The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is showcasing Britain’s diesel locomotive legacy in a special four day event.
The Diesel Gala celebrates the sights, sounds and power of heritage diesel trains and transports visitors back to a bygone era.
Set against the backdrop of the North Yorkshire Moors, the annual gala is popular with seasoned diesel enthusiasts as well as those who want to find out more about them.
Along with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway home fleet of diesel workhorses on the timetable of services, the Class 55 Deltic No 55009 Alycidon, Class 50 No 50021 Rodney, No. 33202 Dennis G. Robinson and No. 37688 Great Rocks are also appearing at the event.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is showcasing Britain’s diesel locomotive legacy in a special four day event
GB News
Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton is the Director of Mechanical Engineering at North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
He told GB News: “They’re all locos from the UK and we’ve got ones from different regions and different periods – earlier ones, later ones, so it does give that mix of that sort of typical British traction that we had in the 60s, 70s, 80s and through to the 90s.
“In fact, some of them are still running.”
Nick Simpson, Head of Mechanical Engineering at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, added: “The whole of the heritage railway movement still runs on Victorian in the steam engine era, or 1950s and 60s technology that we’ve got behind us.
“So I mean they’re knocking on granddads themselves, these machines.”
The famous class 55 Celtics are known for their power and ability to haul trains at high speeds. At the Diesel Gala, the Deltic No 55009 Alycidon drew the most crowds.
It appeared courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society Ltd, and was built in 1961 and is known for its distinctive twin-Napier engines.
Alex Stojanobic is an Engineer for the Deltic Preservation Society. He told GB News: “Originally, the Deltic Preservation Society was formed in 1977 to preserve the iconic class 55 Celtics from British Rail and finally bought two in 1982, including this one behind us.
“They were decommissioned basically due to the iconic HST coming in – high speed trains, so through 1982 they were taken out of service.
“It shows everyone a bit of history, really. This one’s mainline registered, so when it’s ready to go onto the main line, it can go back onto the main line between London and Edinburgh.”
The sights and sounds of these diesel engines is nostalgic for some and new to others.
Charlie Bauckham is an Apprentice Diesel Fitter at North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
He told GB News: “A lot of people nowadays don’t remember the steam engines running, whereas with these diesel engines, there are a lot of people will remember them from their childhood and it’s nice to keep them going.
“These engines help build Britain, so it’s nice to keep a bit of that past alive.”
Visitors to the Diesel Gala came from far and wide to marvel at the historic locomotives at North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Dave, who travelled from Darlington, told GB News: “When privatisation came in all my favourite diesel classes, they’re sort of like dripped away, so it’s great to come to Diesel Galas and relive all the past times.”
Finn, a diesel locomotive fan, said: “Well, it’s part of British heritage, isn’t it? It’s a really important part of our culture. It’s important for the country to keep proper British engineering alive.”
Trudy, who was visiting for the weekend with her husband, added: “I just love the fact that it’s old. It’s old stuff. It’s our heritage.”
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust officially opened in May 1973. The charity operates one of the earliest and most historic lines in the North of England that takes visitors on picturesque journeys along an 18-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains.
Day-to-day operations are carried out by volunteers along with a core team of paid staff to preserve the past and protect the legacy of heritage diesel and steam travel for future generations.
The Diesel Gala runs from Thursday June 12 to Sunday June 15 and more information can be found here.
