Set a date in your diary to see some amazing heritage diesel traction on The Watercress Line from Friday the 25th to Sunday the 27th June 2021.

The Mid Hants Railway has announced a great lineup for its first Diesel Gala back after the past year which has been difficult for all heritage railways.

Visitors can experience the railway’s much-loved home fleet of diesel locomotives alongside some special guests.

A full timetable will run over the three-day gala with the exciting opportunity to see services tackling the steep 1 in 60 gradients, no doubt an epic chance to catch some classic diesel thrash!

The diesel line-up will include the Watercress Fleet of Class 20 D8059 (20059), Class 47 47579 “James Nightall GC”, Class 50 50027 “Lion”, Class 08 08288 “Phoenix”, Class 11 12082,

Visiting for the gala will be Class 25 D7612 (25262), courtesy of the South Devon Diesel Traction group, two class 73/1 Electro-Diesel locomotives, courtesy of GB Railfreight Ltd, Class 438 4TC unit courtesy of Transport for London Engineering and Class 14 D9551 courtesy of Severn Valley Railway.

Alongside this impressive lineup, the gala will offer plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy, including brake van rides at Alresford and Alton, main works viewing gallery and diesel locomotive society sales stands to visit.

Also, an evening barbecue on Saturday 26th June and real ale will be served at Ropley station throughout the Gala Weekend to enhance your experience.

The Watercress Line’s general manager Simon Baggott said: “It’s wonderful to see the railway back on track after the past year and we look forward to welcoming everybody to the gala. There’s a full calendar of exciting days for the year ahead too – a day out at the Watercress Line is always a memorable one!”

This is a great chance for an amazing day out and to get behind one of the many heritage railways that need your support more than ever – this gala promises to be one to remember!

Where Next?

RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
RailAdvent Plus
Discounts, videos, pictures and more!
FREE NEWSLETTERS
Signup to our daily and weekly newsletters
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Watercress Line
Visit their website