Railcar50

© 2010 DMU Group (West Midlands)

This page last updated
24 October 2011

A special event that was organised by the DMU Group (West Midlands) and held on the Severn Valley Railway during October 2004. It was connected to a celebration of some 50 years since the introduction by British Railways of this 'first generation' type of diesel multiple unit. It was rumoured more visitors turned up for this event than for a regular diesel locomotive gala.

15th to 17th October 2004

Severn Valley Railway

It was an all DMU train service on Friday 15th October

DMU plus two steam engines were in operation Saturday 16th October

DMU plus two steam engines were in operation Sunday 17th October

This event was quite unique and due to the sheer number of preserved DMU's in attendance, in operation and the high DMU service intensity it is was believed at the time that it would be most unlikely to ever be able to be repeated anywhere in the world ever again !!

A special Evening Rail Cruise from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth ran on the Saturday night comprising of TWELVE DMU cars coupled together - believed to have been a first in railway preservation.

Could not have taken place without the support of a number of other DMU preservation groups throughout the UK, financial assistance by the Heritage Lottery Fund plus a great deal of time and organisational effort by the DMU Group (West Midlands) and others.

If you were not there you certainly missed something spectacular.

At that time we did say that now the event has gone, it will most likely be gone forever - unless .................. ?

However, another DMU Gala is being planned for 2010. Put the date in your diary now!

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