'Deltic' to star at 'Autumn Diesel Bash'

Deltic D9009 'Alycidon' ALEX STOJANOVIC

Deltic 55009 'Alycidon' is the first confirmed guest for the Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Diesel Bash, taking place September 29 – October 2. Appearing courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society, the locomotive is running in BR blue livery and will be the first time it has appeared on the SVR in this colour scheme. The railway hopes to announce further guests soon, to complete "a thrilling line-up" for the final diesel event of 2022.

Gus Dunster, Deputy Chairman of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc, said, “We’re thrilled that the Deltic Preservation Society has allowed 55009 to visit the SVR and I know it’ll be a big draw for passengers attending the event. We were disappointed that the locomotive missed out on our Spring event, but are really excited for it to visit for our Autumn Diesel Bash!”

55009 at Kidderminster TMD ahead of the Autumn Diesel Bash. ADE HOLMAN

Alongside its starring role at the Autumn Diesel Bash, the locomotive is set to host diesel footplate experiences before the main event, with a large number of places already sold out. Gus added, “We’re honoured that the locomotive is scheduled for diesel footplate experiences during its visit too, allowing people to feel the power of a Deltic first hand! Places for this unique experience are already selling fast, so I’d encourage people wanting to ride in the cab of 55009 to book their experience as soon as possible!”

Introduced to mainline traffic in 1961, 55009 is one of six Class 55 locomotives in preservation out of the original fleet of 22 locomotives and is set to operate at all four days of the event. Alongside this first guest, the SVR will be using a selection of its home fleet throughout the event including Class 50s, Class 52s, Class 40, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’, Class 17 Clayton and 20048, the latter currently residing at the SVR.

The SVR’s Class 42 'Greyhound' is set to run in blue livery with yellow ends, following an extensive bodywork overhaul. Class 31, 31466, which visited during the Autumn Diesel Gala in 2021, has since remained at the SVR and will be at part of the locomotive roster in September and October. Plus, following its appearance at the Spring Diesel Festival and subsequent residency at the SVR, Class 46, D182, will run at the Autumn Diesel Bash.

Tickets for the Autumn Diesel Bash are available at the Severn Valley Railway website.