THE thunderous roar of a legendary diesel locomotive will echo through the Severn Valley this Christmas as a special guest joins the railway's annual Winter Diesel Day.
Deltic locomotive 55009 will visit the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) on Tuesday, December 29, marking the first time the event has featured a visiting locomotive.
The engine will join the railway's existing diesel fleet for a day of services along the 16.5-mile route between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
The visit has been arranged through the railway's relationship with Rail Adventure and the Deltic Preservation Society.
Locomotive 55009 is currently undergoing recertification for main line operations, allowing an opportunity for it to appear at the heritage railway.
Gus Dunster, chief executive of the Severn Valley Railway, said: "We're incredibly grateful to the owners and operators of 55009 for making this visit possible.
"It's a real privilege to welcome such an iconic locomotive to the valley, and we're looking forward to seeing it working alongside our own diesel fleet.
"Winter Diesel Day has become a firm fixture in the SVR calendar, and having a visiting locomotive for the first time makes this year's event particularly special."
Visitors can expect a busy timetable featuring the railway's home diesel fleet alongside the visiting Deltic.
Steam-heated heritage carriages will be in operation throughout the day.
And the Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley will open from 10.45am until 4.30pm, with last admission at 4pm.
Station gift shops, cafés and refreshment kiosks will also be open, plus visitors can enjoy the railway's two pubs.
The Severn Valley Railway, which marked its 60th anniversary in 2025, welcomes up to 250,000 visitors annually.
The heritage line is supported by more than 1,600 volunteers and operates regular steam and diesel services between Worcestershire and Shropshire.
Tickets for Winter Diesel Day are now available, with further information and booking details are available via the Severn Valley Railway website.
Share