Enthusiasts have the opportunity to travel behind one of the Brecon Mountain Railway‘s (BMR) two diesel locomotives on a special gala day.

Three round trips will operate along the scenic narrow gauge route between Pant and Torpantau in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

Each journey takes just over an hour, climbing past the Pontsticill and Pentwyn Reservoirs up to Torpantau, before returning to the BMR’s main station at Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil.

The BMR follows the route of the old Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil line, with fine views of the National Park’s most famous mountains, such as Pen-y-fan.

Whilst the railway’s steam engines are American classics, one of the diesels was made in Russia, whilst the other is well and truly Welsh.

Built at the BMR from Baguley Drewry parts, the smaller 0-6-0 diesel will be in action on the last of the three journeys on 25th October.

Its larger and more powerful cousin is TU7 1698.

Before moving to the BMR in 2010, it was working on a Peat Railway in Latvia.

TU7 1698 will haul the first two special trains, leaving Pant station at 10.30 and 12.00.

The Baguley Drewry loco is one of a pair which the BMR built in 1987. Its sister can still be seen operating at the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth.

Tickets for the diesel day cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for children. They can be booked at the BMR’s website.

Our crews need training on the locos, so we thought it was a good opportunity to open it up to the public!

BMR Spokesperson