Midsomer Norton holds its first diesel gala

THE Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton has relied on diesel power for many of its past operating days, but the March 9-10 event was the first to be advertised as a diesel gala. 

Both diesels were running, much of the time in top-and-tail mode as there is no run-round at the current southern railhead. Such operation becomes necessary in place of previous push-pull working because for the first time this weekend, the train comprised three coaches.