Join us this August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 29th to Monday 31st August) as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of some of our much-loved diesel locomotives and mark 65 years since the iconic Class 35 ‘Hymek’ locomotives entered service on British Railways!
We're marking this special milestone with our Class 09 No. D4107, Class 33 "Crompton" locomotives Nos. D6566 and D6575, and Class 35 "Hymek" locomotives Nos. D7017 and D7018, all proudly cared for by the DEPG team at Williton.
Fo three days, the beautiful Quantock Hills and West Somerset coast will echo to the unmistakable sounds of Sulzer and Maybach power as these heritage locomotives take centre stage.
A special event timetable will be in operation throughout the weekend, with plenty of opportunities to travel behind these 65-year-old locomotives. Working both individually and in combination, the locos will recreate the atmosphere of our hugely popular Hymek 50 Years event, offering an exciting experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike.
To add to the atmosphere, a supporting steam service will also be in operation, helping to recreate the scene as it would have been when these very diesels first entered service 65 years ago.
The DEPG will be holding an ‘Open Yard‘ event at Williton on all three days of the August Bank Holiday weekend and the ‘Irie 7’ hot food and drinks van will be on site along with Rod’s Model Railways Sales Stand. The locos in the yard will be open for cab visits and shed visits will be available by arrangement with the volunteers on site,
At Bishops Lydeard, the Gauge Museum will be joining the celebrations with additional diesel-era exhibits and themed model railway displays and demonstrations. There will be storyboards on display in the museum, giving detailed information about the locomotives featured in this special weekend.
Whether you're a rail enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, we'd love you to come along and help us celebrate this special anniversary.
We look forward to welcoming you to the railway and Williton for what promises to be a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend!
Event Highlights:
- Five Home Fleet Diesels in Action – See Class 09 No. D4107, Class 33 "Crompton" Nos. D6566 & D6575 and Class 35 "Hymek” Nos. D7017 & D7018 working throughout the weekend.
- High Mileage Diagrams – Experience our heritage diesel fleet working intensive timetables throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, with plenty of opportunities to travel behind these classic locomotives.
- Return of D7018 – Welcome back Class 35 'Hymek' D7018 as it returns to the West Somerset Railway following a period away from the railway.
- Class 09 to Williton – Enjoy the rare opportunity to travel behind Class 09 No. D4107 on passenger services to and from Williton.
- Single, Top & Tail and Double-Heading Operations – Experience our heritage diesel fleet working in a variety of formations, including single locomotive workings, top-and-tail services and impressive double-headed trains, recreating the unforgettable sights and sounds of the diesel era as they echo through the Quantock Hills and along the West Somerset coast.
- Steam Service in Operation – Adding to the atmosphere, a supporting steam service will also be in operation, helping to recreate the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the railway scene when these very diesel locomotives first entered service 65 years ago.
- DEPG Open Yard – Visit the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's Williton depot, get up close to the preserved fleet, enjoy cab visits and shed tours (subject to volunteer availability), and meet the volunteers dedicated to preserving these iconic locomotives for future generations.
- Visit Rod's Model Railways Sales Stand at the DEPG depot at Williton, where you'll find a great selection of model railway locomotives, rolling stock and accessories for sale throughout the weekend.
Please note: There are currently roadworks taking place on the A358 in Taunton - there is a diversion in place heading towards Bishops Lydeard. Therefore, please allow extra time for your journey. A one way single lane closure will be in operation between Silk Mills Roundabout and Manor Road junction for a scheduled 12 week programme between 20th July and October 2026. Traffic will be allowed to access Taunton via the A358 from the Minehead direction. Traffic leaving Taunton towards the west will be directed via Wellington Road (A38) and Silk Mills Road (A3065). Please see the following website for further information: https://staplegrove-highwayworks.co.uk/
DATES & TIMES
Dates & Times |
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Prices | |
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| Prices for this event could vary from day to day, click the links above to see prices for your chosen date. | |
| Ticket Type | In advance Price | On the day |
| Adult 1 Day Rover | £36.00 | £38.00 |
| Child (aged 5-15) 1 Day Rover | £18.00 | £19.00 |
| Family 1 Day Rover (2 adults+ 2 chidren) | £90.00 | £95,00 |
| Under 5's | FREE | FREE |
| Dog 1 Day Rover | £3.50 | £3.50 |
| Adult 2 Day Rover | £64.00 | £68.00 |
| Child (aged 5-15) 2 Day Rover | £32.00 | £34.00 |
| Adult 3 Day Rover | £96.00 | £102.00 |
| Child (aged 5-15) 3 Day Rover | £48.00 | £51.00 |
As Diesel at 65 is a Purple Event, Annual Passes are not valid for travel during this event. A valid event ticket must be purchased.
PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS INSTRUCTIONS FOR MULTIPLE DAYS
When purchasing a multi-day ticket, the system will add the first day automatically according to which 'Book Now' button you select. For example if you select the 'Book Now' button next to 29th August, 29th August will be added to your booking. You then need to select the type of multi day ticket you require: a two day or three rover.
Once you have selected which multi day ticket you require, you will then be required to select each additional day you wish to travel. Please remember, one day has already been added when you added the item to your basket. You must add each day individually to your ticket. Please make sure you check that you have not accidentally selected the same day twice and have booked for the correct days.
If you have any issues booking your tickets please feel free to contact us either by email via [email protected] or by phone on 01643 704996 and we will be more than happy to help you.
DATES & TIMES
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