Diesel Gala at the Watercress Line

Date/Time
Date(s) - 14/07/2023 - 16/07/2023
8:45 am - 6:30 pm

Location.
Ropley Station
Ropley Station, Station Road,
Ropley, Ropley Dean,
Hampshire,
SO24 0BL.

Event Description

Join us for our annual three day DIESEL GALA with visiting diesel engines and our home fleet of diesel locomotives.

ENJOY THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS & SMELLS OF A WEEKEND OF HERITAGE DIESEL TRACTION ALONG THE HISTORIC WATERCRESS LINE.

An intensive train service will be operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction.

VISITING LOCOMOTIVES

We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the Diesel Gala has been confirmed as Class 33/0 D6515 (33012) “Lt. Jenny Lewis RN”, courtesy of our friends in the 71A Locomotive Group, based at the Swanage Railway.

Built in July 1960 by the Birmingham Carriage & Wagon Company in Smethwick, D6515 was delivered new to Hither Green depot on the South Eastern section of the Southern Region. D6515 latterly numbered as 33012 also spent time allocated to Eastleigh and Stewarts Lane depots.

There will be opportunities to travel behind this fabulous locomotive over the weekend.

More visitor announcements to come!

 WHAT’S ON?

• Visit the viewing galleries at Ropley
• Enjoy the miniature Railway open at Ropley (Saturday)
• View our Goods Shed exhibition ‘Delivering the Goods’ at Medstead & Four Marks Station
• Browse society stands and displays at Ropley station
• Visit our museum upstairs in the Goods Shed at Alresford station, currently exhibiting artefacts from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust (Fri 14th & Sat 15 July)
• Enjoy real ale, wine and soft drinks at the Beer Junction located at Ropley which will be open during the day, and hot food & drink at the West Country Buffet and T-Junction
• Check out the gift shop downstairs in the Old Goods Shed at Alresford station selling fabulous gifts, stationary, toys, books and more

TIMETABLE:

We are planning to run:

• Friday 14 July: 8:50am – 10:30pm
• Saturday 15 July: 8:50am to 6:28pm
• Sunday 16 July: 9:05am – 6:30pm

Visit our website for visiting loco updates and to view the timetable: www.watercressline.co.uk/diesel-gala.

FULL TIMETABLE AVAILABLE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD ON OUR WEBSITE.

 

TICKETS – ONE DAY  (2 & 3 DAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE):

• ADULTS AGE 17+:             Online Booking: £33 / On the Day: £35
• CHILDREN AGE 5-16:       Online Booking: £20 / On the Day: £23
• CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS:                          Online Booking: FREE / On the Day: FREE
• FAMILY (1 ADULT & 3 CHILDREN):             Online Booking: £54 / On the Day: £59
• FAMILY (2 ADULTS & 3 CHILDREN):           Online Booking: £92 / On the Day: £94

PARKING:

• The field at Ropley will provide FREE car parking.
• Sat nav: Station Hill, Ropley, SO24 0BL.
• Disabled drop-off at Ropley station available and parking in the field.

Event Contact Information

Website Address: https://watercressline.co.uk/diesel-gala
Contact Telephone Number: 01962 733810