Plenty of variety for early-season Weardale Railway diesel operations

The Weardale Railway (WR) heritage service began on March 23 and runs through to November 3.

Trains run from the junction with Network Rail at Bishop Auckland station. The 15½-mile County Durham line rises 320ft along its length with a maximum gradient of 1-95. The annual diesel gala is on April 12-14 and features five members of the BARS-owned Class 31 fleet, and maybe a couple of surprises as well.

No. 31190 makes its first gala appearance in its golden ochre livery and will be supported by Network Rail-yellow No. 31465 and blue-liveried pair Nos. 31106 and 31459.