It's all getting a bit horn-y!

Get your minds out of the gutter!! The title of this blog is not going to be delving into some sordid fantasy….far from it! But all will be revealed as we progress.

We are now officially into the Winter period and that means diesel running has pretty much come to an end for 2025 – save for a few turns over Christmas and New Year; our ‘Mince Pie Specials’, and a few shunting moves. However, the end of October saw our end of the season ‘Autumn Extravaganza’.

20137 and 20228 sit in the engineers sidings at Winchcombe during the Saturday of the Autumn Extravaganza. 

This years’ event, over the 25 and 26 October, saw a slightly different timetable to previous years although we would keep the intensive nature of both diesel and steam running. Lower key than our formal steam and diesel Galas, the Autumn Extravaganza gives a final opportunity to run our home fleet in its entirety.

Several of the diesel fleet were out of action for that weekend – 45149 continues to receive electrical work to rectify a couple of faults. The loco was shunted into the car park to allow for cab visits and a chance to get up close and personal with 139 tonnes of 1960s British engineering. 47105 was also removed from traffic due to a continuing brake fault and so was on static display in the Diesel shed. The loco had had rectification work completed however the issue returned and so the loco was taken out of traffic for a more thorough investigation.

D6948 had also returned from it’s highly successful visit to the Severn Valley Railway but was not in a fit state to operate. It was also used as a static exhibit in the David Page shed…giving an ad-hoc glimpse into the mid-1960s around the Western Region as diesel locos started to make appearances in steam sheds as steam was phased out. 

After it's last running day at the SVR, a quick chance for a photo with another ex-CF loco. 37263 and D6948 await their respective journeys back home. . 

The loco roster was split into two for the weekend with our Class 20s, 24081 and 26043 were in action on the Saturday. A particular highlight of the day saw 26043 working in tandem with 20137 and 20228, which were operating in multiple. It also saw 26043 work the freight train towards the end of the day.

Sunday would see 37215 joining 24081 and 47376 ‘Freightliner 1995’ (in place of its stricken sister) as the operational locos for the diesel turns. As with Saturday, the penultimate freight turn from Cheltenham would be worked by the Class 24.

On the Saturday I was given the honour of working 20137 which, as has now become customary, was paired with BR Blue sister, 20228. This was the first time I had driven a pair of locos that had been set up in multiple and it did take a little getting used to. However, the noise was spectacular!! 

Back in action after it's engine overhaul, 24081 arrives at Winchcombe on the Saturday of the Autumn Extravaganza. 

Our final journey to Cheltenham was an interesting one. We had spent the day on rake 4 which, due to an issue with one vehicle, was shortened to 4 Mk1s. Not much of a chore for a pair of Class 20s. However, on arrival at Toddington from Broadway we were joined by Class 26, 26043 to run, in tandem, to CRC. 

Let the overkill commence!!! 3 locos and 4 coaches!!

The '26' would then work the freight train back to Toddington - a rare sojourn for a diesel at the GWR!!

 

It's not a Scottish ABS or civil engineers freight but it is nice to see a diesel on the freight consist for a change! (Courtesy of the CDMG Facebook page)

The timetable would also allow the regular usage of Platform 2 at Cheltenham…something that not a lot of us diesel crews had done before. I must say, it did throw me at first when we were sat in the head shunt waiting to run round and received the signal to progress through Platform 1! Usually there would be the stock of our train in P1, however, after a few seconds of trying to work it out, I finally realised that this was correct as my train was sat in P2 and P1 was the empty one! D'oh!

Before the moment of confusion, after arrival at CRC we ran forward into the head shunt to allow 26043 to cut off.

 

The ‘Extravaganza’ weekend was blessed with reasonable weather, for October, and this saw good attendance over both days. It was also noticeable that there were a large number of families in attendance, making use of the ‘kids go free’ initiative. Hopefully this would see more adult tickets being purchased and see in an increase in revenue. 

The week after the Gala would see the last turns for the mainline diesel fleet until the end of December and, due to this, it would be the last turns for a couple of locos prior to their winterisation. We always leave at least two locos fit for service through the winter for emergency purposes or for use on stock/DCE duties. 

One such loco that has already been winterised is Class 20, 20137 which, the week after, would have its electronic AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) removed and stored for safe keeping. With the green Class 20 likely to spend the winter in the exposed area around Toddington yard, removal of the electrical AVR has been completed by owner Steve M. As these pieces of kit are very susceptible to winter damage, removal minimises the chances of damage caused by frost and low temperatures.

Fast forward to the week just gone (commencing 4 Nov) and our regular Wednesday working gang. Quite a few jobs are ongoing which meant that the large number of us that attended had plenty to do. 

With a shunt having been completed the previous week, D6948 had been repatriated into the Diesel Shed. In order to be transported by lorry the loco had its horns and lifeguards removed to prevent damage and grounding respectively. These needed to be replaced along with a few other jobs to start its winter maintenance. 

To start with myself, Paul C, Hugh J and Matt P started on getting the lifeguard refitted. These attach to the bogies below the buffer beam and work ass a guard to prevent anything hitting the wheels. They are held in place by four large bolts which are pretty fiddly to get at!

Pardon the crude markings! Badly ringed in yellow are the lifeguards fitted at no. 1 end. 

Once fitted, it was time for tea before heading back to get the horns refitted. Hugh was given the honour while Matt, Paul and myself 'supervised' and tested the horn. 

Hugh makes some fine adjustments to the horns at no. 2 end to ensure that they are both working and the pitch is correct. 

It has to be said that Hugh's magic got both sets of horns sounding better that they have done for some time. In fact, one of the tones at each end had become diminished to such a point that you would just get a rush of air! He certainly earned slice of Mrs C's cake!

But, he wasn't the only one getting all horn-y! At the other end of Road 10, Class 24, 24081, was receiving some fettling after its return to service. Tim L was busy inside the loco looking at a couple teething issues with the engine after the locos return whilst outside, Dan, Keith and Phil - later joined by Andy T - were busy with the Class 24's horns. Dan really got the thin end of the wedge as the youngest and smallest in the group!

Dan gets devoured by the '24'!

Whereas the horns for the Class 37 are on the roof, the Class 24 horns are under the skirt and above the wheelsets. To adjust them, Dan had to get right under the skirt to access the horns. Another who definitely earned his slice of cake!

Elsewhere, Andy D was off working on the Class 45's electrical issue while Andy T was repairing the most important pieces of kit in the whole shed......the washing machine and tumble drier!! 

Come the afternoon and, all full of cake and tea, it was back to it. Work continued on with the 'Peak' and in the engine room of the Class 24. A number went across to the Class 122 'bubble car' which is still in the middle of its ownership identity crisis! 

Despite this it's restoration continues slowly and most of the internal fixtures and fittings are now in place. It should just be a matter of time before we see the 'bubble' in use again - as long as the contractual issues can be sorted successfully.

I was back with D6948 to continue its return protocols. One of these is to drain the bedplate of waste fluids. Sadly, the effects of the fun times at the SVR had thrown up a number of small issues that have caused leaks. These leaks will eventually find their way into the bedplate. 

After 6 bucket loads, the torrent slows to a trickle!

The heady brew consisted of diesel, coolant, oil and water and several trips to the waste storage bin were made before the torrent of liquid slowed to a trickle and then to drops. 

Over the winter we will have to identify where these leaks are coming from and rectify them. We know where the origins of the majority are and plans are in place to get the repairs done. The one that is a little troubling is around the turbo chargers and has caused oil and coolant to leak onto the generator casings. Hopefully this is not getting into the generator otherwise it large clean may be in order. 

Elsewhere, all the locos in the fleet will need some minor repairs to be completed over the winter. Thankfully, as it stands, none are requiring a major and substantial repair. Hopefully that will carry through until 2026.   
  

 

 

The Run Down....but the excitement doesn't stop just yet!

Well, RAIL 200 is now behind us and the weekend celebrations went well. Not all the diesel locos were involved, but those that were put on a show worthy of the gravity of the celebration. Due to the competition with other similar events across the UK customer numbers weren't quite where we had hoped but those in attendance were treated to a pretty decent spectacle. Luckily, for the most part, the weather stayed dry but overcast for those in attendance.

With D6948 already at the Severn Valley Railway, 20137, 26043, 37215 and 47376 'Freightliner 1995' were the runners on the Saturday with 20228 joining sister, 20137, in place of 26043 on the Sunday alongside our steam engines. 

26043 passes CMDG sister loco, 45149 during the RAIL 200 event. The Class 26 was continuing to build the mileage up after its overhaul. The 'Peak' was providing cab visits whilst it is out of traffic. (Courtesy of the CMDG Facebook Page).

'Peak', 45149 was utilised for cab visits in the car park as the loco continues to receive repairs to an electrical problem as well as an air tank leak. Joining it in the yard was Class 04, 11230 which was being used to give a demonstration of how the vacuum brake systems work alongside the Queen Mary brake van. Also in the car park, were demonstrations from our P'way Team, Carriage and Wagon as well as a photo exhibition at Winchcombe showcasing the railway across it's 40 years of restoration. 

In the Diesel Shed, Class 24, 24081 was on static display alongside 47105 which was laid up with a minor brake fault. The '26' joined them on the Sunday. 

On display in the Diesel Shed on the Sunday of the RAIL200 event - 47105, 24081 and 26043 - giving a reminiscence of a late 1970s Eastfield. (Courtesy of CMDG Facebook Page) 

The weekend before saw an interesting 'Double Up Sunday' as Class 26, 26043, continued it's return from overhaul when it was paired up with Class 20, 20228 - itself on the journey back from a long restoration. Both locos were once based at Eastfield TMD in Glasgow and, a commonplace occurrence in Scotland was the pairing of Class 20s and Class 26s - in fact, it was commonplace that any Type 1 motive power could be paired with Type 2 motive power. 

Class 26, 26043, leads Class 20, 20228 into Winchcombe during the 'Eastfield Duo' Double Up Sunday event on 21/09/26. (Courtesy of Jack Boskett)

Since it's triumphant return at the Diesel Gala, 26043 has racked up some impressive mileage as it deputises for 45149. The McRat has taken D6948's space in the shed whilst the 'Green Machine' enjoys its holiday so that some small tasks can be completed that, due to time constraints, hadn't been completed fully before it's return to service at our Gala. 

And talking about a return to service,  our other Sulzer Type 2, 24081 has also returned to service after it's engine overhaul. After having it's roof replaced at the end of September and a successful start up being completed. the '24' joined 20137 for a spin on 07/10/25. 

24081 leads 20137 into Broadway on it's proving run after repairs to it's engine were completed successfully. The 'Rat' is now back in traffic. (Courtesy of Neil Whitehead)

24081 joined at Toddington for the final round trip, completing it successfully. It means the Class 24 is now ready to return to traffic and will hopefully make a formal return at our Mixed Traffic event over the weekend of 25 and 26 October. More on that later. 

47105 should also be returning to traffic after repairs were made to it's braking system. with the loco scheduled to operate the diesel turn on the PINK timetable on Sunday 12 October.  

October is the final month that the railway operates it's normal timetabled service before the festive season begins with our Santa Specials and this October sees a diesel out every running day - it really is your last chance to sample our locos for 2025. It is also a 'BLUE' October with all locos rostered, bar 20137 which puts in an appearance at the Autumn Showcase and on PURPLE timetable on 28 Oct, wearing the BR Corporate blue livery. The rostered locos for the remainder of October are (Dates and TT's are below the loco picture):

26043 - 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 19 Oct, 25 Oct.

37215 - 15 Oct, 16 Oct, 26 Oct, 29 Oct, 30 Oct

47105 - 12 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 22 Oct, 23 Oct, 26 Oct.

24081 - 25 Oct, 26 Oct, 1 Nov, 2 Nov.

20228 - 25 Oct.

20137 - 25 Oct, 28 Oct.

For those not familiar with our timetable colour codes, a Yellow (Gold in this instance) coloured date indicates a special event and, as alluded to earlier, the 25 and 26 October is our end-of-season Autumn Showcase. Details and ticket info can be found here - https://www.gwsr.com/events/autumn-showcase-2025

(Courtesy of Jack Boskett)

The event sees the end of our RAIL200 celebrations and will, as usual, include 'behind the scenes' opportunities at Toddington MPD, Carriage and Wagon and on the footplate. 

The Saturday will see the smaller locos in our fleet take centre stage with our Class 20s, 24 and 26 in operation throughout the day. The Sunday will see the larger locos of the fleet with 37215 and 47105 being joined by 24081. 

November will then signify the start of our Winter Maintenance program for our fleet - albeit with a couple of workings between Christmas and the New Year on our annual Mince Pie Specials. As it stands, 45149 will see the ongoing electrical and air tank repairs continued with a hope that the 'Peak' is fully fit for the start of 2026. Elsewhere, 20228 will hopefully see its exhauster signed off to allow the 'Chopper' to work on its own as well as in a pair with sister, 20137. Both Class 37s have a list of small issues to rectify, mainly consisting of leaks and the replacement of worn out pipework. The Class 47s will also see tasks completed to ensure they remain fit for traffic for 2026. 

November will also see a trial run of a new event and, although Steam-hauled initially, it could potentially lead to more trains being utilised and, possibly, more cooperation between the railway and the Racecourse - something that, in my opinion, is long overdue! 

The railway will operate a special service to coincide with the Racecourse's Fireworks event on Sat 8 November. It is called 'Steam, Sparks and Spectacle'. Booking for the train is online only and details can be found here -  https://www.gwsr.com/events/fireworks-by-train. 

 

The cost will include your travel, entry fee to the event and a small donation to the charity that organises the event. So, if you want to beat the traffic, why not let the train take the strain!!

The classic BR Slogan from the 1980's. How many remember this and had the badge?!

The railway has also released the initial dates for special events for 2026. Some new events have been added as well as the welcome return of a couple of older events - although reformatted. This is just the start!

 Get 'em in the diary!!

 

D6948 at the Severn Valley Railway 

D6948 waits for the 'RA' at Hampton Loade as the light fails on 2 Oct 2025.

D6948 left on 24 Sept for our near friends at the Severn Valley Railway to take part in their '65 Years of Class 37' Gala which took place over the 2 - 5 Oct 2025. The loco was joined by 9 other Class 37s for four days of intensive running through the Worcestershire/Shropshire country side. Also in attendance were 37250, 37263, 37264, 37423, 37501, 37508, 37518, 37688 and 37901, although some of the mainline visitors would only run on certain days due to crewing necessities. 

On arrival at Bewdley with the final service to Kidderminster on 3 Oct 2025. Coming through the forest section was an experience! Pitch black was an understatement!

D6948 was used intensively throughout the weekend and drew a lot of praise from the SVR crews as well as those in attendance and, aside from a low pressure fuel leak, ran without problem for the whole 4 days.

It was spectacular event, as only the SVR pull off, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us that crewed the loco (myself, Paul Cronin, Kev Jarvis and Peter Smith). D6948 was certainly put through her paces on a line well known for some serious gradient profiles and probably worked harder than at any time since its mainline days! Overall the loco accrued 294 miles, at an average of 74.5 miles per day!

Also in attendance was the Growler Group's sales stand which broke all sales records, bringing in a solid amount of revenue to help keep both D6948 and 37215 running.   

'The Green Machine' also took part in a night time photo shoot on the 6 Oct at Kidderminster TMD and Carriage Sidings. Our very own Jack Boskett was there to capture some cracking shots of 9 of the 10 attendees. 

L to R - D6948, 37264, 37263, 37688, 37901, 37508, 37250, 37518 and 37423. Almost in livery order from earliest to most recent. 37501 had to leave early to return to its mainline activities. (Courtesy of Jack Boskett)

 

D6948 isn't finished there as it will also take part in a 'Members Day' (not just open to members) on Sat 11 October completing another near 100 miles of running before it returns to the GWR at the end of October. Normal SVR ticketing applies for this day, although GWR Work Permits will be accepted at the Ticket Office for a discount. The GG Sales Stand will also be present on the train with some new stock available. 

With our work done for the event, I've parked up D6948 on Kidderminster TMD for it to slumber and rest its weary wheels after racking up over 290 faultless miles in four days. 

A timetable for Sat 11 Oct is below. First train is 0815 off of Kidderminster. 

  

 

 

And, on to RAIL 200!

As we march into the final third of the running season, the Gala success is still fresh in the memory. Although we still haven’t had the complete numbers from the board (not unusual!) all indications point to a record event that our Gala Team can be rightly proud of providing. 

 

Our 2025 Gala visitors - D6700 and 50021 'Rodney' rest in Toddington yard on the eve of the Gala.

Certainly, if the numbers on the Saturday night 'Beerex' are anything to go by then the railway should have made a pretty decent profit! The three days of the Gala certainly left those of us involved with a pleasing sense of achievement. 

 

But, our guest locos have now both left us – D6700 left Toddington immediately after the Gala to head to Derby for the absolutely bombastic Greatest Gathering event at Litchurch Lane, Derby; 50021 ‘Rodney’ departed at the beginning of September for our near neighbours over at the Dean Forest ready for their Gala over the 12/13 September. The feedback received from both owning groups has been fantastic and incredibly supportive, strengthening our working relationships with both the Heavy Tractor Group and the 50021 Locomotive Group.

 

 

In fact, the 50021 Locomotive Group were very sad to leave (we were also sad to see them go) as ‘Rodney’ really seemed at home again. Remember, the loco spent its first years in preservation at the GWSR and even the owning group committee were happily proclaiming that ‘021’ had returned home. It would be great to see it back for a longer spell in the future, should the opportunity arise. Or maybe 50026 'Indomitable' - owned by 50021 LG's Paul Spracklen? Or maybe both ‘021’ and ‘026’……perhaps wishful thinking on my part!  

 

 

50021 at Toddington 30 years earlier, in 1995. (Martin Loader)    

However, with the loco remaining with us for a month beyond the Gala, 'Rodney' was utilised on a number of running days in August. Its penultimate outing was even recorded by Hellfire TV, who had previously recorded a DVD for the Growler Group of 37215 and D6948 on a ‘Double Up Sunday’, and this is available on their Youtube site (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vytHtty-hos). It is certainly a fantastic reminder of ‘Rodney’s’ stay with us at the GWSR. 

 

'Rodney' at Winchcombe on it's final running day; joined by a former Old Oak shed mate in 47105 due to the ongoing fire risk caused by the hot weather. 

  

It’s final running day was on 17 August and I was lucky enough, and humbled, to be the rostered Driver. A good number of people turned out to experience the loco for the last time (in this visit) on the line. Over the course of it's stay, it was great to work with and get to know those members of the 50021 team who looked after the loco while at Toddington - Paul, Benjamin, Ian, Graham, Rhys, Dave A and Marco. 

 

 

50021's final crew at Broadway. L -R: Dave Andrews, Simon Pedley, myself and Ian Penfold. 

It was also a special occasion as we had a guest of honour for part of the day in Andrew Stratford, one of our P’Way Team and all round top bloke. When it was originally offered to the team as a prospective visitor, Andrew offered to pay for the transport costs to get ‘Rodney’ to the railway. It was only fair that he got the opportunity to witness the final run from the best seat in the house. 

 

Without this man 50021 would not have been visiting!

 

A huge ‘thank you’ goes out to Andrew. 

 

Having spent a number of days checking that 'Rodney' was running to the very best standards over the duration of it's visit, it was only fair that the support team were also able to enjoy it. Ian Penfold, one of the locos engineering team gets an opportunity 'on the handles'. 

Secondman, Simon P was also given the opportunity to sample 'Rodney'. 

 

 

 I think it is safe to say that we all had a thoroughly enjoyable day!

 

With the dust settling, it’s now back to the home fleet and post-Gala has seen the fleet in fine fettle. 

 

Haymarket TMD emblem on 26043. 

 

Class 26, 26043 has had a number of outings since its triumphant return at the Gala. Sadly, it has been at the expense of its CMDG stablemate, 45149, which suffered an electrical issue, necessitating it being withdrawn from traffic. 

 

The CMDG locos bathe in the sun at Toddington. Sadly, 45149 has been withdrawn from traffic due to a wiring issue but will hopefully be back during September. (Courtesy of the CMDG Facebook Page)

 

As a bonus, it has allowed the ‘26’ to rack up some mileage, allow the CMDG to rectify some of the little post-overhaul issues and for the footplate crews to regain their competences. Not only has it covered for the absence of the 'Peak' but it has also been used on shunting and trip workings. 

 

A pictorial study of some very happy (and, rightfully so!) loco crew at Winchcombe on 28/08/25. All five had worked on the overhaul of 26043 in various capacities. L - R: McRat (loco mascot on the lamp bracket), Simon T (CMDG Chair and Chief Engineer), Tony R, Alex R, Hugh J and Andy D are pictured alongside 26043 during the scheduled running day that was being used to re-certify competence on the loco. (Neil Whitehead)  

 

On Wednesday 04 Sept, 26043 had a jaunt to Winchcombe during a biblical storm returning BSK, 35308, and one of our GWR brake vans to Carriage and Wagon. The BSK is the first of the coaches allocated to become part of the Blue/Grey rake that we have been given the go-ahead to create. 

 

26043 at Winchcombe after arrival with a quick trip working to Carriage and Wagon. The shot does not do the weather justice! It was hellish!! The crew were like drowned rats (no pun intended) when they arrived back at Toddington! (Dave Stanton)

A crowd-fund had been set up to canvas for donations to help with the costs of refurbishing and painting the coaches earmarked for the project, however this has been removed by the railway administrators and hasn’t been replaced as yet. Hopefully, in the near future, a new fundraising opportunity will arise, should you wish to donate to the project. 

 

BSK 35308 back in the yard at Toddington prior to its trip to Winchcombe. By the time it had been shunted out the weather had gone from blue sky to monsoon. We even had some very close lightning strikes! 

Also on the 4th, 24081 was shunted out of the shed and under our A-Frame gantry down in Toddington Yard. The engine overhaul is quickly reaching its conclusion, and it was time to refit the refurbished roof section. 

 

24081 is shunted under the A-Frame by 37215

37215 was fired up as, not only was it the rostered loco for the Diesel turn but, I was able to make a start on its slightly overdue A Exam in the interim. 

 

Mark E gets the short straw and works the chains. Evidence of the first biblical downpour is evident by the wet concrete. Luckily the roof was lowered in in place before the heavens opened!  

 

Meanwhile, I could make a start on 37215's A Exam. 

 

With 26043, 20137 and 45149 shunted out of the way, 24081 was pulled out of the shed and down the yard. With the weather not looking very favourable, the team worked quickly to get the roof on before the first of many monsoon-like downpours. 

 

With Tim L and Andy T in the engine room, Phil B assists with the chains on the A-Frame. 

 

Luck would see the roof fitted and loco back in the shed before the intensity of the showers increased and lunch was taken to the sound of driving rain, thunder and lightning. It shouldn’t be too long before the ‘24’ is back in traffic. If 45149 returns to traffic in September then, when 24081 returns, this will give us the enviable situation of having all nine ‘mainline’ locos fit for traffic…a feat that we have never achieved before! Some of the locos are carrying little niggly issues, but nothing that will require them being pulled from traffic.

 

If you have been around the GWSR at any point this year you will have noticed the locomotives, both steam and diesel, wearing headboards with ‘ZOO’ – sorry, I mean ‘200’ – on them. It is, of course, the 200th anniversary year of the birth of the modern railway, when the Stockton and Darlington Railway worked the first, steam hauled passenger train between the two towns. And, like all heritage railways (as well as Network Rail and the mainline companies), the GWSR will be having a ‘Gala’ weekend over the 27/28 Sept with an intensive timetable utilising both the steam and diesel fleets. The Saturday will see 20137, 26043, 37215 and 47105 in operation throughout the day. The Sunday will see 20137, 20228, 37215, 47105 and 47376 ‘Freightliner 1995’ in operation. 

 

 

The timetable has been finalised and is available on the GWSR website - see the link below. Also over the weekend there will also be a number of extras going across the railway. These will include:

•    Interactive exhibits from departments across the railway, showcasing the activities they undertake daily
•    Photography exhibition
•    Toddington – come see the work of our Photography team
•    Winchcombe – ‘Building the GWSR' exhibition
•    Locomotives on display - come and explore some of our locomotives, and find out what makes them work
•    What do we do?  Hear from some of our volunteers as they talk about what it means to be a part of the GWSR, how it has shaped their life, interests, career and much more.

 

 

Paul G and Andy T have just heard that the kettle has boiled and some of Mrs Cronin's wonderful cake is on the table!! I'm sure that this will not constitute one of the talks, however, in all seriousness, what they are really doing - working on a spare Class 37 brake valve - will be.  

•    Visit Gotherington Gardens and be transported back to the Victorian era especially for Railway 200
•    We will also run our Demonstration Freight train – please note this will be demonstration only and will not carry passengers 
•    Carriage & Wagon sheds open
•    Take a look inside the machine shop at Toddington

 

For this event children will travel for free with a fare paying adult. More details and booking information can be found at https://www.gwsr.com/events/rail-200-celebration

 

 

D6948 and 37215 at Cheltenham during one of our Double Up Sundays in 2024. 

We also have a number of our ‘Double Up Sunday’ events during September. These running days will see our locos working in pairs and in ‘top and tail’ formation throughout the day. We also have a number of slightly different combinations for this year. 

 

47105 and 47376 'Freightliner 1995' rest on Toddington TMD during 2024.

Some of the highlights are:
•    7 Sept – Our Brush Type 4s – 47105 and 47376 ‘Freightliner 1995’ showcase 5000hp of Sulzer might!
•    14 Sept – 20137 and 20228 in multiple. 
•    21 Sept – 20228 and 26043 will work together in tandem, evoking memories of the West and North Highland lines in the 1980s when the classes could occasionally be found, mostly on freights, working in pairs.

 

We also have an intriguing day scheduled on the 20 Sept where EE Type 3, D6948, will be working in tandem with our BR ‘Modified’ Hall, 7903 ‘Foremark Hall’. 

During the transitional period of British Railways in the 1960s, although uncommon, it was possible to see diesel and steam locomotives paired on trains…although usually where a steam engine had failed and the only motive power available to affect a rescue happened to be a diesel. There are photos of these occurrences available on the internet however I have never seen one where an EE Type 3/Class 37 has come to the rescue of a BR ‘Hall’ so, potentially, this will be a first! Given that the ‘Modified’ Halls were withdrawn by 1965 and the EE Type 3s only started to appear on the Western Region from late 1963, it is highly unlikely that a pairing ever occurred.

 
However, I have first hand evidence of a diesel being sent to rescue a steam engine (or in this case, two) courtesy of my Grandfather and an escapade he endured back in January 1963 – although the diesel did not complete the rescue! 
During the epic snowstorms of January 1963, my Grandfather, Ewart, a Driver at Bristol Bath Road, was asked to take Collett Goods 0-6-0, 2277, down to Yatton where they would meet up with another BR Driver, Colin Forse and his loco, Ivatt Mogul, 46506 for snow clearing duties on the Strawberry Line from Yatton to Witham via Wells. At Draycott, the locos, led by 2277, hit a snow drift causing 2277 to become incapacitated. After unfreezing the couplings, 46506 was sent back for help but only made it 100 yards before, it too, got stuck! 

 

My Grandfather's loco, 2277, up to its running board in the white stuff! (Mike Horwood)

 

After burning the couplings to defrost them, Colin Forse managed to get his loco, 46506, about 100 yards before, it too, got stuck. (Mike Horwood)

 

After news of the incident filtered through (remember, there were no mobiles and phone lines were down in what is a very rural area of the West Country) Jack Whitney, Bristol Bath Road’s Inspector, sent newly arrived Beyer Peacock Type 3, D7046 from Cheddar to rescue them but, this derailed on arrival due to the build-up of ice and got stuck as well!! Not a good day for all concerned! 

 

 

Only a little over 6 months old, 'Hymek' D7046 was sent from Cheddar to try and rescue the stranded locos. It derailed on approach to Draycott (the Draycott Down Distant signal is just behind) after hitting compacted ice. You can see just how high the snow was here! The Bristol Barrow Road re-railing crew are seen digging it out on the 4th Jan. (Mike Horwood)

Colin and my Grandfather (and their respective firemen) ended up being ‘booked on’ in excess of 38 hours - from 0825 on 3 Jan to well onto the afternoon on 4 Jan! 

 

Jan 4th 1963 and the Bristol Barrow Road Re-railing team are seen next to their loco, 2217, being directed by Bristol Inspector, Jack Whitney (on the right) before starting to dig out 2277 and 46506. The car that brought Inspector Whitney to Draycott was to take my Grandfather, Colin and their firemen home. (Mike Horwood)

The escapade was duly captured by a gentleman by the name of Mike Horwood, who, as luck would have it, was walking to his mothers’ in Draycott to make sure she was okay. As a reporter for the local paper, he had his camera with him and was able to capture the goings on over the next couple of days.

 

For a number of years the local pub, ‘The Strawberry Special’, which is opposite Draycott Station (now a private residence), had the photos on show around the bar. It was a chance encounter with the photos at the pub when my Dad did one of his reenactments in Draycott, that brought it to light…although my Dad could remember the Policeman arriving at the door at some ungodly hour to tell my Grandmother the news, he did not remember my Grandfather ever talking about it. 

 

The events of that day in 1963 didn't put him off and my Grandfather went on to retire in 1984 after 51 years on the railway - man and boy! Here he is, on the left, in charge of HST Power Car W43008 at Swindon on 17 Aug 1980. 45 years later, to the day, and I was in charge of 50021 'Rodney'. It's all his fault!!

Many years later my late brother and I would return to the pub to find that the photos had all been stolen. However, the Landlord pointed us in the direction of the excellent book, ‘Steaming Through The Cheddar Valley’ by Derek Phillips, which contained all of Mike Horwood’s photos. I would also stumble across an excellent BBC Radio Bristol recording of Colin Forse talking about his life as a railwayman in 2007, where he would talk about this event in detail. This allowed us to put the pieces together of what had actually happened over those two days in 1963.

  
Anyways, back on to GWSR stuff! At the end of September, D6948 will be heading to our neighbours at the Severn Valley Railway to take part in their ‘65 Years of Class 37’ Gala over the 2 – 5 October. 

 

 

 

The SVR are hoping that 15 Class 37s will be in attendance although so far, only D6948 and 37250 from Wensleydale have been announced, although it is anticipated that the SVR’s resident guest, 37263 will also be in operation. 

D6948 will also operate a ‘Members Special’ on Saturday 11 October at the SVR before heading back to the GWSR. The Growler Group will have a stall at Kidderminster station during the Gala event and will have a sales stand on the train on the 11th. This will be only the 2nd time D6948 has left the GWSR – its previous sojourn was to the WSR in 2019.

 

Until now, the only time D6948 has ventured away from the GWSR was to appear at the WSR's 2019 Diesel Gala. Here it is on arrival at Minehead.  

If Class 37s aren’t your thing, then don’t despair as that weekend will see big and small Sulzers – in the shape of 47105 (2/10) and 26043 (4 and 5/10) – running the diesel turns at the GWSR.    

 

If you are a Class 37 enthusiast then do pop along to the SVR and say 'Hello'!

 

It's like an episode of Eastenders! The protracted discussions around the Class 122 and Class 117 DMU vehicles rumbles on! Here, W51360 with W55003 behind continue to take root in siding 2 at Toddington.  

Finally, the October timetable was due to see the newly overhauled Class 122 'bubble car' return to service after its lengthy absence. However, although the overhaul is nearing completion and the seats are in place, the ownership of the DMU vehicles is still causing a headache. New ownership has been identified that should keep them at Toddington for the foreseeable future with an agreed maintenance regime in place, however issues persist that prevent from this being completed. Whether this will happen in time for the DMU to return in October remains to be seen.