Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group

06/06/2026

Hi All,

Apologies for late notice 26043 will now not be working on Sunday 7th June instead 24081 will cover this turn.

04/06/2026

A restoration story from this day in 2014. We found many bizzare maintenance compromises on the 45 during restoration. Which we rectified, from mouse nests to gaskets with under size holes, rectified with stainless steel plates with correct diameter bore.

31/05/2026

26043 31-05-2026 Broadway

31/05/2026

Hope you can join us!

Now that got your attention!

The poster may be hanging upside down, but our Cotswold Diesel Gala plans are the right way up! We're busy preparing for a fantastic weekend of diesel action from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July.

Event Highlights:

- Intensive timetable running across all three days
- A chance to clock up mileage behind each locomotive
- Our 2x class 20 locomotives will work in multi all weekend
- The full diesel fleet of locomotives will be working all weekend.

Visiting Locomotives:
- BR Class 27, No. 27056 courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group.
- BR Class 25, No. 25262 courtesy of the South Devon Diesel Traction Ltd.
- BR Class 35, No. D7018 courtesy of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd.

Sunday Only: This year we also pay tribute to Pathfinder Railtours, which ceased trading at the end of 2025 following its final tour on 20th December hauled by D1015 Western Champion. The Gloucestershire-based company, founded by Peter Watts, organised railtours across the country from 1973 and became a much-loved name in the enthusiast scene. Fittingly, several of our resident diesel locomotives have themselves hauled Pathfinder excursions over the years. Throughout Sunday we will see all of our trains bearing one of the headboards from their past excursions. This will also be the final time to meet the former Pathfinder team at the railway, including Peter.

Gotherington Station will be open for light refreshments on the privately owned station during the gala. So, jump off, relax and ride the Wickham Trolley or have a go on the pump trolley!

Winchcombe Station will feature a huge OO model railway inside the Tim Mitchell building of Norton Junction, a professionally built layout built by Phil Bullock from Worcestershire.

At Toddington, visit the Diesel Shed for a host of trade stands and model railways! Plus shunter rides in the yard!

More details soon!

Book your tickets here: gwsr.com/whats-on/cotswold-diesel-gala-2026

30/05/2026

Confirmed - having arrived back from its visit at the GCR, 26 043 will operate this afternoons Purple timetable diesel diagram and tomorrows Pink timetable at the GWSR. These are both in place of the originally advertised 45 149

29/05/2026

Hi All,

Good news 26043 should arrive back at Toddington this evening 29th May, subject to passing its Fitness to Run exam on Saturday morning it will work Purple Timetable on Saturday 30th and Pink Timetable on Sunday 30th May.

27/05/2026

Hi All,

Unfortunately, both 26043 and 45149 will not be operating as originally advertised this week and weekend.27-31st May 2026.

Apologies for any disappointment caused.

23/05/2026

23-05-2026 a last look of 26043 at Loughborough Shed for our current visit to the Great Central Railway. With D123/45125. Thanks to the team at The Great Central Railway for an enjoyable visit!

22/05/2026

22/05/2026

22-05-2026 26043 and 27056 Leicester North