Hastings Diesels' 511-mile DEMU marathon from Hastings via the Midland Main Line to Nottingham and the High Marnham test track.
The Megawatt Valley Venturer is typical of Hastings Diesels' ambitious railtours. Leaving Hastings at 06:07 with stops along the Hastings line to Tonbridge, the ten-coach train of units 1013 and 1001 ran via Bromley South and Clapham Junction to the Midland Main Line, diverting via Corby, Oakham and Melton Mowbray to reach Nottingham by midday.
Passengers could spend the afternoon in Nottingham or stay aboard for a 97-mile round trip via Mansfield and Shirebrook to the High Marnham test track, a former colliery and power station line now used by Network Rail for testing. The train returned to Hastings at 23:08.
Fares were £95 to £102 in Standard and £122 to £129 in First Class, with reduced fares from Bedford. Hastings Diesels plans a similar pattern for 2027 with a short January trip and longer outings in April, June and September.
The highlights are structures the train runs through or over, such as the Hastings line tunnels and the Harringworth Viaduct, so either side works.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
A diesel-electric multiple unit; the Hastings units were built narrow in 1957 to fit the tight tunnels on the Hastings line.
Hastings Diesels will announce them on its railtours page; expect January, April, June and September.
Yes, pick-ups usually include Tonbridge, a London station and one further out.
DieselClass 37 enthusiast tour from Great Yarmouth via Norwich, the Soham branch and Ipswich to Liverpool Street, returning via Seven Sisters and Cambridge North.
DieselHalloween-themed diesel excursion to Ravenglass with entry to the Muncaster Castle family festival, running from Manchester or Carlisle.
DieselBranch Line Society's December 2026 mainline track-bashing tour, following the society's Toots Express and Paxman Quarrier tours earlier in the year.