The last major diesel event of the season on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR), which operates between Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse Stations, will feature eight of the railway's operational fleet of locomotives! The event is shaping up to be a very interesting day and it takes place on Tuesday 27th December 2005.

With the increasingly widespread introduction of 'multiple units', electric trains and high-speed trains on the national network, a diesel locomotive hauling a train of passenger carriages on the main line has become a very rare sight indeed. However, the distinctive sight and sound of the post-steam era on Britain's railways will be recalled during this gala.

Visitors will be able to enjoy an intensive train service over the 20 mile round trip on the GWR's line, with many of the services being double-headed. Additionally, Brake Van rides will operate in the confines of Toddington Station. Appearing in British Rail Blue livery, British Rail Green livery and the more recent 'Freightliner' and Network South East liveries, most represent types that once regularly worked over the GWR's route before the line was closed in 1976. However, there will be one or two running which didn't feature in those historic days, and subject to availability, the 'starring' locomotives will be as follows:

• Class 20 No. D8137
• Class 24 No. 24081
• Class 37 No's 37215 & 37324
• Class 47 No's 47105 & 47376
• Class 73 No. 73129
• and one of the railway's Class 03 shunting locomotives

Wayne Finch from the GWR's Diesel Department said "In addition to being able to enjoy twenty mile round trips through the picturesque countryside in the comfort of our restored coaches, this will be a rare opportunity to experience a 'Guard's eye view' by riding in a Brake Van on the running line at Toddington. The van we plan to use is itself a very rare version, known as a 'Queen Mary' Brake. We only offer Brake Van rides to the public once a year and this will be the first time the 'Queen Mary' Brake Van will have been used for this purpose. It will be very different from riding in a coach, and personally, I can't wait to have a go myself!"

Trains will be running from 10:30 from Toddington Station and 10:15 from Cheltenham Racecourse station. Furthermore, this will be the first time that Class 20 No. D8137 has run for several months, after undergoing mechanical repairs, and will be a further opportunity to see the gleaming No. 47376 sporting its recently applied 'Freightliner' grey livery and replacement 'Freightliner 1995' nameplates. Catering will be available in the 'Flag & Whistle' Tea Rooms at Toddington, whilst light refreshments and 'Rail Ale' will also be available from the buffet cars on the trains. Additionally, yard tours will be available so visitors can view other locomotive restoration and repair projects, such as Peak Class locomotive No. 45149, Class 26 No. 26043, and the extremely rare ex-LMS diesel shunter No. 7069. Rover tickets will be available, which will enable travellers to change trains as they wish on the day of purchase.

Toddington station is 100 metres from the junction of the B4632 and B4077 roads and 6 miles from junction 9 on the M5, whilst Cheltenham Racecourse Station can be accessed from the main entrance to the Racecourse.

More details are available by phoning Toddington Railway Station on (01242) 621405 or by visiting our website at www.gwsr.com.

This will be a splendid opportunity for families and enthusiasts alike to come along and enjoy a great day at 'The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds'.