The fastest diesel locomotive in the world will make its debut appearance at The Watercress Line next month when the popular Diesel Gala returns from Friday 12th July to Sunday 14th July.
Two Class 43 locomotives, courtesy of RailAdventure UK Ltd, will be one of the highlights of the visiting fleet, providing a heritage diesel traction service along the railway’s steeply graded line.
This is a first for The Watercress Line, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to see them in action. Built between 1975 and 1982 by British Rail Engineering at Crewe, the ground-breaking Class 43 diesel electric locomotives formed the power cars for the iconic High-Speed Train that entered service in 1976.
Their introduction transformed services between Kings Cross and Edinburgh, and between Paddington and Cardiff and Swansea. The Class is officially the fastest diesel locomotive in the world, having achieved 148.5 mph on a special trial, and regularly running in service at 125 mph.
The Gala event will also feature Class 50 50008 ‘Thunderer’, visiting courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions Ltd. Built in March 1968 as D408 by the English Electric Company at the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows, this locomotive was one of 50 locomotives designed to run at 100mph on the then non-electrified section of the West Coast mainline between Crewe and Glasgow. She was named ‘Thunderer’ after a World War I Royal Navy Orion Class Dreadnought Battleship.
Also operating will be the ex-BR Class 438 fixed formation 4TC DTSO 76324, TBSK 70823, TFK 71163, DTSO 76297, courtesy of Transport for London Engineering. The cars in this set were built between 1955 and 1957. The 4TC will allow The Watercress Line to operate visiting air-braked locomotives on passenger services.
The Watercress Line’s home-fleet locomotives will include Class 11 12082; Class 08 08288 “Phoenix”; Class 08 D3462 (08377); Class 20 D8059 (20059); Class 20 D8188 (20188); Class 47 47579 “James Nightall GC”. Also, on display will be home-fleet Class 08 08032 (13044 / 3044) and Class 50 50027 “Lion’.
There will be a Real Ale Train operating an evening service on Saturday 13th July, serving a range of real ale on board (separate booking required). The Beer Junction at Ropley will have a late night opening that evening too.
Visitors to the Diesel Gala will also be able to enjoy Brake Van rides operating between Alresford and Ropley; diesel train rides on the miniature railway; free guided tours of the Engineering Works at Ropley; and plenty more activities around the railway.
Refreshments will be available from The Beer Junction, West Country Buffet and T-Junction – and don’t forget to visit the gift shop at the Old Goods Shed, Alresford.
The Watercress Line’s CEO Rebecca Dalley said: “We are so thrilled to announce that the fastest diesel locomotive in the world will be making its first appearance at The Watercress Line’s fantastic Diesel Gala this year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see the two iconic Class 43 locomotives up close, along with our fantastic line-up of other visiting and home fleet engines.
“Don’t miss the chance to ride behind some of these impressive diesel locomotives. The Diesel Gala is always a huge success, but this year it promises to be a bumper occasion. In addition to the main attraction, our visitors can explore railway exhibits and enjoy free guided tours to gain a real insight into what it takes to maintain and run locomotives at The Watercress Line.
“There’s plenty on offer to delight visitors of all ages, from exciting brake van rides to the miniature railway, pulled by a miniature steam locomotive.
“Tickets are now on sale, so book ahead and get on board for a memorable day out at The Watercress Line at the Diesel Gala.”
For more information and to book tickets, visit https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/diesel-gala/
