DFR: 'Clayton' Class 17 (D8568) with Freight Train - Lydney Junction - 17/09/17

The only preserved 'Clayton' Class 17 (D8568) is seen here at Lydney Junction with a freight train, which was a part of the Diesel Gala Weekend at Dean Forest Railway. This was the second gala guest for the event, and it was visiting from the Chincor & Princess Risborough Railway.

This Class 17 is the only one in preservation in Britain, as these diesels were deemed unreliable back in the days of the 1960s, and most of the class was scrapped, leaving only D8568 left to be preserved.

A character in the Thomas & Friends episode 'Double Teething Troubles' was a Class 17 called 'Derek', although in the episode he was just known as the 'New Diesel'. Derek was based on the Class 17 locomotive, and appeared in one Season Five episode. Like the diesel class itself, Derek had teething troubles, such as his cooling system overheating. He also appears as a cameo in one scene of a music video for Calling All Engines.

It was really nice seeing this diesel running at Dean Forest Railway today, as it makes one heck of a noise pulling out. Filmed on Sunday 17th September, 2017.