The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has announced a change to its forthcoming diesel gala line-up.

Unfortunately, locomotive 26038 will be withdrawn from the event. The Scottish Railway Preservation Society and 6LDA Owners Group, responsible for the restoration of the locomotive, have informed the railway that the necessary work to bring it back into operation will not be completed in time for the gala.

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway gala team is working to secure a suitable replacement guest locomotive, although there are no guarantees and is unlikely at this late stage.

The diesel gala, scheduled to take place from Friday, June 23rd to Sunday, June 25th, promises to be an exciting event for railway enthusiasts. The festival will feature a combination of guest locomotives and home fleet diesels. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the power and beauty of these remarkable machines in action.

While locomotive 26038’s absence is regrettable, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has managed to secure several guest locomotives for the gala. The confirmed guest locomotives are as follows:

• 47712 BR Class 47 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’
• D9520 BR Class 14
• 37403 BR Class 37 ‘Isle of Mull’
• 50008 BR Class 50 ‘Thunderer’ (Sunday only)
• 37418 BR Class 37 (Sunday only)
• Pair of 434xx BR Class 43

Notably, 47712 and the two RailAdventure class 43 power cars were popular visitors at the recent Severn Valley Railway diesel gala, hinting at the thrilling experience they will bring to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway event.

While the withdrawal of locomotive 26038 from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway’s forthcoming diesel gala is undoubtedly disappointing, railway enthusiasts can still look forward to an exciting event. The confirmed guest locomotives, along with home fleet diesels, promise to deliver a captivating display of power and history.