I Went To My First Diesel Gala!

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by DTG Harry, Mar 9, 2026.

  1. DTG Harry

    DTG Harry Community Manager Staff Member

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    Howdy! More of a personal post from me.

    I went to the Nene Valley Railway Diesel Gala on Saturday as someone who's a Diet Railfan, and it was awesome! I went as myself, not as a rep of Dovetail. But we did have a couple of people come to speak to us (myself, Jamie and Nick all from Dovetail) which was lovely. If you were one of those people - hello!

    I've had my eye on galas for a while, but I'm more of a diesel fan than steam or electric. This gala in particular jumped out at me because there was a Class 66 hauling passenger cars over the event. There was also driver for a fiver which was incredible fun. We got some videos, I posted them on my personal socials but hoping to see if Dovetail socials can make use of anything.

    But the most exciting thing (for me) happened!

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    I was talking to the GB Freightrail driver for the Class 66, who was a lovely soul and didn't immediately run in the opposite direction when I started yapping his ear off about how much I love the Class 66. He asked if I'd like to see the inside of the cab! I tried to play it cool but honestly, as soon as I got in there, I turned to him and said "THIS IS LIKE MEETING A CELEBRITY!" (Don't tell Walton Goggins who I met at the Fallout Premiere last year that sitting in the cab of a Class 66 is akin to meeting him)

    The gang that was with me actually ended up missing going on the HST just so they could grab some photos and make sure I got on ok. Climbing the ladders and getting into the cab, and having the driver talk to me about all the controls... a dream. I was so excited.

    Anyway. I'll probably be seeing you at diesel galas in future, especially if they're showing a shed! Maybe Jamie can convince me to go to a steam gala one day...

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    (This is my genuine reaction of joy to being in the cab. I was freaking out in the best possible way)

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  2. Rafael320

    Rafael320 Member

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    Maybe after this experience, you might try and become a real train engineer ;)
     
  3. Princess Entrapta

    Princess Entrapta Well-Known Member

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    Okay, that's pretty neat!
     
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  4. smugstarlord#4202

    smugstarlord#4202 Well-Known Member

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    NVR is next door to where I grew up. They filmed a few james bond films there, such as goldeneye and octopussy. GBRF also get involved with a few galas there also if you fancy it again.
     
  5. DTG Harry

    DTG Harry Community Manager Staff Member

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    Sounds like a super cool job to be honest!
     
  6. Shackamaxon

    Shackamaxon Well-Known Member

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    Just don't mention your two SPADs and an overshoot on the resume :D
    Honestly, glad to see that you folks had fun !
     
  7. DTG Harry

    DTG Harry Community Manager Staff Member

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    I did NOT mention the two SPADs! I fear that might be my Knebworth
     
  8. operator#7940

    operator#7940 Well-Known Member

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    Glad you have a fun experience, Harry.
    Always good to see the team out and about!
    Not enough Shed fans out there to be honest.
    (Or at least admitting it in public)
     
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  9. DTG Harry

    DTG Harry Community Manager Staff Member

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    Apparently not! The driver was very surprised to hear how much I love Sheds
     
  10. Tigert1966

    Tigert1966 Well-Known Member

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    I quite like a shed myself, though more to do with all the different liveries than the actual loco.

    Have you seen Matt's Class 66 Controllers yet? Makes driving them in TSW a lot more fun.
     
  11. stijn.claessens

    stijn.claessens Well-Known Member

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    That is realy cool. Also: "Random DTG Jamie spotted"
     
  12. TrainBunmy1310

    TrainBunmy1310 Member

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    I Could Have Literally Seen You But Didn't Realise
     

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