Diesels at 65 Event - 29th - 31st August 2026

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.

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.