The annual GCR Autumn Diesel Gala is back!
Gear up for an action-packed weekend at our annual Autumn Diesel Gala! Our home fleet will be joined by visiting guest locomotives, offering the chance to ride behind an impressive range of traction.
This event is a highlight in any diesel enthusiast’s calendar and a great day out for families, as we start off the new season with a weekend of diesel traction.
Class 14 D9525
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Class 14 D9525
Class 20 20227
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Class 20 20227 'Sherlock Holmes'
Class 33 – 33103
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Class 33 33103
Class 55 D9015
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Class 55 D9015 'Tulyar'
Nickname (Loco)
Royal Oak
Engine Output
2,700 bhp
Max Speed
100 mph
Transmission
Mechanical via Wilson epicyclic gearbox and final drive on bogie axle
Engine
Two AEC 220 engines, each ~150 bhp
Max Speed
~70 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
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
Power Output
1,250 bhp (933 bhp at rail)
Engine
Sulzer 6LDA28 diesel-electric
Max Speed
90 mph
Power Output
2,500 bhp
Engine
Sulzer 12LDA28B, 12-cylinder diesel
Max Speed
90 mph
Power Output
1,550 bhp (1,215 bhp at rail)
Engine
Sulzer 8LDA28
Max Speed
85 mph
Power Output
~300 bhp total from two engines
Engine
Two BUT (AEC or Leyland) 150 bhp each
Max Speed
~70 mph
Transmission
Mechanical via Wilson epicyclic gearbox and final drive on bogie axle
Engine
Cummins NT855-R5
Max Speed
75 mph (121 km/h)
Evening trains will operate on both Friday and Saturday evenings. On Friday evening, join us for a Network Southeast Theme with Class 33s and Class 50 running into the evening. Last arrival back to Loughborough at 2145.
On Saturday evening, we will be running an English Electric theme with Class 20 and Class 37 D6700 running into the evening. Last arrival back to Loughborough at 2145.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we will be running multiple departures of our Windcutter Goods Trains, and each trip will have a strictly limited number of pre-bookable passes. You can enjoy the unique experience of travelling 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.
50017, D6700 and 27056 will be on display in the Loughborough Locomotive Shed for cab visits, the perfect chance to step up to the footplate and sit in the drivers seat.
While you’re enjoying the Autumn 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 Trust.
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.
Join us on Loughborough Central station platform and enjoy a delicious BBQ throughout the event, open on all four days of the gala. Our Platform Tearooms, Loughborough Refreshment Room, and Butler-Henderson Cafe will also be open during the Gala, where you can enjoy a range of refreshments, including hot and cold food and light refreshments at the GCR’s preserved period cafes.
On Thursday 3rd September 2026 for a special evening Photo Charter at Loughborough Central Station, marking 60 years since the closure of the Great Central Main Line as a through route.
Taking place in conjunction with our Autumn Diesel Gala, English Electric Type 3 D6700, courtesy of the Heavy Tractor Group, will be paired with Maroon MkI coaches to recreate a classic Great Central Main Line Inter-Regional Express scene.
Photographers are invited to arrive from 18:00 for an 18:20 safety brief. Photos will start from 18:30 and are planned to finish at 21:00. A number of scenes are planned using period reenactors and props including cameos at the recently refreshed station shop.
*Required Field
