Didcot Railway Centre | Autumn Steam Gala | 5th-7th September 2025

1450 and O1 No. 65 announced as guests

running alongside 1466
Autumn Steam Gala 2025 - featuring 1466, 1450 and SECR 01 Class No 65 | Didcot Railway Centre

 

65, 1450 & 1466 will also be in use over the August Bank Holiday weekend https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/product.php/1315/launch-of-pioneering-locomotive-1466

 

Additional running dates for 65 & 1450 according to the loco roster:
20 August 65 & 1450
27 August 65 and Trojan
30 August Pendennis Castle and 1450

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Today started with 1466 & autocoach 231 on the main demo line and 1450 & autocoach 92 on the branch demo line.

65 & autocoach 190 have just swapped with 1450 & 92 on the branch.

EDIT 1330: The Autotanks and their autocoaches swapped on the main demo line.

EDIT 1430: 65 & 190 off branch, 1466 & 231 on.

EDIT 1500: 1450 & 92 off main, 65 & 190 on.

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Any advice about trying to visit STEAM at Swindon and Didcot in one day? Thinking of doing STEAM in the morning and Didcot in the Afternoon.

As well as seeing the 2 14XX's (1466 for the first time), hoping that 4079 in its current condition before it regains it's usual tender and on display outside for the event.

 

Currently planning a visit on Friday with the intention of riding behind 65 and 1466 during the day. A FB message from Didcot suggests 1466 is static only on Friday. Can anyone confirm this please?

 

To answer my own question, Didcot have confirmed in an email this morning that a decision will be taken and announcement made tomorrow (Thursday) as to whether 1466 will work on Friday or not. Presumably early ticket snagging issues.

 

Announcement - 1466

Since the launch back into traffic of 1466, some technical issues have come to light between our insurance company and the contractors employed in the overhaul of the engine’s boiler. Whilst these matters are being resolved, unfortunately this means we have been asked not to steam the engine.

As you can imagine, this is quite a blow to the Great Western Society and the team managing the restoration of the engine. After several lengthy delays in the engine’s overhaul, we were confident we had her back in service for the years to come.

Despite this, we have decided to press on with the proposed gala and there will still be an opportunity to see both 1466 and 1450 together at the front of the engine shed posing for photographs. Other highlights over the course of the weekend will include 1450 running an ‘Autocoach sandwich’ on our branch line. Our other visiting engine, SECR 01 No65 will run both a freight train and passenger rides with two of our Victorian bogie coaches.

In addition, our very own Pendennis Castle and Trojan will also both be in steam. This will be your last chance to travel behind Pendennis with the 3,500 gallon tender. Again the Castle will be operating with the two Victorian coaches, 1340 Trojan will also be in steam providing rides and shunting round the site.

We are really sorry that we have had to make this decision, which hasn't been taken lightly. We know that you were all looking forward to seeing it this weekend and sincerely apologise that we aren't able to deliver on this occasion.

We are confident however, that with two visiting engines and Pendennis and Trojan providing extra steam power that it will still be a great weekend regardless.