The Severn Valley Railway has announced that they will be welcoming a Class 59 for their Spring Diesel Festival.

Taking place between the 16th and 19th May, the gala will bring together heritage and modern locomotives for a weekend of diesel power and an intensive timetable.

Only 15 Class 59s were built, and Freightliner owns all but one of them.

The SVR’s managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said, “Alongside the Freightliner Class 70 that we’ve already secured, this additional locomotive represents another rare opportunity to travel behind and get up close to one of the UK’s true freight workhorses.

“The SVR has established an enviable reputation for being able to pull in great examples of main line diesel traction for our gala events, bringing together the best of modern and heritage traction. We’ve now confirmed three guests for our Spring Diesel Festival, including 37409 ‘Loch Awe’, and have high hopes that we will secure even more. Watch this space!”

For further information and tickets, go to svr.co.uk