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Diesel Gala events - Sep 2026
- Thu 03 Sep 2026 Great Central Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
Thursday 3 September to Saturday 5 September 2026
Our home fleet wi+D113ll be joined by guest locomotives for an intensive weekend of diesel traction.
Great Central Railway
- Fri 04 Sep 2026 Great Central Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
Thursday 3 September to Saturday 5 September 2026
Our home fleet will be joined by guest locomotives for an intensive weekend of diesel traction.
Great Central Railway
- Fri 04 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast!
Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar!
Visiting locomotives include 33108 courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company and 50026 courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG Tours.
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 05 Sep 2026 Great Central Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
Thursday 3 September to Saturday 5 September 2026
Our home fleet will be joined by guest locomotives for an intensive weekend of diesel traction.
Great Central Railway
- Sat 05 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast!
Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar!
Visiting locomotives include 33108 courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company and 50026 courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG Tours.
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 05 Sep 2026 Heritage Shunters Trust (at Peak Rail) (Diesel Gala) More...
- Heritage Shunters Trust (at Peak Rail) Diesel Day
Saturday 5 September 2026
- Sun 06 Sep 2026 Bluebell Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Bluebell Diesel Gala 2026 - Celebrating 40 Years of Network SouthEast!
Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
As part of the gala, we will proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast (NSE) - marking four decades since the launch of this bod, colourful and much-loved era of British railway history. Network SouthEast transformed commuter and regional rail travel across London and the South East, and its distinctive red, white and blue branding remains iconic to this day. NSE 40 will form a fantastic addition to the 2026 Diesel Gala, with plans already underway to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in fitting style.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NSE Friends, the 1305 Thumper Gang, and the B350 Preservation Group to help bring this celebration to life. Together, we aim to showcase and honour the legacy of Network SouthEast through locomotives from the era, rolling stock, displays and carefully curated elements that capture the spirit of the era.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast and make Diesel Gala 2026 a true highlight of the heritage railway calendar!
Visiting locomotives include 33108 courtesy of the 33/1 Preservation Company and 50026 courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG Tours.
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 06 Sep 2026 North Tyneside Steam Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Shunter Sunday
Sunday 6th September 2026
Are you ready to travel back to the 1980s, when British Rail blue dominated the railway and diesel power ruled the rails?
If so, then back by popular demand following last year's successful event, our two BR blue shunters?03078 and 08915?are once again stepping out of the yard and into the spotlight for our 2026 Shunter Sunday!
Usually confined to shunting duties and standby work for the steam fleet, this is their chance to take charge of the line.
Throughout the day, the pair will haul a varied mix of passenger and freight services, recreating the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Expect double-headed action, top-and-tail formations, and plenty of rare mileage behind both locomotives as they work a busy and intensive timetable.
Whether you joined us last year or are looking to experience something a little different, this is a day not to be missed.
- Sat 12 Sep 2026 Dean Forest Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Sat 12 Sep 2026 Tanfield Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Diesel Pioneers Gala
12 and 13 September 2026
Celebrate the Legacy of Industrial Diesel Power!
Join us this September for the Diesel Pioneers Gala. Taking place on the 12th and 13th of September 2026, this gala is a tribute to the industrial diesel locomotives that played a vital role in Britain's railway heritage - featuring STAR guest locomotive soon to be confirmed!
What's on over the weekend?
Visiting locomotive, (announced later in 2026) in action with a variety of freight and passenger trains.
An intensive timetable is in operation with a RARE chance to travel behind our diesel fleet.
Visit our 1854 built Marley Hill engine shed, see the work that goes on to keep the railway running.
Browse around our well stocked book shop at Andrews House station.
Take part in guided tours of the site.
Live music across the site & kids activities.
Tanfield Railway
- Sun 13 Sep 2026 Dean Forest Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Sun 13 Sep 2026 Tanfield Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Diesel Pioneers Gala
12 and 13 September 2026
Celebrate the Legacy of Industrial Diesel Power!
Join us this September for the Diesel Pioneers Gala. Taking place on the 12th and 13th of September 2026, this gala is a tribute to the industrial diesel locomotives that played a vital role in Britain's railway heritage - featuring STAR guest locomotive soon to be confirmed!
What's on over the weekend?
Visiting locomotive, (announced later in 2026) in action with a variety of freight and passenger trains.
An intensive timetable is in operation with a RARE chance to travel behind our diesel fleet.
Visit our 1854 built Marley Hill engine shed, see the work that goes on to keep the railway running.
Browse around our well stocked book shop at Andrews House station.
Take part in guided tours of the site.
Live music across the site & kids activities.
Tanfield Railway
- Fri 18 Sep 2026 East Lancashire Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Sat 19 Sep 2026 East Lancashire Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Fri 25 Sep 2026 Bodmin Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
An itnesive three days of running (TBC) with our home diesel fleet. Expect a range of passenger and goods trains with appearances from our Class 47, Class 08 and Class 121. Subject to maintenance our Class 37 may also be available for the Gala. Visiting locos to be confirmed.
- Fri 25 Sep 2026 Epping Ongar Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
25, 26, 27 September 2025
The diesel fleet come to the fore for three Autumn days of fantastic action over our challenging gradients!
The home fleet, including our shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. We'll have British Railways blue liveried locomotives working with our blue and grey liveried coaching stock too!
Class 20 diesel locomotive 20227 hauls a train into North Weald station
Class 47 diesel locomotive 47635 at North Weald station
Class 03 D2170
Class 08 08114
Further details to be announced
What to expect
As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in your great value fare!
You'll be able to see our blue locomotives hauling our rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over our challenging gradients!
Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all our train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services)
On train bars
Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of real ales, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train.
LNER Cafeat North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar
Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafeat North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Epping Ongar Railway
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 Bodmin Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
An itnesive three days of running (TBC) with our home diesel fleet. Expect a range of passenger and goods trains with appearances from our Class 47, Class 08 and Class 121. Subject to maintenance our Class 37 may also be available for the Gala. Visiting locos to be confirmed.
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 Epping Ongar Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
25, 26, 27 September 2025
The diesel fleet come to the fore for three Autumn days of fantastic action over our challenging gradients!
The home fleet, including our shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. We'll have British Railways blue liveried locomotives working with our blue and grey liveried coaching stock too!
Class 20 diesel locomotive 20227 hauls a train into North Weald station
Class 47 diesel locomotive 47635 at North Weald station
Class 03 D2170
Class 08 08114
Further details to be announced
What to expect
As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in your great value fare!
You'll be able to see our blue locomotives hauling our rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over our challenging gradients!
Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all our train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services)
On train bars
Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of real ales, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train.
LNER Cafeat North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar
Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafeat North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Epping Ongar Railway
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 Bodmin Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
An itnesive three days of running (TBC) with our home diesel fleet. Expect a range of passenger and goods trains with appearances from our Class 47, Class 08 and Class 121. Subject to maintenance our Class 37 may also be available for the Gala. Visiting locos to be confirmed.
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 Telford Steam Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Diesel Gala
Sunday 27 September 2026
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 Epping Ongar Railway (Diesel Gala) More...
- Autumn Diesel Gala
25, 26, 27 September 2025
The diesel fleet come to the fore for three Autumn days of fantastic action over our challenging gradients!
The home fleet, including our shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. We'll have British Railways blue liveried locomotives working with our blue and grey liveried coaching stock too!
Class 20 diesel locomotive 20227 hauls a train into North Weald station
Class 47 diesel locomotive 47635 at North Weald station
Class 03 D2170
Class 08 08114
Further details to be announced
What to expect
As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in your great value fare!
You'll be able to see our blue locomotives hauling our rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over our challenging gradients!
Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all our train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services)
On train bars
Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of real ales, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train.
LNER Cafeat North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar
Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafeat North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Epping Ongar Railway
