Join us for the return of our Spring Diesel Gala enjoy an intensive timetable along the only preserved double-track mainline in the UK, featuring a mix of Great Central Railway’s own home fleet diesel locomotives and visiting guest locomotives, Class 55 Deltic D9015 and Class 35 D7018 ‘Hymek’, plus one more special guest!
Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or just want to experience a unique weekend out, the Spring Diesel Gala will offer frequent services and diesel power as you travel through the blossoming Charnwood countryside.
Class 35 D7018
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Class 35 D7018 ‘Hymek’
Class 55 D9015
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Class 55 D9015 'Tulyar'
Power Output
2,500 bhp
Engine
Sulzer 12LDA28B, 12-cylinder diesel
Max Speed
90 mph
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
Power Output
1,550 bhp (1,215 bhp at rail)
Engine
Sulzer 8LDA28
Max Speed
85 mph
Power Output
1,250 bhp (933 bhp at rail)
Engine
Sulzer 6LDA28 diesel-electric
Max Speed
90 mph
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel,
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
Transmission
Mechanical via Wilson epicyclic gearbox and final drive on bogie axle
Engine
Two AEC 220 engines, each ~150 bhp
Max Speed
~70 mph
During the three-day event, a limited number of pre-bookable Cab Passes will be made available for sale. This will be your chance to enjoy a front row seat on your favourite traction for an 8-mile journey from Loughborough Central to Leicester North. Passes are limited and will be released shortly after the timetable goes live. Passes will be available to those who have a travel ticket for the event at the purchase price of £75.
On Friday only, you’ll be able to enjoy a trip along the Mountsorrel Branch on board Derby Lightweight Iris. Your travel ticket will also gain you entry to the Heritage Centre at Nunckley Hill – a great spot to break your day and discover some local history.
On Saturday only, you’ll be able to take to the controls of Class 08 13101 around the shed area at Loughborough Central. Pay on the day – just follow the signs at Loughborough Central.
On Sunday only, we will be running multiple departures of our Windcutter Goods Train and each trip will have a strictly limited number of pre-bookable passes. You can enjoy the unique experience of traveling on a goods train and passing other services on our double track – something to behold! The journey will take you from Quorn and Woodhouse Station to Loughborough, then to Rothley Brook, before returning you to Quorn and Woodhouse Station.
A supplement of £15 per person on top of your travel ticket is required. Times and tickets for this will be released when the timetable goes live. Boarding and alighting will only be possible at Quorn and Woodhouse Station.
Evening trains will operate on both Friday and Saturday evening. Evening food will be available from the Griddle Car on the A Set. This service will then connect with the B Set at Loughborough Central so the remainder of the evening can be enjoyed in the Refreshment Car on the B Set – menus to follow!
While you’re enjoying the Spring Diesel Gala, don’t forget to visit the selection of trade stands located at the north end of Loughborough Central Station. It’s a great chance to browse railway merchandise, meet preservation groups, and support the organisations keeping diesel heritage alive. This year’s trade stands include: Deltic Preservation Society, Heavy Tractor Group and 5305 Locomotive Association.
Take a seat in our original 1960s Griddle Car or our newly relaunched Buffet Car and enjoy a classic railway dining experience. Serving up freshly prepared hot and cold food, it’s the perfect way to enjoy great food while soaking up the sights and sounds of a heritage railway.
Start your journey with breakfast on a train! If you fancy something lighter, you’ll also find a selection of sandwiches and other refreshments to keep you going. Alongside the Griddle and Buffet Cars, our cafés and refreshment rooms across the railway will be open throughout the gala.
