Join us for our Class 20 Diesel 'Double-Up' Sunday, when we will be ‘Doubling Up’ on Sunday 25th August and Sunday 22nd September on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, both double-heading and top ‘n’ tailing diesel services throughout the day, giving visitors and diesel enthusiasts the full ‘Class 20’ experience.

Date: Sunday 25th August & 22nd September
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The British Rail Class 20, also known as the English Electric Type 1, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive introduced in the late 1950s. Developed by English Electric and first delivered in 1957, a total of 228 units were built by 1968 at Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Ltd (RSH) in the North East. Powered by an English Electric 8SVT Mk. II engine producing 1,000 horsepower (746 kW), these locomotives have a distinctive Bo-Bo wheel arrangement and a single cab at one end, often necessitating operation in pairs for better visibility. Initially used on freight services in the London Midland and Eastern Regions, Class 20s were praised for their reliability and simplicity. Many of the class could be found working heavy merry-go-round (MGR) coal trains in Scotland, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. Phased out in the 1980s, several units have been preserved and remain popular on heritage railways, with some still seeing occasional use on the national rail network for special services and railtours. Their historical significance and robust design ensure they hold a cherished place in British railway history. British Rail Class 20s are commonly referred to as ‘Choppers’ by railway enthusiasts thanks to their unique engine sound, specifically the distinctive beat the engine produces when operated under load, which resembles the sound of a helicopter.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway currently has two members of the class in its home fleet which are both permanent residents.

20137 (D8137) is privately owned and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 20137 was purchased from British Rail at Wigan in 1994 and moved to the railway at Toddington. 20137 was returned to working order in 1995.

20228 (D8128) is privately owned and is a permanent resident on the GWR. 20228 moved to the railway at Toddington during 2020 and was backdated to 1980s condition. The locomotive officially entered service during the GWRs summer diesel gala in July 2024.

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