South Devon Railway celebrates diesel history during two day gala extravaganza
The South Devon Railway is delighted to announce the return of our diesel gala for 2026 – and we are starting the build up to the event with a very exciting visiting locomotive announcement!
Taking place in the now regular early winter slot, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November 2026, the event will see two days of intensive train services utilising heritage diesel locomotives through the beautiful valley of the river Dart, on our scenic branch line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
Members of the SDR’s home fleet, including two Class 25s 25185 and 25262, as well as Class 33 33002, and some of the resident diesel shunters, will be supported by our first confirmed visiting locomotive, DCRail’s freshly rebuilt Class 60, 60022.
Unveiled in striking Midland Railway Crimson Lake livery and named “Ingleborough”, this locomotive will certainly be a popular visitor, having never previously worked passenger trains on a heritage railway, and this being the first passenger working at all since September 2006
Visitors to the event will be able to enjoy hearing the locomotives work from our vintage carriages, whilst enjoying everything the SDR has to offer, including on-train bar and buffet services, resident locomotives currently under restoration on rare public display, our extensive museum, and breathtaking winter views as our trains twist their way following the river Dart.
Ernie Elsworth-Wilson, South Devon Railway General Manager, said “We are delighted that DCRail have agreed to support our event again by kindly providing another star visiting locomotive, marking the third year of their greatly appreciated support for our charity. We know that their locomotives are always immaculately presented and prove very popular with all of our visitors, and we can’t wait to let people get up close and enjoy the rare opportunity to travel behind this locomotive that normally only pulls heavy freight trains carrying construction materials’’.
No 60022 has received a thorough rebuild and has been outshopped in Midland Railway livery in recognition of 2026 being the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Settle & Carlisle Railway and DCRail being based in Derby, the former headquarters of the Midland Railway. The Midland Railway Society has said of the livery ‘’What the company have produced is remarkable. It is without room for contradiction the most accurate reproduction of a Midland Railway engine livery – not withstanding it is a diesel – ever by anywhere other than Derby Works. The level of detail is phenomenal’’. The diesel gala will be the first opportunity for the public to see the magnificent locomotive close up.
David Fletcher, Group Director for Rail at Cappagh said “We are very pleased that DCRail is again able to support the diesel gala at the South Devon Railway. Our team always thoroughly enjoy the event and we are looking forward to visiting with ‘Ingleborough’. The locomotive is part of a multimillion pound investment in additional capacity for our rail business, which moves over 1.5million tonnes of construction materials each year and has recently been recognised as Business of the Year 2026 in the Rail Freight Group Awards.’’
Early bird tickets are on sale now, available until 31st October, offering excellent value for those keen to secure their place at one of the region’s most distinctive railway events. All locomotives subject to availability.
Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett, showing 60022 at Derby having just been unveiled in its striking new livery.