THE first of two Spa Valley Railway summer diesel events marking the railway’s 25 years of operation is due to take place on August 12-14. This is the annual summer diesel gala, followed by a mixed traction event on August 26-29.
Two visiting diesels have been announced for both events: Class 25 No. D7535 from the South Devon Railway and an ‘ED’ Class 73/1 courtesy of GB Railfreight. Which loco this will be is not yet known. A third loco for the diesel gala is to be confirmed.
Both events will see a number of home fleet locos in operation including Class 31/4 No. 31430 Sister Dora, Class 33 No. 33063 R. J. Mitchell, Class 73/1 No. 73140 freshly repainted in BR blue, Class 207 DEMU No. 1317, and Class 421 3-CIG EMU No. 1497 as hauled stock.
During the diesel gala, trains will depart every 55 minutes from Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge throughout the weekend.