Dean Forest Railway - Diesel Gala - 15th September 2024
The Dean Forest Railway held a two day Diesel Gala event on the 14th and 15th September 2024. I was only able to visit for the afternoon on the 15th September. The event featured recently restored Class 08 No.08769 in BR Blue livery, and visitors Class 73 No.73003 (E6003) from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, courtest of the Electro-Diesel Locomotive Group. and two Class 37 locomoives from Rail Operations Group. No.37884 and No.37510. Sadly No.37510 expired on the Saturday and was unable to operate on the Sunday of the event. Founded by the Dean Forest Railway Society in 1970, the Dean Forest Railway runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines, which were first built as a tramroad over 200 years ago. The current railway line is approximately 4 1/2 miles long, running from Lydney Junction Station (close to the mainline railway station and a short walk from the harbour) at the south end of the line to Parkend (a small forest village) at the north end of the line.