Dean Forest Easter 2014 - GWR 5541 returns & Class 14th 50th Birthday

The Dean Forest Railway are marking the 50th Anniversary of the introduction into service of the Diesel Hydraulics that later became known as the 'Class 14' but more commonly known as 'Teddy Bears'. Of course the Forest of Dean routes in BR days was littered with these engines so what better place than here to see both D9521 and D9555 work this Good Friday (the latter actually worked the line) .

Saturday and Sunday see's the relaunch of the railway's flagship engine into traffic after a decade's absence, GWR 'Small Prairie' number 5541, running alongside fellow resident Hunslet Austerity number 3806 'Wilbert'. D9555 is also due out on Saturday, with both 'Teddy Bears' out Sunday.

To complete the weekend, Monday see's 5541 out on passenger with the DMU also running to the two train timetable.

Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday all see passenger and goods trains.

More info at http://dfr.vticket.co.uk/product.php/476/

https://www.facebook.com/deanforestrailway?fref=ts

I'd imagine a roster is given once a ticket is bought, but don't quote me on that.

 

Just to clarify, D9555 is running on the Saturday. It looks like a really good weekend!

Hope this helps?

 

My video of Day 1:

 

Excellent video, thanks for posting!

 

My video from the Saturday of the event featuring 5541, Wilbert & D9555 on the two passenger rakes (including tail load) and short goods.

Photos @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbtevans/

 

My video of Wilbert, 5541 and D9555 from yesterday:

 

Great to see Class 14s in action. I only ever saw a couple when they were still in service; on a school trip as we passed through South Wales we spotted a few in the yards thee. Must have been about 1969, and they couldn't have had much longer in service at that stage (plus D9526 in Westbury (and apropos nothing D2133 at Bridgewater on the same Merrymaker)

 

Here's my efforts from yesterdays action, great to see 5541 back in service.

 

1M50....I like it!

 

Some still images from Easter Saturday are on my Zenfolio site here: - http://mickrogers.zenfolio.com/p947667226
Cheers,