Train given makeover ahead of diesel gala

The Drewry 0-6 0DM shunter, British Rail Class 04 No. D2280, will be on static display at the Diesel Gala in July

A shunting locomotive has been painted in 1960s colours, which includes a British Railway late crest and wasp stripes, ahead of a gala.

One of Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway's resident diesel-mechanical trains, the Drewry 0-6 0DM shunter, British Rail Class 04 No. D2280, will be on static display at the Diesel Gala, in Toddington, between 12 and 14 July.

The event will include train rides, exhibitions and carriage and wagon workshops.

Alex Farran, from the railway, said: "Visitors will be able to see some of the impressive work that our volunteers undertake to maintain and restore our wonderful collection of heritage diesel traction.

"Trains will be operating along the full length of the line between Broadway and Cheltenham Racecourse over the three-day event, with up-to eight locomotives and a diesel multiple unit (DMU) in service running to an intensive timetable," he added.

The event will include train rides, exhibitions and carriage and wagon workshops

Drewry Car Co. Ltd. developed 142 locomotives for British Railways (BR), with construction being carried out in several batches between 1947 and 1962 by Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows, and later, Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns (RSH) in North East England.

Used for shunting operations in yards and docks, as well as light freight services, the Drewry shunters were fitted with 204 hp (152 kW) Gardner 8-cylinder, 4 stroke diesel engines (8L3), with a Wilson-Drewry CA5 R7, 5-speed epicyclic gearbox and jackshaft drive.

Withdrawals of the class began in 1967, with all BR examples being taken out of service by 1972.

Following withdrawal from BR, D2280, the same model which will be on display, was later sold to the Ford Motor Company for industrial use in 1971.

Whilst at Ford, the shunter was renumbered to No 2 and remained in active service with the car manufacturer for several years until being withdrawn in 1996.