Watercress line diesel gala 11-13 July 2025

I can’t remember if I started a thread about the diesel gala this year. So if not >>>>

Website updated as

Beer and cider festival

as well.

https://watercressline.co.uk/special-da ... +Gala+2025


(Some) Visiting locos should be announced soon.

 

Looks like it will be a great event with a Plymouth Laira theme.
When I first opened the email I received from the Watercress Line this evening about this event it went through to a page with details of the visiting locomotives. The page didn't load up fully but now it has changed to one without the details of the visiting locomotives. I won't reveal the locos on here as I will wait for the railway to officially announce the visitors but fans of vintage traction will be pleased.
I will definitely be attending this Gala.

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As far as I’m aware most locos are ageeed and signed up etc, just waiting a couple of i’s to dot and t’s to cross so maybe there’s been a mix up in the advertising dept and there’s a 2nd press release to come after the steam gala!


Needless to say the line up is one we’ve wanted for years so finally it’s good to get it. One of our desired locos want available due to crewing availability which is a shame but we will aim to get it another year!

 

Hoping for a western!

 

I can neither confirm or deny this booking

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Don't worry, I happened across the announcements too

 

D1015 Western Champion has been announced as the first visitor to the diesel gala:

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I have never been to a diesel gala in my life and had no intention of doing so. However, if there's one class that could persuade me to get out of bed on a Saturday morning it's a "Western". So maybe...... just maybe......

 

I went to my first ever diesel gala last year on the basis that I wanted to go on the HST and my TfL obsessed 7 year old wanted to go on the LT 4TC. Had an absolute blast. Highlight was being on the Queen Mary Brakevan between Ropley and Alresford with a triple header of Gronks!

Also not as crowded as the steam galas.

 

I am very tempted. I had many good runs with Westerns plus a lot of photos.

Don

 

See attached 5th September 1970

Don

 

Well the latest 'positioning tour' from UKRailtours confirms the attendance of the 4TC and 50008 again?
https://www.ukrailtours.com/product/the-thundering-positioning-move/

 

Not working that day so half tempted. What are the buses from Ropley to Alton like?

 

Every half an hour to both Alton and Winchester. At least they're double deckers so even if you don't get the first one, there should be space on the second.

 

https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s... Sep 2024/Winchester Route 64 01-09-24 v2.pdf

 

They are hourly on a Sunday. If you're not used to the area, route 64 departs from the Broadway, about a 15 minute walk across Winchester city centre.
Cheers, Neil

 

50008 is now officially announced as the second visitor for the Gala. Please note that the Gala web page states that the loco will only be in use on services on the Saturday (12th) of the gala and will be on display at Ropley for the rest of the event.

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46045 announced as another part of a SVR convoy….