All aboard for Severn Valley Railway diesel gala - with pictures

The event and theme marked the 30th anniversary of the first Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala.

Since the first gala in May 1987, the SVR has staged many events attracting a number of visiting locomotives.

The festival also marked the 40th anniversary of the last Class 52 runs on British railways and the 25th anniversary of the first Class 50 runs on the SVR.

Locomotives of both types were in operation at the event.

Event visitors included Class 17 No D8568 – the only surviving example of the Clayton Type 1s, Class 31 No 31271 – carrying Trainload Construction livery and named Stratford 1840 to 2001 to commemorate the former locomotive depot at Stratford and Class 33 No 33035 – one of only two Class 33 locomotives to be repainted into Network Southeast livery.

Direct Rail Services also provided a new Class 88 locomotive for the event.

The Class 88 is a true “dual mode” locomotive combining both 25kv electric and diesel electric operating modes and will be making its first-ever public passenger runs for type at the event.

A locomotive that used to carry the railway’s name appeared at the event – Class 47 No 47828 was named “Severn Valley Railway” at Kidderminster in 2001, whilst in the ownership of Virgin Trains.

Working alongside each other for the first time in preservation will be two surviving class 45/0 variants – No. 45041 Royal Tank Regiment and Class 45 No.45060 Sherwood Forester.