Summer of Discovery – Book your tickets today and discover Britain’s only double track, heritage railway with kids traveling for just £1.00
Due to the Government wildfire warnings, all services will be diesel hauled until further notice; the railway remains open as normal
Take control of a heritage Class 27 diesel locomotive and experience the power and history of these incredible machines. The Diesel Notch One experience offers the chance to drive a diesel locomotive on Britain’s only main line steam and diesel railway. This is a unique opportunity for diesel enthusiasts to get behind the controls for a 16-mile drive, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Your experience includes:
Treat yourself or someone special to a day filled with diesel power, railway history, and adventure!
27056, started life as D5401, has been freshly repainted for the 2025 season and boasts a rich operational and preservation history.
Built in July 1962 by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon at Smethwick (Works No. 244), D5401 was the last of its class and entered service with British Railways on 14th July 1962. Initially based at Cricklewood Depot (14A), it worked local passenger services, ECS moves, and occasional express duties as far as Sheffield and Leeds. In 1968, it moved to Toton Depot, continuing operations across the Midland region.
By June 1969, the entire BRCW Type 2 fleet was transferred to Eastfield Depot in Glasgow. D5401 was selected in 1970 for conversion to push-pull operation on the high-speed Glasgow–Edinburgh route. Modifications included dual braking, rewound traction motors, fire detection, and a communication system. It retained its steam heat generator and emerged in BR Blue with sealed nose doors. The service began in 1971, but constant 90mph running soon revealed the class’s mechanical limits.
Under the TOPS system, D5401 became 27112 in 1974. After Class 47s took over the push-pull duties, it was overhauled at St Rollox in 1982 and re-entered traffic as 27056. A highlight of its career came on 23rd November 1983, when it conveyed Prince Charles to the IBM factory at Greenoch (Fort Matilda) for a visit. The loco received a mechanical refresh and an off-white bodyside band to mark the occasion.
The Great Central Railway prides itself on being a heritage main-line experience with a personal touch; therefore, we have created beautiful gift vouchers for you to share with your loved ones which are sent by the traditional method of the Royal Mail.
Each voucher includes space for you to complete both your name and that of your loved one, plus an area for a small message from yourself.
Give the gift of the GCR to your loved one today.
Price range: £150.00 through £300.00
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