Pair of diesel electrics add to Severn Valley Railway’s 'substantial' spring festival line-up
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed it will host two Class 20 diesel electric locomotives at its forthcoming Spring Diesel Festival, adding to the ever-growing guest list for the event.
The festival, which takes place from May 16-19, already includes two Rail Adventure power cars, Class 70s from both Colas and Freightliner, 73119 ‘Paul Taylor’ and 69009 ‘Western Consort’ from GB Railfreight, a Freightliner Class 59, 37409 ‘Loch Awe’ and Class 46 D182, as well as members of the SVR’s home fleet.
“This really is an impressive and substantial line-up,” said Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director. “We’re very grateful to Michael Owen, the owner of the Class 20s, for his support for our event.
“The Class 20 is a popular locomotive, with plenty of followers, and has always been known for its versatility. First introduced in the late 50s as part of British Rail’s replacement of steam traction, they were used for ‘merry-go-round’ trains, transporting coal to power stations, and saw service on secondary passenger traffic routes.
“Working as a pair, they’ll be ideal to haul full passenger trains at the Spring Diesel Festival, and we look forward to hearing their distinctive helicopter-like sound across the valley, reminding us why they are nicknamed ‘choppers’.”
For more details and ticket booking, visit svr.co.uk.
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