The Severn Valley Railway has announced that it will welcome a Class 70 for its Spring Diesel Festival.

Taking place between the 16th and 19th May 2024, the Freightliner Class 70 will join the home fleet and other guest locomotives for an intensive four days of diesel action.

This year’s event follows on from last year’s galas that celebrated 50 years of diesel preservation and this was recognised last weekend when the SVR won top prize for Diesel and Electric Locomotion at the HRA Awards.

“Securing one of Freightliner’s Class 70s is a real coup for us,” explained the SVR’s managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. “Very few have ever appeared at heritage railway galas, and our event offers the rare opportunity to travel behind one as a passenger. At an impressive 3690 horsepower, it’s quite a bit of kit, and we think it’s going to be a big draw.”

“After our fantastic year in 2023, we know all eyes will be on us to deliver with our first diesel event of 2024,” added Gus. “We’re confident that we will once again excel, and now that we’ve got a Class 70 to join our already-announced guest 37409 in brand-new ScotRail livery, we’re building up to something very special.”