About
Epping Ongar Railway Autumn Diesel Gala
23 & 24 September
featuring:
Class 50 locomotive, 50026 "Indomitable", courtesy of Paul Spracklen and PTG tours
Class 26 locomotive, 26043, courtesy of the Cotswold Diesel Group
Class 33 locomotive, 33202, coutesy of Stewart Robinson
together with our homefleet of 31438, 37029, 03170 and 03119
This is the second of our ever popular Diesel Galas, where the home fleet, along with some interesting visiting locomotives, come out to be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. Joining us are class 50 locomotive, 50026 "Indomitable", and class 26 locomotive, 26043, both making a debut appearance for the class on the line. Also appearing will be returning visitor, 33202, and our home fleet of 31438, 37029, 03170 and 03119.
03170 is restricted to "Driver for a fiver", but 03119 will work one trip on its own in the early afternoon each day. Class 45 Peak 45132 will be on display and, although not yet operational, the owning group hope to have the loco available for cab and engine room visits.
All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations.
And for those who would like to see the line from the unique vantage point of a loco cab, then we will be offering our popular cab rides for £5; subject to availability, we may even be able to offer driver-for-a-fiver courses. These can't be pre-booked, so just approach the driver (or drivers) accordingly.
Be sure to pick up your copy of the Diesel Gala Guide - complimentary with your rover fares, of just £1 for additional copies!
Discounted advance tickets can be booked online - more information here.
Real Ale Train - Saturday Evening
We will be running trains into the evening, serving a selection of real ales and ciders in the Flag and Whistle on-board bar. A hot food option of Beef Stew with Yorkshire pudding will be available - order on the train on the day (additional charge). All Diesel Gala All Day Rover Tickets are valid on the Real Ale Train on 23 September, the supplement of £10 is only if you are not in posession of a Gala All Day ticket.
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled Parking - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers. Please drive and park with care, avoid blocking access and with consideration of our neighbours.
- Disabled persons toilet - Ladies and Gentlemen's toilets are available at Ongar and North Weald stations. Baby changing equipment is included within the Family Room / Ladies Waiting Room facilities at both stations. Disabled toilets are available in Ongar High Street (400 yards from station). Unfortunately, while we have enabled step-free access to Ongar building, the Grade II listed 1865 station does not accommodate a wheelchair accessible toilet. We have recently installed a new disabled toilet in our outlet building at North Weald.
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers
- Wheelchair user accessible - We are able to accommodate visitors with disabilities and in wheelchairs. Our Railway Access Statement - Policy for Disabled People is available to view online. Please do not hesitate to seek assistance from our friendly staff, who are here to help you enjoy your visit.
Catering
- Cafe - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
- On-Site cafe/restaurant - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
- Outdoor eating area - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
- Picnic area - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
- Picnic Site - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
- Refreshments Available - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
Children & Infants
- Baby changing
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Establishment Features
- Dogs admitted on a lead - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Park and Ride - Park at Epping Station car park (pay and display) and pick up the EOR Heritage bus to North Weald Station.
- Railway station within 5 miles - Heritage buses pick-up from Epping Central Line station for this event
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
Map & Directions
Road Directions
North Weald: North Weald Station, Station Road, North Weald, CM16 6BT
Ongar Station: Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN
Epping Underground Station, Station Road, Epping, CM16 4HW
Heritage buses collect from Epping Station and heritage trains run between North Weald and Ongar.
Public Transport Directions
Central Line to Epping Station where Epping Ongar Railway heritage buses will pick up and take you to North Weald and Ongar with heritage trains running on the line.
Addtional Buses. As well as our regular 339 bus service, additional bus services will operate as follows:
08.45 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 08.57) Sat and Sun
16.48 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 17.00) Saturday only
17.35 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 17.47) Sat and Sun
17.50 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 18.00) Saturday only
18.35 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 18.47) Saturday only
18.50 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 19.02) Saturday only
20.05 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 20.17) Saturday only
21.35 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 21.47) Saturday only
09.00 Shenfield - Ongar (Arrive 09.25) Sat and Sun
16.47 Shenfield - Ongar (Arrive 17.12) Saturday only
18.15 Ongar - Shenfield (Arrive 18.40) Saturday only
19.45 Ongar - Shenfield (Arrive 20.10) Saturday only