Class 58 Locomotive Group Enjoys Successful Weekend at SVR Autumn Diesel Bash

The recent Severn Valley Railway (SVR) “Autumn Diesel Bash” was a tremendous success for the Class 58 Locomotive Group, who had a fantastic time participating in the popular event. Held over the weekend of the 3rd to the 6th of October, the gala attracted many enthusiasts and supporters, with the weekend highlighting Class 58 023 (023) and the Class 25s, 25 278 & 25 262.

The highlight for the Class 58 Locomotive Group was undoubtedly the first working of 023 in 23 years and the first Class 58 to work a passenger service in the UK in over 20 years. The event offered a unique chance for many to see a Class 58 up close, and it served as a fitting testament to the hard work and dedication the owner and the team have put into restoring and preserving such an essential part of British rail history.

The group launched several new sales items for the event, including a popular Class 58 t-shirt, which sold out before the end of day 3. - a first for the group. - Even social media personality Francis Bourgeois purchased one. All the new products will be available on the website in the coming days. The group raised just over £2500 in sales, with several new members joining over the weekend. The group hails the weekend a massive success.

Paul Fuller, Chairman of the Class 58 Locomotive Group, expressed their gratitude: “We had an absolutely fantastic time at the SVR Autumn Diesel Bash. A huge thank you to our friends at The Fifty Fund, Severn Valley Railway Class 14 Diesel Group, and the Western Locomotive Association, who helped us along the weekend with advice and support. The event would not have been the same without their unwavering support and connection to the Railway. The preservation community is a special one, and collaborations like these allow us to keep these magnificent machines running for future generations.”

The SVR Autumn Diesel Bash has long been a key fixture in the diesel preservation calendar, drawing visitors from across the country who come to ride behind some of the most iconic locomotives in British railway history. This year’s event was no different, with the scenic Severn Valley Railway providing a picturesque backdrop for the powerful diesel engines that traversed the line.

With the weekend’s success still fresh in the minds, the Class 58 Locomotive Group is already looking ahead to future events. With enthusiasm for preserving the legacy of the Class 58 locomotive, it is coupled with the invaluable support of industry friends. Hopefully, this will ensure that the 023 will continue to be a star attraction at heritage railways across the country for years to come.