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 37 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!
Built by English Electric at Vulcan Foundry in 1959, D6700 was the very first Class 37 diesel-electric locomotive to be constructed, entering service on 2nd December 1960 and originally allocated to Stratford Depot in East London. Measuring nearly 19 metres in length and weighing 107 tonnes, it features a Co‑Co wheel arrangement, a top speed of around 90 mph, and formed part of British Rail’s 1955 Modernisation Plan to phase out steam in favour of diesel and electric traction.
D6700 was one of over 300 Class 37s built, which went on to become a mainstay of the British Railways network, working across the country on both passenger and freight services. The class earned a strong reputation for reliability and longevity, with a few examples still in mainline use today. D6700 itself was later converted to a Class 37/3 and eventually painted in BR green with small yellow warning panels, restoring the look it first wore during its early years.
Withdrawn from traffic in the early 2000s, D6700 was donated by EWS to the National Railway Museum in July 2001, where it became part of the National Collection. Under the care of the museum’s volunteer diesel team, the locomotive was kept in good condition and continued to receive maintenance.
In a significant step for heritage diesel traction, a new loan agreement between the NRM and the Heavy Tractor Group (HTG) allowed D6700 to return to working order on the Great Central Railway. Final mechanical work and repainting were carried out by HTG’s industry partner, Loram UK, ahead of its return to regular operational use. D6700 continues to appear at diesel galas and on scheduled services as part of the GCR’s running fleet.
D6700 recently featured at the Greatest Gathering, Railway 200 celebrations, as a fine representation of a living, working example of British Rail’s transition to diesel—and a proud ambassador for the National Collection on the main line of preservation.
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: £126.00 through £252.00
Price range: £118.00 through £236.00
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