There you have it! After several months of labour to replace worn liner seals, amongst other work, D6948 returned to action (albeit on test) on Wednesday 1 July 2026 joining sister, 37215 on the rostered RED timetable trip. A timely return given that the Diesel Gala looms large on the horizon and it wouldn’t be the same without both our Class 37s being available.
From the reports of those in attendance, the test run went well and without major incident. The plan is to now get some mileage under the belt of the ‘Green Machine’ to check for any delayed issues prior to a return to full service in time for the Gala at the end of the month. For that reason, if you are looking at joining us at the GWR for any of the Class 37 rostered runs before the Gala, you will notice on the updated ‘Loco Roster’ page that there are a couple of turns listed as TBC and the turns rostered for 37215 may change to D6948 late in the day.
As I’ve mentioned it twice already, a reminder (if you need it!) that the 2026 Diesel Gala is upon us at the GWR. This year sees us build on the huge success of last years’ format with the addition of three guest locomotives, inclusion of the Class 122 ‘bubble car’ and a few other things to ‘wet the whistle’. Loco allocations are still being organised – as you can imagine, trying to organise 12 locomotives and 1 DMU into a fair and even timetable is a job and a half – but these will be available when finalised. For all the up to date information go to https://gwsr.com/whats-on/cotswold-diesel-gala-2026/
We are also running our popular pre-Gala, Evening Photo Shoot on Thursday 23 July. It is a ticket only event and these need to be purchased in advance. You can do that here => https://gwsr.com/whats-on/toddington-diesel-night-shoot/
At the Gala, our Sales Stand will be in attendance as always. We are always on the look out for new volunteers to help us man the stall over the 3 days. No experience is necessary, although you do need to be a Group member to help. If you are interested in helping, even if just for a few hours, then please contact either myself (Publicity Officer) at [email protected] or Andy Laws, our Sales Officer, on [email protected]. It is a great way to get involved in the group especially if you are unable to get ‘hands-on’ with the locos.
Andy is busy ordering new merchandise stock for the Gala which will include some new items purely for the Gala. We will also have for sale copies of the fantastic new 2-volume book by Dr. Michael Rhodes, The Class 37 Album which takes a pictorial look at each member of the class in their various guises throughout the years and, we will be taking reservations for the upcoming Limited Edition print from ex-England Wicket-keeper, and Growler Group member, Jack Russell of both our Class 37s in action on departure from Toddington. Remember, we will only have a limited number of these prints from Jack, so get your order in fast!
Beyond the Gala, the remainder of 2026 looks very busy for the Group with our running days at the GWR but also other events where the Sales Stand will be in attendance. Firstly, we have a very important anniversary as The Growler Group turns 40 and we will be celebrating with a ‘Members Day’ on Friday 21 August 2026. This will see both of our locos in operation, covering 84 miles of the GWR. We will have our Sales Stand on the train along with a ‘Beer Coach’ to help us celebrate one of the longest running preservation groups in the UK.
Tickets are available from our Webstore exclusively (GWSR/HRA Tickets and passes are not accepted for this event). Adult tickets are priced at £30 (£25 for Growler Group members – you will need your member number), Child 5-15 years old at £20 and children under 5 go free.
Finally, although not a Growler Group event (although many of the organisers are GG members), our Sales Stand will be on board with 6975 at the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway for the Non-Staggered Grille Group’s ‘Autumn Blues Running Day‘ on Friday 2nd October 2026. Details are in the poster below.
