THE Severn Valley Railway is celebrating the success of its Autumn Diesel Bash which took place from September 29 to October 1.

More than 3,660 fare-paying passengers visited during the four-day event, along with additional pass-holder visitors such as shareholders.

This was an increase of 28 per cent on last year’s figures for the event.

The leading heritage line has confirmed that the event generated more revenue than it had expected, along with a very healthy secondary spend. Two photo charter events and an excursion day that were arranged using locomotives from the event line-up brought in additional income.

Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director: “We’ve seen a great atmosphere around the railway, with a timetable that ran almost perfectly to time. A couple of minor delays were soon made up.

"All-in-all, I’m delighted with how well-planned and executed this event has been, along with its clear commercial success.

"I literally lost count of the number of people who’ve personally told me how much they’d enjoyed it.”

The SVR advertised the event as a finale in its celebration of 50 years of diesels in preservation.

The roster of locomotives was focused on former Western Region diesel-hydraulic types, supported by a number of diesel-electric types associated with the Western Region of British Rail.

Gus added: “We wanted to present a really strong line-up.

“And to make sure we had something for everyone to enjoy. I think we got it just right. In fact, both this, and our Autumn Steam Gala earlier in September, have been strong commercial successes. This demonstrates very clearly that making the most of enthusiast events was the right strategy for us to take this year.”