Home»All Photographs»Heritage Railways»GCR»2023»2023_09_01 Autumn Diesel Gala

The Autumn Diesel Gala on the GCR in 2023 was a much more ‘low key’ event compared with many in previous, pre-pandemic years. However, in these difficult times for Heritage Railways, all of which are facing rising costs and staffing shortages, it was a significant achievement to put on as bold a show as they did. There was only one guest locomotive, D5054 visiting from the East Lancashire Railway, but it was supported by a sensibly chosen selection of home based motive power with as much of a 1960s feel as possible. It was a shame that 37 714 and 50 017 are in much later liveries; but they were available and running well which is most important. I visited only on Friday 1st September, partly due to the weather forecast being significantly better than for the following day but mostly because Sunday, which had the best forecast, had the final “Shakespeare Express” of the summer season. It was an enjoyable day that was spoiled by a trivial matter that I shall not reveal while I am taking legal advice.