South Devon Railway 1960s Gala 22-25th May

Just putting plans together and working out the timetables for the SDRs 1960s gala at the end of May.

As in other years this event coincides with the Devon Diesel Society's Spring Real Ale festival, which this year is expected to feature around 45 different ales and ciders.

The event is expected to see a varied mix of steam and diesel hauled services operating to a special timetable. Late trains are a feature on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including some evening freight trains. Three steam locomotives are expected to be in action: 3205, L92 and 6412 which will be operating auto trains on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Diesel traction comes in the form of Sulzer Type 2 No. D7612 and pioneer Class 122 railcar W55000.

Also appearing at the event should be Devon & Cornwall Railways Class 31, 31 601. This locomotive is expected to arrive on the SDR in early May to allow the Devon Diesel Society to repaint the locomotive before the event. The 31 will be completed in the latest DCR grey livery and on Friday 22nd will be named "Devon Diesel Society" at Buckfastleigh prior to working some services, both passenger and freight, on the Friday and Saturday. Although not in an authentic 1960s livery, 31601 being built and entering service in April 1960, represents an example of a successful design from the period which is still employed on the mainline today.

The real ale festival will open on Friday at 12.00 until 23.00, Saturday and Sunday 11.00 to 23.00, and Monday 11.00 to 18.00. In addition to the variety of ales and ciders on offer, the Worcester Loco Society will be in the yard on Saturday to Monday with their PIMMS tent. There will be an evening BBQ on the Saturday and Sunday, plus the usual, and now very popular, just for fun quiz on Sunday evening. The resident station group will have their buffet car open during the event serving a variety of hot and cold food, teas, coffee and other soft drinks. Entry to the festival is free, and the price per pint has again been held at £3.00.

The four day event will feature no fewer than 123 passenger services, plus variety of demonstration goods and milk trains. Normal fares will apply and a full line return will give unlimited travel on the day of purchase - excellent value considering services on Saturday and Sunday commence at 09.00 and run until just after 23.00.

More details, including full working timetables, loco and stock allocations, together with list of ales and ciders, will be available on the various SDR and DDS websites in due course.