Where can I go, in the UK, to see classic diesel trains being driven?

Question

The seven valley railway website only has pictures of steam trains and I'm not too interested in them.

I live in the west midlands near birmingham / coventry.

Answer 1

http://www.uksteam.info/links.htm#03

for steam and diesel

Answer 2

Most Steam Railways including the Severn Valley have diesel weekends, with all trains being pulled by either classic Diesels or unusal types from the mainline (ie Freight engines). As far as I know the Bluebell Railway in Sussex is the only diesel free preserved line (or it was - they have/had a diesel shunter on hire for works trains while their steam versions were overhauled)

You might also be interested to know that there is a preseved Western currently doing freight work in the South West and an Southern Electro-Diesel shunting at Taunton Yard.

Arriva used to hire some Class 50s for Summer extras in Wales, also the Taunton to Minehead summer shuttles used Class 31s.

Answer 3

I agree with the previous poster who states that most heritage railways have diesel days (Bluebell always excepted). Have a look at this site and click on 'events' :- http://www.heritagerailways.com/gallery/...

This site appears to have a full database of all preserved locos, DMUs and EMUs:-

http://www2.webng.com/lrha/#top

and this is a group dedicated to preservation of diesels:-

http://www.bdlpg.co.uk/

Answer 4

The Dean Forest Railway in Gloucestershire has regular trips with a 1960 Derby 2-car DMU (sometimes augmented to 3-car) during the operating season and also has occasional diesel operating days with other classic diesels.

During the 'Day Out With Thomas' events the Derby unit plays 'Daisy' and is joined by an 08 restored to early 1950's BR livery as 'Devious Diesel'. The latter loco can also be seen in its more usual role as engineers' train engine on track maintenance days which are usually on a Thursday.

The same railway also has a 'Teddy Bear' which runs occasionally.

Btw check out the SVR link below which will take you to the Events page which includes the Diesel Enthusiasts' Gala.