Dean Forest Rly Mixed Traction Weekend 21-22/05/2016

KEY INFO - Small Prairie 5541, Teddys D9521 & D9555 with a 108 DMU in action. Passenger & Freight services.




If you are looking to do something this upcoming weekend then the Dean Forest could hold the answer for you in the shape of it's 'Mixed Traction Weekend'.

In action are steam GWR 'Small Prairie' number 5541, diesel hydraulic class 14 'Teddy Bear' numbers D9521 & D9555 plus one of the Derby Lightweight 108 class DMU sets (the railway has both a 2-car and a 3-car operational). Trains run from 0955 to 1720 each day, the timetable can be found here (so you can catch the FA Cup final at 1730!).

On Saturday, 5541 hauls the freight train with the diesels heading the passenger set (I assume they will double head all day). Sunday sees the diesels on freight and a steam passenger service.

The railway is probably looking it's best at this time of year before the summer growth of the forest sets in, plus there are bluebells lining the lineside as can be seen here.

Normal fares apply and £1 off per person applies (or £3 family) if booked in advance at https://deanforestrailway.digitickets.co.uk/events/6658?catID=6312. On the day £12 adult, £11 senior, £6 child, £30 family, £2 dogs.

 

Really clever, when no-ones there on Saturday for the 14s think what's happening further up the Severn.....had it been 14s on Sunday passenger turns.....

 

You do realise that the freight is a "rideable" one? Travel on a Queen Mary brakevan right behind the locos.

 

How much for the day or no excess, please?

 

I think it's the standard day rover which is £11 if booked online. Unsure about any supplement for riding the freight, last time I was involved it was a bucket donation but places are limited by the size of the brakevan.

Hope this helps?

 

The railway should advertise this. Do you know if the plan is to double head the 14s all weekend?

 

Yes you are quite right. I believe the two 14s are to pair up for the weekend but I don't know for definite sorry.