviving Class 17 Clayton.
For the SVR’s chief executive officer Gus Dunster, the event is an opportunity to put the spotlight firmly on a fleet that plays an important role in the railway’s day-to-day operation as well as providing a major attraction for enthusiasts.
Gus said: “We’re incredibly proud of our diesel fleet, and this year’s Autumn Diesel Bash gives us the perfect opportunity to let it shine.
“There’s something particularly exciting about seeing a whole range of locomotives from our own collection working together in an intensive timetable. It’s a fantastic demonstration of just how much depth and variety we have here at the SVR.”
The home fleet on duty will include examples of classes 14, 17, 20, 33, 42, 50, and 52.
“Our diesel locomotives are maintained and operated by an incredibly dedicated team of staff and volunteers. They are a vital part of keeping the railway running, as we’ve seen during the recent extended period of hot, dry weather when diesel traction has stepped in to operate all our passenger services.
“I’m especially looking forward to being part of the event from the cab. I’ve been a volunteer diesel driver at the SVR for many years, so it’s a real privilege to be able to combine my role as chief executive with something I’ve always loved doing, driving these magnificent locomotives.”
At the heart of the SVR’s diesel operation is its multi-million-pound Kidderminster Traction Maintenance Depot. The dedicated facility provides the capability to undertake major overhauls and complete locomotive rebuilds, supported by the expertise of the railway’s staff and volunteers.
That engineering capability is a key reason why the SVR’s diesel fleet has achieved such an impressive level of operational strength, enabling locomotives to be maintained to the standards required for intensive heritage railway and, in some cases, mainline operation.
The Autumn Diesel Bash will provide a rare opportunity to see this collection working at scale, with locomotives allocated to passenger services throughout the event and the timetable designed to keep the railway’s diesel fleet busy throughout the four days.
Gus added:
“We have an extraordinary collection at the Severn Valley Railway, and we’re very excited about giving it the platform it deserves.”
The full timetable and locomotive allocations for the Autumn Diesel Bash can be found at svr.co.uk.