Following an exceptional hot and dry summer, the weather had cooled down a little with some grey rain clouds as I set off for Sheffield Park on Friday 4th September, the first day of the gala.
Network Southeast not really my thing, but the inclusion of English Electric Class 50 50026 ‘Indomitable’ was a worthwile attraction - so it was an early morning start for the 08.35 departure from Sheffield Park with the Class 50 for a return trip to East Grinstead.
Bacon sandwich in hand, I found myself a nice compartment for breakfast, with ‘Indomitable’ idling away in the platform as background ambience. The odd revving of the engine sounded hopeful, but then word came that all was not well.
08.30 and the Class 50 was failed due to a low power issue, and despite there being a number of PTG Staff on scene, the train was cancelled. I understand these things can happen, but was a bit suprised somebody didnt consider drafting in one of the two class 33's or two 31's that were sat running in the yard. The planned timetable I'd worked out went in the bin, along with anybody waiting for the disabled set of coaches up at East Grinstead before lunchtime.
Anyway - another 40 minutes to kill so a walk round the shed and shop it was then.......
A busy scene at Horsted Keynes during the 2026 Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala.
09.15 came and I caught 60028/ 33108 to Horsted Keynes. The one working I didnt want to miss was the double headed class 31 working at 11.15, so it was back on the Hastings unit 1001 to Sheffield Park. Disappointingly passing a now repaired Class 50 heading in the opposite direction. Grrrr.
So the rest of the day was spent travelling up and down the line. Some strange combinations of locos together, I'd have much preferred to see the 31's and 33's together doubleheading and the 50 and 60 by themselves - or maybe it was a weight issue for the line?
Anyway, a nice day out, I'll always support the diesel days, but this years wasnt the best unfortunately for me.
Alongside the 2026 Diesel Gala, the Bluebell Railway is delighted to celebrate 40 years of Network SouthEast (NSE). The centre of these celebrations will be Horsted Keynes, which will act as the main hub for displays, exhibits, and themed activities throughout the gala weekend.
Launched in 1986, Network SouthEast brought a bold and recognisable identity to commuter and regional rail services across London and the South East. Its distinctive red, white and blue livery quickly became iconic, representing a period of modernisation, investment, and renewed pride in railway travel. NSE services operated extensively across Sussex and the wider South East region, forming a vital part of everyday life for commuters, holidaymakers, and rail enthusiasts alike.
Many visitors to the Bluebell Railway will have fond memories of travelling on NSE services, making this anniversary particularly meaningful for the local area and surrounding communities.
Plans are underway to feature themed displays, historical interpretation, and elements designed to highlight the impact and legacy of Network SouthEast within the region. Horsted Keynes, with its period charm and versatility, provides the perfect setting to bring this era back to life during the gala.
Class 201 'Hastings Unit' 1001 departing Sheffield Park during The Bluebell Railway's Diesel Gala Weekend - 4th September 2026.
Visiting Locomotives
Class 31 No. 31210
The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome Class 31 No. 31210 to the 2026 Diesel Gala, where it joins sister locomotive 31108 to showcase one of British Rail’s most successful and enduring diesel locomotive classes.
Built by Brush Traction at Loughborough in 1960 as D5634, the locomotive entered service on 21 July 1960, initially allocated to Stratford. Originally constructed as a Class 30 with a Mirrlees engine, it was later rebuilt with the more dependable English Electric 12SVT power unit, becoming Class 31 No. 31210 under the TOPS renumbering scheme in 1974.
Over the course of its British Rail career, the locomotive worked a wide variety of passenger, freight and engineering services across the network, demonstrating the versatility for which the Brush Type 2s became renowned. It remained in service until its withdrawal in February 1992, then entered preservation, where it has benefited from an extensive restoration to return it to operational condition.
Its appearance at the Bluebell Railway marks a welcome return to the heritage railway circuit and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see two Class 31s operating together during the gala. Alongside 31108, 31210 will help recreate scenes familiar across Britain’s railways from the 1960s through to the closing years of British Rail.
The Bluebell Railway would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Hanson & Hall Rail Solutions for kindly making 31210 available to attend this year’s Diesel Gala. Their support is greatly appreciated and helps make this year’s event one of our strongest and most varied line-ups to date.
Class 60 No. 60028
The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome Class 60 No. 60028 to the 2026 Diesel Gala, making what we believe will be the first-ever visit by a Class 60 to the Bluebell Railway. Even more significantly, 60028 is also believed to be the first member of the class to reach East Grinstead via the Oxted Line, making its appearance a truly historic occasion for both the railway and enthusiasts alike.
Built by Brush Traction at Loughborough and entering service in October 1990, 60028 was one of 100 powerful Class 60 locomotives constructed for British Rail’s heavy freight operations. Designed specifically for hauling the heaviest aggregate, coal, petroleum and steel trains, the class was equipped with a 3,100hp Mirrlees MB275T diesel engine, Co-Co wheel arrangement and advanced microprocessor controls, making it one of the most capable freight locomotives ever built for the British railway network.
The locomotive was originally named ‘John Flamsteed’, in honour of Britain’s first Astronomer Royal, before passing into the ownership of English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) following privatisation, and later DB Schenker. In 2019, 60028 was acquired by DC Rail and repainted into the company’s distinctive aquamarine blue and white Cappagh Group livery, in which it appears today. More recently, the locomotive has benefitted from extensive mechanical attention as part of the successful ‘Super Sixty’ overhaul programme, ensuring these iconic freight locomotives continue to operate on the national network.
The Bluebell Railway is extremely grateful to DC Rail, part of the Cappagh Group of Companies, for kindly making 60028 available to attend this year’s Diesel Gala. Its appearance is set to be one of the highlights of the weekend and offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience one of Britain’s most powerful diesel freight locomotives operating on a heritage railway for what promises to be an unforgettable first visit.
Class 73/1 No.73128 ‘The Kent & East Sussex Railway’
The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome Class 73/1 No. 73128 The Kent & East Sussex Railway to the 2026 Diesel Gala. Representing one of Britain’s most distinctive and versatile locomotive classes, 73128 returns to Sussex as part of a strong Southern Region line-up, where it will be joined by fellow Class 73 E6040 The Bluebell Railway.
Built at English Electric’s Vulcan Foundry in 1965 as E6014, the locomotive was one of the Southern Region’s pioneering electro-diesel locomotives. Designed to operate from the 750V DC third-rail network or its own English Electric 600hp diesel engine, the Class 73s offered remarkable flexibility, working everything from express passenger trains and boat trains to freight, engineers’ trains and rescue duties. Their ability to seamlessly switch between electric and diesel power made them invaluable across the Southern Region for many decades.
Following refurbishment in the late 1980s, E6014 became 73128, emerging as a Class 73/1 with upgraded traction equipment and improved performance. Since then, it has enjoyed a varied career on both passenger and freight duties, continuing to demonstrate the adaptability that has made the class a firm favourite with enthusiasts.
Today, 73128 proudly carries the name The Kent & East Sussex Railway, recognising the close links between the locomotive and one of the country’s leading heritage railways. Its appearance at the Bluebell Railway provides a fantastic opportunity to see two Class 73s operating together, recreating scenes once commonplace across the Southern Region.
The Bluebell Railway would like to place on record its sincere thanks to GB Railfreight (GBRF) for kindly making 73128 The Kent & East Sussex Railway available to attend this year’s Diesel Gala. Its participation further strengthens what promises to be one of the most varied and exciting Southern Region diesel gatherings in recent years.
Class 419 Motor Luggage Vans (MLVs) 9001 and 9002
We’re delighted to announce that British Rail Class 419 Motor Luggage Vans (MLVs) Nos. 9001 & 9002 will be joining us for the Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala, taking place from 4–6 September 2026.
Built at Eastleigh Works between 1959 and 1961, the Class 419 MLVs were constructed for the famous Southern Region boat train services linking London Victoria with Dover and Folkestone. Essentially a powered luggage van with driving cabs at each end, they were designed to carry luggage, parcels and newspapers while working in multiple with Southern Region EMUs.
One of the Class 419’s most distinctive features was its onboard battery system, allowing the units to operate beyond the electrified third rail onto the non-electrified quayside tracks at Dover and Folkestone docks, where they transferred luggage directly to and from cross-Channel ferries. Following the end of the boat train era, the fleet was withdrawn in 1991–92, making preserved examples an increasingly rare sight today.
We’re incredibly grateful to Bob Baines and the EPB Preservation Society for kindly allowing 9001 and 9002 to take part in our 2026 Diesel Gala. Their support helps us showcase another fascinating chapter of Southern Region railway history, and we’re thrilled to welcome these unique vehicles to the Bluebell Railway.
Class 416 EPB No.5759
We’re delighted to announce that Class 416 (2-EPB) Driving Motor Brake Second No. 5759 will be attending the Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala, taking place from 4–6 September 2026.
Built at Eastleigh Works in 1956, No. 5759 is part of the iconic Class 416 (2-EPB) fleet, which served the Southern Region’s extensive third-rail network until 1995. The EPBs were developed in the early 1950s as British Railways’ new generation of suburban electric multiple units, replacing older Southern Railway stock and introducing electro-pneumatic braking, from which the class took its name.
Designed for the intensive commuter services across South London, Kent and Surrey, the 2-EPBs became synonymous with everyday travel on the Southern Region for more than four decades. Built at Eastleigh, Lancing and Ashford Works, they carried millions of passengers before eventually making way for the modern Networker fleet during the 1990s.
Today, 5759 is preserved and based at Southall, alongside fellow Southern Region vehicles Class 419 Motor Luggage Vans 9001 and 9002, helping to preserve the story of Britain’s third-rail electric railway heritage.
Our thanks go to the EPB Preservation Society for kindly allowing 5759, 9001 and 9002 to take part in our 2026 Diesel Gala. Their continued dedication to preserving these unique Southern Region vehicles allows enthusiasts to experience an important chapter in Britain’s railway history.
Class 201 ‘Hastings Unit’ DEMU No. 1001
The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome the return of a 4-car Class 201 ‘Hastings Unit’ No. 1001 to the 2026 Diesel Gala, marking the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of these distinctive units from regular service on the Hastings Line in 1986.
Built in the late 1950s for the former Southern Region, the Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) were specially designed to operate over the restricted loading gauge of the Tonbridge to Hastings route. Their unique narrow-bodied construction made them instantly recognisable, and they became a much-loved part of everyday life in Kent and Sussex for nearly three decades.
Following their withdrawal from British Rail service in 1986, No. 1001 was preserved with a number of other associated vehicles and driving trailers and has since been meticulously maintained by Hastings Diesels Limited, ensuring that this important part of Southern Region railway history continues to be enjoyed by future generations.
Visitors to the 2026 Diesel Gala will once again have the opportunity to experience this iconic unit in operation, providing a fitting tribute to one of the South East’s most distinctive diesel fleets.
The Bluebell Railway would like to express its sincere thanks to Hastings Diesels Limited for their continued support and generosity in allowing a 4-car Hastings Unit set to visit and take part in the 2026 Diesel Gala. We are delighted to welcome both the unit and its dedicated owners back to the railway.
Class 33/1 No.33108
We are delighted to welcome back 33108 to The Bluebell Railway and for its inclusion in this year’s Diesel Gala.
British Rail Class 33 locomotive 33108, originally numbered D6521, was built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company and entered service on 10 September 1960. Initially allocated to Hither Green, it was reallocated to Eastleigh in 1963, where it remained for the rest of its working life.
In 1967, D6521 was fitted with push-pull equipment, allowing it to operate with unpowered coaching stock in a push-pull configuration. This enabled diesels like 33108 to work with multiple units like 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ on non-electrified lines As a result, it was renumbered 33108 on 1 January 1974. The locomotive continued in service until its withdrawal on 24 May 1993, after which it was sold to the Class 33/1 Preservation Company in January 1997.
In preservation, 33108 has been based at various heritage railways, including the Swanage Railway and the Severn Valley Railway (SVR). It first visited the SVR for the 2012 Diesel Gala and returned for the Spring Diesel Festival in 2017. Following this, it has remained on loan to the SVR and is listed as part of their home diesel fleet.
We are very grateful to the 33/1 Preservation Company for allowing 33108 to take part in the 2026 Diesel Gala.
Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’
We are thrilled to announce that Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ will be a star guest at the Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala.
Originally entering service in July 1968 as D426, this English Electric Type 4 was built to haul express passenger trains on the West Coast Main Line. It was formally named Indomitable in March 1978, following the tradition of naming Class 50s after famous Royal Navy warships. After a hard-working career that ended in withdrawal in December 1990, the locomotive’s story almost came to a tragic end in the scrapyards of Rotherham.
In a remarkable rescue, it was saved from the cutter’s torch and underwent a meticulous, 20-year restoration. Today, Indomitable stands as a testament to the dedication of diesel preservation, often resplendent in its iconic Network SouthEast livery—fitting perfectly with our 2026 gala’s 40th anniversary celebration of Network SouthEast.
A Special Thank You
This visit is made possible through the generosity of its owner, Paul Spracklen, and PTG Tours. We are incredibly grateful to Paul and the team at PTG Tours for their continued support of railway preservation and for allowing this magnificent machine to join us in Sussex this September.
Class 03 No. 03179 ‘Clive’
We are delighted to welcome Class 03 No. 03179 “Clive” as a visiting locomotive to this year’s Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala.
Built at Swindon Works in 1962 as D2179, the locomotive spent its early years working across the British Rail network before receiving its TOPS renumbering to become 03179. Like many members of the Class 03 fleet, it performed a wide variety of duties across the mainland until the gradual withdrawal of the class by British Rail during the late 1980s.
Rather than facing retirement immediately, 03179 found a new lease of life on the Isle of Wight, where it was transferred to undertake engineering and departmental duties supporting railway operations on the Island.
During this period, the locomotive gained one of its most recognisable appearances when it was repainted into Network SouthEast’s iconic red, white and blue livery, becoming a distinctive sight while continuing in service.
Following its Island career, 03179 returned to the mainland in 1988 after being sold into private ownership, continuing to work with private operators and extending its already impressive operational life.
In 2016, after decades of continued service, the locomotive was withdrawn pending a full overhaul — marking the end of an extraordinary chapter as the final Class 03 to remain in active service.
Following restoration to working order, 03179 returned home to the Isle of Wight, preserving both its unique history and ensuring future generations can continue to experience one of British Rail’s enduring diesel shunters in action.
A Special Thank You
We are incredibly grateful to Andy West and The Isle of Wight Railway Company Ltd for making this visit possible and look forward to seeing 03179 back in operation at the Bluebell Railway this September.
BR Class 31 No. 31108
We are delighted to welcome Class 31108 to our Diesel Gala line up for 2026.
Constructed in 1959 by Brush Traction at Loughborough as D5526, BR Class 31 No. 31108 is a fine representative of one of British Railways’ most versatile and enduring diesel locomotive classes. Designed for mixed-traffic duties, Class 31s became a familiar sight across the national network, hauling passenger, freight and departmental services throughout much of Britain.
During its mainline career, 31108 spent over 30 years in service, operating primarily on British Rail’s Eastern Region before later being allocated to Immingham TMD. In its final years on the national network, the locomotive carried the distinctive Railfreight grey livery before being withdrawn from service on 27 September 1991 following engine problems.
Recognising its historical significance, A1A Locos Ltd acquired the locomotive for preservation in 1995. Transported to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley in a non-operational condition, 31108 underwent an extensive programme of mechanical overhaul and cosmetic restoration. After five years of dedicated work by the society’s volunteers, the locomotive returned to traffic in 2000 and has since become a regular performer at heritage railways and enthusiast events around the country.
Today, No. 31108 continues to demonstrate the reliability and versatility that made the Class 31 such a successful design, allowing new generations to experience an important chapter in Britain’s diesel railway history.
The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome BR Class 31 No. 31108 to this event and extends its sincere thanks to A1A Locos Ltd for making the locomotive’s appearance possible.
British Rail Class 421 4-CIG No. 1753 (DTC 76048)
We are delighted to welcome DTC 76048 from British Rail Class 421 4-CIG No. 1753 as a special static exhibit for our gala weekend – and as the last gala visitor to be announced for the 2026 Diesel Gala. Our thanks go to Neil Bird and the Network SouthEast Friends (NSERLS) for making this unique piece of Southern Region and Network SouthEast history available for visitors to see.
Built at BR’s Holgate Road Carriage Works in York, No. 1753 was one of the first-generation Class 421 4-CIG units introduced in 1964–65 for services on the Southern Region. The 4-CIGs were four-car electric multiple units, consisting of two driving trailer composites, a motor brake vehicle and an intermediate trailer. Equipped for operation from the Southern Region’s 750V DC third-rail system, they became a familiar sight across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and into London.
No. 1753 spent around four decades in passenger service, carrying generations of commuters, families and travellers across the South. It also represents the distinctive era of Network SouthEast, the sector created by British Rail in 1986, under whose colours these trains became an iconic part of the railway landscape.
Following withdrawal from main-line service, No. 1753 was preserved in 2005 by the Network SouthEast Railway Society. Today, it is recognised as the only complete and original preserved Phase 1 4-CIG unit, making its survival particularly significant. The unit is currently undergoing an ambitious restoration with the aim of returning it to its Network SouthEast condition and, ultimately, main-line standard.
For our gala weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to see the driving trailer, providing a fascinating insight into the electric railway that once connected the communities of the South with London.
No. 1753 is the final guest visitor to be announced for the 2026 Diesel Gala, bringing an additional piece of Southern Region and Network SouthEast history to what promises to be a fantastic weekend of heritage diesel traction.
