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 35 D7018 ‘Hymek’, Class 14 D9525 & Class 26 26043!
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’
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel,
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
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 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 all three days, 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 £25 per person on top of your travel ticket is required. 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 serving burgers and hot dogs from 1745. 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 offering sandwiches and sausage rolls.
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, 5305 Locomotive Association, Western Preservation Society and Gary Cannell promoting his book BR Blue Secondman!
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a High-Speed Train? Now’s your chance!
Step into the cab and have a go on our HST simulator at the Diesel Gala. This real training simulator was once used to train drivers at GNER and East Midlands Trains and now it’s your turn.
Take on the famous East Coast Mainline and experience what it’s like behind the controls.
When: Friday 24th & Saturday 25th April
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Sessions: 20 minutes
Cost: FREE
Location: Robinson Centre, Loughborough Central Station
First come, first served — so get there early!
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.
The Test Car 2, used for railway testing, will be at the gala too. You can see it up close at Quorn and Woodhouse and even step inside to explore.
A member of our team will be there each day to talk about its history and how it was used by British Rail – a real treat for anyone interested in railway heritage.
Class 55 Deltic D9015 Tulyar
Some last-minute setbacks have meant that D9015 will not be available to run passenger trains during our Spring Diesel Gala; however, it will be on static display at the front of Loughborough Engine Shed with cab visits available during the three days of the event.
Class 33 D6535
Unfortunately, Class 33 D6535 will no longer be able to feature at our Spring Diesel Gala due to overrunning bodywork repairs. We look forward to D6535 featuring at our Sulzer Day on Friday, 22nd May.
Bus Departures – Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April 2026 only
From Loughborough Midland (EMR Station) at:
8:37am, 9:05, 9:37, 10:00, 10:17, 10:37, 11:00, 11:37, 3:32pm, 4:07, 4:24, 4:47, 5:17, 5:37
Journey time: approx. 7-8 minutes
From Lovatt House (Wharncliffe Road, near Loughborough Central GCR Station) at:
8.45am, 9.13, 9.45, 10.08, 10.45, 11.08, 3.05, 3.40, 4.15, 4.32, 4.55, 5.25, 5.45pm
Journey time: approx. 8-10 minutes
Bus Times have been designed to connect with train services at both stations, as far as possible. It will not normally be possible to wait for late-running trains. This bus link is available to anyone who wants a short free ride on a heritage bus.
Bus Stops: Buses stop at the bus exit layby at Loughborough Midland (not the bus shelters) and at Lovatt House on Wharncliffe Road (150 yds from Loughborough Central). No other bus stops will be served.
Thanks to East Midlands Railway for permission to use their bus stop for this service
While every effort will be made to maintain services, we do not guarantee that trains or buses will arrive/ depart at the times published. LTHT and GCR reserve the right to alter or suspend any bus, train or attraction without notice. No liability for any loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted.
Please note, there is no free bus service on Sunday.
