Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Dean Forest Railway
9681 north of Lydney Junction station
LocaleWest Gloucestershire
Commercial operations
Built bySevern & Wye Railway
Original gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) (prior to 1868)
7 ft 14 in (2,140 mm) Brunel gauge (1868 to 1872)
4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge (from 1872)
Preserved operations
Stations5 open
Length4+14 miles (6.8 km)
Preserved gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Commercial history
Opened1813
1868Converted to7 ft 14 in (2,140 mm) Brunel gauge
1872Converted to4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Closed1977
Preservation history
1970The Society is formed
1971First open day at Parkend
1978First open day at Norchard
1983The Duke of Gloucester visits
1986Route purchased from BR
1991Norchard to Lakeside opened
1995Lakeside to Junction opened
2001Lydney Town opened
2002Norchard to Tufts opened
2003Tufts to Whitecroft opened
2006Parkend opened by Princess Anne
2012Whitecroft opened
HeadquartersNorchard

The Dean Forest Railway is a4+14-mile (6.8 km) long heritage railway that runs between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

The route was part of the former Severn and Wye Railway which ran from Lydney to Cinderford. The society that operates the line started steam locomotive operations in 1971, and bought the trackbed and line from British Rail in 1986, reaching Lydney Junction in 1995 and Parkend in 2005.[1] Trains are operated by both steam and heritage diesel locomotives, and heritage diesel multiple units.

The Dean Forest Railway has been given the former Panteg and Griffithstown railway station building. Its removal was completed in June 2016, and is expected to be placed at the new upcoming Speech House Road.

CrossCountry are now providing a combined fare for travel to Lydney mainline station (on CrossCountry services only) and then onto the Dean Forest Railway.[2][3]

The Dean Forest Railway plans to extend its heritage services a further2+12 miles (4.0 km) through/into the middle of the Royal Forest at Speech House Road (close to the nearby Beechenhurst Visitor Attraction), bringing the line to a total of about6+34 miles (10.9 km) in length.[4] In 2016, DFR's director of civil engineering and director of development Jason Shirley announced plans to expand the railway to Cinderford. The project's status as a strategic regional development means that a large proportion of the estimated £8million cost could be met by Government funding.[5]

Stations and Junctions of the DFR

Dean Forest Railway
Parkend
Whitecroft
Tufts Bridge
over River Lyd
Severn and Wye Railway
to Princess Royal Colliery
Tufts Junction
Norchard
High Level | Low Level
Lydney Town
St Mary's Halt
Pidcock's Canal
Lydney Junction National Rail
for Gloucester–Newport line
Railway lines in Lydney
For canal icons used below, please refer to waterways legend.


Princess Royal Colliery
Tufts Junction
Tinworks
adjacent to Lydney Junction
Tufts Bridge
Norchard High Level
Norchard Low Level
Engine Shed
adjacent to Lydney Junction
Lydney Town
St Mary's Halt
Lydney Junction
Severn Bridge Tunnel
Severn Bridge
Lydney
Pidcock's Canal
Severn Railway Bridge
(Dismantled 1970)
Forges
Lydney Canal
Lower Docks
Upper Docks
Swing bridge over
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
Locks onto River Severn
River Severn

Proposed future extension

Locomotives

Steam

Number & NameDescriptionCurrent StatusLiveryImage
No. 5541GWR 4575 Class 2-6-2TOperational. Built in 1928 and owned by the Dean Forest Locomotive Group. Boiler ticket expires end of December 2024.BR lined Green with late crest
NCB No. 3880/WD 152 "Rennes"Austerity 0-6-0STUnder Overhaul. Built in 1944.LMR Blue
No. 2221Andrew Barclay 0-4-0STUnder Overhaul. Built in 1946.N/A
No. 9681BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 5700 ClassOperational; completed its overhaul in November 2022. Built in 1949 and owned by the Dean Forest Locomotive Group.BR Black (Early Emblem)
No. 9682BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 5700 ClassUnder overhaul. Bought by the Dean Forest Locomotive Group in late 2018, having been partially overhauled under previous owners; the GWR Preservation Group Ltd. Built in 1949, 9682 was the 100th locomotive to leave Barry Scrapyard.BR Black
No. 2147 "Uskmouth 1"Peckett and Sons 0-4-0STOperational. Built in 1952 and bought by the DFR, in 1971. DFR's first loco.Light Green
No. 3806 "Wilbert"Austerity 0-6-0STStored. Built in 1953 and arrived in 1973. Named after Rev. W. Awdry in 1987. Formerly G.B Keeling.Dark Blue with Red Lining
No. 3823 "Warrior"Austerity 0-6-0STStored. Built in 1954.NCB Red
NCB No. 3889/NCB 65Austerity 0-6-0STStored at Lydney Junction. Built in 1964.Departmental Yellow
No 2411 (Gloria)Hunslet 50550 Class 0-6-0STStored at Lydney Junction. Built in 1941.
No 2413 GunbyHunslet 50550 Class 0-6-0STUnder overhaul. Built in 1941.Lined Black

Diesel and electric

Number & NameDescriptionCurrent StatusLiveryYearImage
No. 4210127Fowler 0-4-0DM Diesel ShunterStored awaiting overhaul.N/A
No. 5622 "Don Corbett"Hunslet 0-4-0 Diesel ShunterOperationalDepartmental Yellow with Wasp-Stripe bufferbeams
No. 6688 "Salty"Hunslet 0-4-0 Diesel ShunterUndergoing overhaul, Arrived from the Barry Island Railway in January 2009.Red with Yellow ends and Wasp-Stripes1968
No. 08769 (D3937) "Gladys"BR 0-6-0DE Class 08Operational. Re-entered service in 2013.BR Blue with wasp stripes1960
No. D9521BR 0-6-0 Class 14OperationalBR Blue1964
No. D9555BR 0-6-0 Class 14Away getting repairsBR Green1965
No. E50619BR Class 108 DMBSOperationalBR Green1958
No. M51566BR Class 108 DMCLOperationalBR Green1959
No. M51914BR Class 108 DMBSOperationalBR Green1961
No. M56492BR Class 108 DTCLOperationalBR Green1960
No. M59387BR Class 108 TSLOperationalBR Green1958

Former Steam Locomotives

Number & NameDescriptionCurrent StatusLiveryImage
No. 1450GWR 0-4-2T 1400 ClassUndergoing overhaul; at the Severn Valley Railway. Built in 1935. Was resident from 2004 until early 2014.GWR green (as pictured)
No. 9642BR(W) 0-6-0PT 5700 ClassUndergoing overhaul. Resident from 1998 to 2004 when owned by the South Wales Pannier Group. Sold to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in 2005. Built in 1946BR Black (Early Emblem)
No. 813GWR Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0STStored awaiting repairs. Now at the Severn Valley Railway. Built in 1901. Was on hire for the 2004 season.GWR Green 1929-34 Livery
No. 5521GWR 2-6-2T 4575 ClassUnder overhaul at the Flour Mill. Built in 1928. Had running in tests during early 2007, before spells on the railway between 2010 and 2012, before returning briefly in October 2016 appearing as L150.London Transport Maroon, running as number L.150.
No. 5538GWR 2-6-2T 4575 ClassUnder overhaul at the Flour Mill. Built in 1928.
No. 4953 "Pitchford Hall"GWR 4900 ClassOperational. Spent its early years of Preservation at the DFR. Now at the Epping Ongar Railway. Built in 1929BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)
No. 4150GWR 2-6-2T 5101 ClassRestoration in progress at the Severn Valley Railway. Spent its early years of Preservation at the DFR 1974 - 1977. Built in 1947.BR Green
28Taff Vale Railway O1 classRestoration in progress at the Gwili Railway. Was at the DFR in 1990s Built in 1897.GWR Green
GWR 7800 Class 7812 'Erlestoke Manor'GWR 7800 ClassUnder Overhaul at Tyseley Locomotive Works, but based at the Severn Valley Railway. Spend its early years of Preservation at the DFR. Built in 1939BR Green

Visiting Steam Locomotives

Number & NameDescriptionCurrent StatusLiveryImage
Rocket (replica)Stephenson's RocketOperational, Visited the DFR in 2010 Built in 1979.Yellow
No1722 ‘Rocket"Peckett and Sons 0-4-0STOperational, visited the DFR for the DFR 50 gala in 2021. Built in 1926Blue
Rosyth No. 1Andrew Barclay 0-4-0STOperational, visited the DFR in 2023. Built in 1914Green
WD 132 SapperHunslet Austerity 0-6-0STUnder Overhaul, Visited the DFR in 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2024. Built in 1944WD Green
75008 SwiftsureHunslet Austerity 0-6-0STOperational, Visited the DFR in 2017 / 2018. Back at the DFR in June 2021. Dual Braked. Built in 1943LMR Blue
JessieHunslet Austerity 0-6-0STOperational, and had visited the DFR for their Day Out with Thomas events as Thomas the Tank Engine. Also was on loan for most of 2006 in normal state. Having been working at Llangollen Railway for many years, 2019 saw a move to the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway and return for the 2019 Gala. Return for the first half of the 2021 season. Built in 1937.Black with Wasp Stripes
401 VulcanW.G Bagnall 0-6-0ST "New Standard 18"Operational, Visited the DFR in 2023 Built in 1951Steel Company of Wales
No. 30587LSWR 0298 ClassStatic Display, Visited the DFR in 2009 for the Severn & Wye 200th Anniversary Gala and then in 2016 for the Flour Mill 20th Anniversary Gala. Built in 1874.BR Black with early emblem
No. 30120LSWR T9 ClassStored, Visited the DFR in 2016 for the Flour Mill 20th Anniversary Gala. Built in 1899.BR Lined Black with early emblem
Met No.1Metropolitan Railway E ClassUndergoing overhaul, Visited the DFR in 2016 for the Flour Mill 20th Anniversary Gala. Built in 1898.Metropolitan Railways Red
41708 (1704)Midland Railway 1377 ClassNon Operational, Visited the DFR in 1994 and when run as a half cab now at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. Built in 1880BR Black with early emblem
47383LMS Fowler Class 3FStatic Display, Visited the DFR in 1995 now at Severn Valley Railway. Built in 1926BR Green with early emblem
No. 41312LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T 1312Operational, Visited the DFR in 2018 for the Royal Forest of Steam Gala. Built in 1952.BR Black with late emblem
1340GWR_No._1340_TrojanOperational. Visited the DFR in 2023. Built in 1897GWR Green
1369GWR 1366 ClassOperational. Visited the DFR in 1996 and 2023. Built in 1934GWR Green with Shirtbutton Emblem
1466GWR 1400 ClassUnder Overhaul at Norchard by Western Steam Engineering and due to return to traffic by 2023. Visited the DFR in 1995. Built in 1934BR Green with early emblem
No. 7754BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 5700 ClassUndergoing overhaul. Visited the DFR in 1997 and 1998. Normally based at the Llangollen Railway. Built in 1930.BR Black (Early Emblem)
No. 6412BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 6400 ClassOperational. Visited the DFR in 1998. Normally based at the South Devon Railway. Built in 1934.BR Green
City of Truro 3440 (3717)GWR 3700 Class, or City Class, 4-4-0Non Operational, Visited the DFR in 1991 for the opening of St Marys Halt (then called Lydney Lakeside) and again in 2010 for 200th anniversary of the Severn & Wye Railway. Built in 1903GWR Green
GWR 7800 Class 7802 'Bradley Manor'GWR 7800 ClassUndergoing repairs, at the Severn Valley Railway. Visited the DFR in 2006 for the opening of Parkend. Built in 1938BR Green
3205GWR 2251 ClassStored, at the South Devon Railway . Visited the DFR in 2001 . Built in 1946GWR Green
5199GWR 5101 ClassOperational, at the Llangollen Railway. Visited the DFR in 2019 . Built in 1934BR Black

Former Diesel Locomotives and Multiple units

Number & NameDescriptionCurrent StatusLiveryImage
No. 2145Hunslet 0-4-0DM Diesel ShunterMoved to Tanet Valley Light RailwayGreen
No. 3947 "Planet" (Formerly "Pluto")Hibberd 0-4-0DM ShunterMoved to the Vale of Berkeley Railway in 2022Green
No. 08238 (13308 / D3308) "Charlie"BR 0-6-0DE Class 08moved to NYMRBR Blue with Wasp Stripes
No. 08473BR Class 08Scrapped, Spares for 08734.But the chassis, cab, wheels and radiator still remain under tarpaulin.BR Blue
No. 08734BR Class 08Undergoing Restoration.BR Blue
No. D7633BR Bo-Bo Class 25Sold; awaiting overhaul; leaking header tankBR Two-Tone Green
No. 31466BR A1A-A1A Class 31Sold now on the North Yorkshire Moors RailwayEWS Maroon/Gold
No. 37263BR Co-Co Class 37Moved to the Telford Steam RailwayBR Departmental Grey livery
No. 37308BR Co-Co Class 37Moved to the Severn Valley RailwayBR Blue
No. 47524BR Co-Co Class 47ScrappedRail_Express_Systems
No. 73001BR Bo-Bo Class 73Sold; OperationalBR Blue
No. 73002BR Bo-Bo Class 73Sold; parts donorBR Large Logo Blue
No.W50632BR Class 108 DMCLScrapped for partsBR Blue & Grey
No.W52044BR Class 108 DMCLScrapped for partsBR Blue & Grey
No. 1499BR(W) British Rail Class 421Scrapped 2012.South West Trains

Visiting Diesel Locomotives and Multiple units

Number & NameDescriptionCurrent StatusLiveryImage
No.03145British Rail Class 03Operational, Visited the DFR in 2023 for the Diesel Gala.
No. D2069British Rail Class 03Operational, Visited the DFR in 2019 for the Diesel Gala. Back at the DFR in 2021 Built in 1959.BR Green
No. 09106British Rail Class 09Operational. moved to the DFR in 2024harry needle railway company Orange
D9537British Rail Class 14Operational, Visited the DFR in 2015 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1965.BR Sand
D8568British Rail Class 17Operational, Visited the DFR in 2017 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1963.BR Green
D8188/20059British Rail Class 20Operational, Visited the DFR in 2017 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1961.BR Green
D5343British Rail Class 26Operational, Visited the DFR in 2016 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1959..BR Blue
31130 "Calder Hall Power Station"British Rail Class 31Operational, Visited the DFR for 2022 Diesel Gala.Railfreight grey
33012/ D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis RNBritish Rail Class 33Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 on railtour. Built in 1962.BR Green
33063/ D6583 R.J. MitchellBritish Rail Class 33Operational, Visited the DFR in 2019 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1962.Railfreight Mainline Sector
37227British Rail Class 37Operational, Visited the DFR in 2023 for the Diesel Gala.BR Railfreight Metals
37510 'Orion'British Rail Class 37Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 for the Diesel Gala.Europhoenix
No. 37 884 'Cepheus'British Rail Class 37Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 for the Diesel Gala.Europhoenix
37901British Rail Class 37Operational, Visited the DFR in 2022 for the Diesel Gala.Europhoenix
D832 OnslaughtBritish Rail Class 42Operational, Visited the DFR in 2018 for the Diesel Gala.BR Green
E6003 ( 73003) 'Sir Herbert Walker'British Rail Class 73Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 for the Diesel Gala.BR Green
79900 'Iris'British Rail Derby LightweightOperational, Visited the DFR in 2016 and 2022BR Green
150244British Rail Class 150Operational, Visited the DFR on 22.3.2014 with a through train from Gloucester to Parkend for the Multiple Unit Festival.FGW local
DEMU unit 1001British Rail Class 201Operational, Visited the DFR in 2012 and 2019 with a rail tour from Hastings. Build 1957.BR Green
No. 428 (4 TC )British_Rail_Class_438Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 on a rail tour pulled by 33012/ D 6515London Transport Maroon

For the 2001 diesel gala a number of diesel were display at Lydney Junction. These were 37029,37308,37906, D172, 47306, 56111, 60081, 66250 and 66524.

Coaches

The main running set is a mix of BR Mark 1 and 2 stock. Two Mark 2 carriages were purchased by the DFR Society in 2018 so that the Mark 1s could be overhauled. In early 2020, all the Mark 1 and 2s were transferred ownership from the Forest of Dean Railway limited company to the DFR society, including XP64 number 4729.

Great Western Railway coaching stock

DesignTypeNumberStatusLiveryNotesimage
Collett StandardTK5813Static sale coachChocolate and CreamBuilt in 1934 Used as sales coach to raise funds for DFLG
Collett StandardTK5863StoredChocolate and CreamBuilt in 1934 Formerly Used as volunteer accommodation coach
Collett StandardBCK7362awaiting overhaulNoneBuilt in 1941. Restoration due to start when overhaul of loco 9682 is completed.
Hawksworth (but to Collet Standard outline)Inspection SaloonW80943OperationalChocolate and CreamBuilt in 1948

British Railways coaching stock

DesignTypeNumberStatusLiveryNotes
BR XP64TSO4729StoredChocolate and CreamA grant is being sought to restore 4729 to service.
BR Mk1TSO4862Under OverhaulMaroon (upon completion)In the shed at Norchard
BR Mk1TSO4891StoredChocolate and Cream
BR Mk1TSO4980OperationalMaroon
BR Mk1TSO4923OperationalMaroonWas Overhaul at williton on WSR in 2121
BR Mk1CK15984Under OverhaulChocolate and CreamBrought from Colne Valley Railway in 2022
BR Mk1BSOT9003OperationalMaroon
BR Mk1BCK21129StoredChocolate and Cream
BR Mk1BCK21267To be accommodationMaroonTo be used for volunteer accommodation initially with a view to possible passenger service in the medium term
BR Mk1BSK34742OperationalMaroonEntered traffic for the first time in preservation in December 2018.
BR Mk1RMB1803StoredChocolate and Cream
BR Mk1BG80654StaticMaroonUsed as part of cafe kitchen at Norchard.
BR Mk2TSO5175OperationalMaroonArrived at the DFR in November 2018.
BR Mk2aTSO5341OperationalMaroonArrived at the DFR in July 2019. Dual Braked.

Ex coaching stock

DesignTypeNumberNotesImage
Collett StandardAutotrailer Third178moved to the Severn Valley Railway.
HawksworthAutotrailer Third238moved to the Severn Valley Railway.
Collett StandardBSK1645moved to the South Devon Railway.
Collett StandardTK5848scrapped
BR Mk1BCK21247scrapped
BR Mk1SK25602scrapped
BR Mk1RMB1829moved to the East Lancashire Railway.
BR Mk1RBR1665moved to the East Lancashire Railway.
BR Mk1BG81380moved to the West Somerset Railway.
BR XP64SK25509scrapped Dec 2007.
BR XP64FK13407scrapped Jan 2013.

Coach type codes

Wagons

There are lots different types of wagons at the DFR. Some are used for display and other for engineering works. Many of the wagons can be seen in sidings along the line. Sometime the DFR runs ride on fright trains where passenger can ride on the brakevans. there are rake of dogfish ballast wagons and TTA tank wagons.

Brakevans

DesignTypeNumberStatusLiveryNotesImage
SR 25 TonQueen Mary Brake56303OperationalBR BrownDual Braked
BR 20 TonStandard Brake955224StoredBR Brown
LMS 20 TonStandard Brake732268Away being repairBR Brown
LMS 20 TonStandard Brake732400awaiting repairsBR Brown
BR 20 TonShark BrakeDB993901OperationalBR BlackVacuum Braked
BR 20 TonShark BrakeDB993916awaiting repairsBR DutchPiped for air
GWR 20 TonToad BrakeW68480OperationalBR Grey
GWR 20 TonToad Brake17488Awaiting repairsGWR GreyPurchased from the GWR Preservation Group alongside Pannier 9682, arrived April 2019. Vacuum Braked

References

  1. ^ "Dean Forest Railway History". Dean Forest Railway website. Dean Forest Railway. Archived from the original on 15 December 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  2. ^ "A combination of rail and add-on discounted ticket to Dean Forest Railway". National Rail Enquiries. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  3. ^ "Trains to the Dean Forest Railway". CrossCountry. Archived from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d "Dean Forest Railway History". Dean Forest Railway website. Dean Forest Railway. Archived from the original on 23 July 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Dean Forest Railway announces 7 years to Cinderford". Unseen Steam. Retrieved 20 October 2016.


51°44′53″N 2°32′38″W / 51.748°N 2.544°W / 51.748; -2.544