LYDNEY HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Tanker Train Days — Rideable tanker workings alongside steam on the Dean Forest line
On select Saturdays the Dean Forest Railway runs a tanker train alongside its passenger steam service for all-day round trips along the full length of the line; this guide explains dates, booking constraints and viewing options.
Tanker Train Days — Rideable tanker workings alongside steam on the Dean Forest line.
Experience a piece of living railway history on select Saturdays in Lydney as a tanker train works alongside the passenger steam services, running round trips along the full length of the Dean Forest Railway — including a special opportunity to ride a tanker train on 18 October when a visiting Class 50 will be on the footplate.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tanker and steam working together
On listed dates the tanker train runs in company with the passenger steam service for round trips along the line, creating rare paired workings that are free to view and photograph.
Rideable tanker trains — limited spaces
This year the tanker trains are planned to be rideable; spaces on board the brake van are very limited, so book in advance if you want to travel on the tanker formation.
Visiting Class 50 on 18 October
A visiting Class 50 locomotive will haul the tanker train on 18 October, a notable photographic and enthusiast draw — locomotive allocations for each running day will be confirmed nearer the time.
What the day feels like
What to expect on the ground
Across the scheduled dates the tanker working runs alongside the passenger steam service for all-day round trips along the full length of the Dean Forest Railway, giving visitors repeated chances to view, photograph and — where booked — travel on board the brake van of the tanker formation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This year's tanker trains are planned to be rideable but there are very limited spaces on the brake van; snapping up a booked place in advance is recommended.
The event runs all day.
Departures will all be from Lydney Junction Station; if joining at Norchard see the itinerary for return options on the first and second departures.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are the tanker trains rideable?
Yes — this year all tanker trains are planned to be rideable, though spaces on the brake van are very limited and should be booked in advance.
When are Tanker Train Days running?
Runs are scheduled for Saturday 4 April, Saturday 13 June, Saturday 5 September and Sunday 18 October.
Where do I meet for departures?
All departures will be from Lydney Junction Station; there are options to join at Norchard for the first and second departures.
Is there an age limit to travel on the tanker trains?
Yes — the tanker train experience is only available for ages 12 and above.
Can I bring my dog?
No — dogs are not able to travel on these trains.
Do I need to pay to view or photograph the workings?
No — the tanker trains are free to view and photograph; charges apply only if you travel on board.
Will a special locomotive be visiting?
A visiting Class 50 will haul the tanker train on 18 October; the specific locomotive used each day will be confirmed nearer the running date.