Severn Valley Railway prepares for first diesel event of the year

From May 13-16, diesel fans will be able to experience a special event of epic proportions.

In the largest gathering of diesel motive power at the railway since 2019, the 2021 Spring Diesel Bash offers visitors the opportunity to travel 100 miles in one day behind their pick of locomotives.

Extensive planning has gone into coordinating a safe event that allows enthusiasts to travel over as many miles as possible behind their favourite locomotive classes and there will be plenty to choose from. Visitors will select one of four train sets, each running three round trips.

Train one will be hauled by Class 50s and tickets for this go on sale at 9.30am on Friday, February 12. The other three trains will be hauled by combinations of locomotives that include Classes 42 and 52 Hydraulics, Sulzers and English Electrics. Two visiting locomotives are also planned, and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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In addition to the round trips, extra shuttle services are scheduled to operate between Kidderminster and Bewdley, hauled by Class 14 and Class 17 locomotives, enabling visitors to clock up valuable extra diesel miles.

The Engine House will be open to visitors as part of the ticket price. To reduce the risk of overcrowding and maintain visitor safely, at scheduled intervals throughout the day, passengers will be allocated a timed opportunity to get off at Highley to explore The Engine House, delve into the intriguing history of Britain's railways and visit the shop and restaurant. Passengers will also be able to leave the train at Bridgnorth and Kidderminster to make use of the station facilities.

The Spring Diesel Bash also offers the chance to see the debut of Class 17 D8568 in BR blue livery. This Clayton Class locomotive is the sole survivor of the Clayton Type 1s, of which there were originally 117. This unique locomotive spent all of its working life in Scotland before being sold into industrial use which enabled it to survive long enough to be preserved by the Diesel Traction Group at the end of its industrial career. In January 2020 D8568 arrived at the SVR for work on the Paxman engines, attention to its bodywork and the repaint into BR blue livery.

Pre-booking onto a chosen service is essential, as tickets are limited. Compartments are available for households of four to six, whilst tables are available for bookings of one or two. Children under four, who do not take up a seat, travel free. Due to the ongoing pandemic, passengers are unable to change trains and will be required to use their reserved seats throughout the day.

Helen Smith, the railway’s general manager, said: “We have worked hard to put together an event that not only protects our visitors but will also offer an unforgettable experience. We’re taking every care to ensure we can operate in a Covid-secure way, using tried and tested methods, including reserved seating, complimentary hand sanitiser and distancing measures on platforms. We know from passenger feedback in 2020 that our practises meant people could relax and enjoy their day, knowing that we were looking after their safety.”

The SVR is backing every ticket with a Covid guarantee, so that ticket holders can transfer to an equivalent event or date, or receive a full refund.

For more information visit svr.co.uk or call 01562757900.