(C) Ray Forster
The Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival is shaping up to be a standout event in the enthusiast calendar, with a matching pair of Class 56s from Colas Rail confirmed to join the growing guest loco list.
The four-day event, running from 15 to 18 May, will now include Nos. 56090 and 56094, subject to availability, thanks to strong support from the freight operator.
They’ll appear alongside previously announced visitors including a pair of HST power cars from Rail Adventure, and Class 66 and Class 70 locomotives from Freightliner.
The SVR’s impressive home diesel fleet will also be in action, featuring:
- Class 17
- Class 20
- Class 33
- Class 37
- Class 40
- Class 42
- Class 50
- Class 52
SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said:
“We’re very lucky indeed to have such strong support from our main line colleagues. We work closely with Colas and others to provide testing and training facilities at our line, so it’s going to be wonderful to host two of their freight locomotives at our Spring event.”
Due to ongoing recovery works following January’s landslip, services will operate on the 12-mile stretch between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade, but organisers are promising no shortage of diesel action.
“We’ve got an intensive timetable planned, with late services on the Friday and Saturday evenings,” Dunster added. “There’s still a couple more guest announcements to come, and with a line-up like this, we can guarantee a fantastic few days of heritage and modern diesel power.”
Festival-goers can also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of the Traction Maintenance Department and Carriage Shed at Kidderminster, which can be booked on the day at the Fifty Fund stand on the concourse.
📅 15–18 May
🚂 Kidderminster to Hampton Loade
🎟️ Tickets & info: SVR Spring Diesel Festival Event Page
Stay tuned for more guest announcements in the lead-up to the event!
