Usually showcasing the locos of yesteryear, Swanage Railway in Dorset, turned the tables by featuring the UK’s most advanced hybrid freight locomotive at its Diesel Gala and Beer Festival – and to the delight of enthusiasts this was the first chance to see the Class 99 hauling a passenger train in the UK.
The new diesel electric hybrid loco Class 99 No. 99004 made the trip to the seaside, along with heritage diesel locos from around the country for the gala weekend which took place from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May 2026.
The shiny new cab of the Class 99 without a heritage tea stain in sight!
Up close and operational
In 2022, GB Railfreight ordered 30 new locomotives which combine electric power and diesel operating modes, with the aim of cutting CO2 emissions by 50 percent.
They are manufactured by Stadler in Valencia, Spain, specifically designed for the UK market, and the first six locos have recently arrived in the UK ready to start commercial service during summer 2026.
So it was a last minute, pleasant surprise for visitors to the gala to see the cutting edge locomotive up close and operational on a British branch line.
The platform at Corfe Castle station was packed with everyone keen to get a good look at the Class 99
It was the same story at Swanage station when the Class 99 (right) arrived, while sadly the Class 58 diesel loco (left) sat in the sidings having broken down
“A very real buzz and excitement”
Diesel gala and beer festival organising team member and Swanage Railway volunteer Dan Bennett said:
“This year’s diesel gala and beer festival was one of the most successful, and busiest, in the event’s almost 20 year history. There was a very real buzz and excitement among the visitors attending the event.
“It was the first time that GB Railfreight’s new powerful Class 99 diesel and electric locomotive No. 004 – built in Spain by Stadler – had hauled a passenger train in the UK and the Swanage Railway was delighted, and very grateful, to host such a marvellous machine.
“The Class 99 looked fantastic and enthusiasts were gathering around it all weekend.”
The much less shiny Class 73 GB Railfreight vintage loco also made an appearance
Enjoying the sunshine and the beer!
Popular annual beer festival
Heritage diesel locomotives could also be seen in action, taking passengers between Swanage and Norden, via Corfe Castle including a vintage Class 73 GB Railfreight loco, which served to illustrate how much more advanced the Class 99 is.
Of course, most visitors stopped off at Corfe Castle station to visit the popular annual beer festival which featured 40 Dorset ales and 10 ciders.
Over the weekend, it was speculated what the name plates of the new Class 99 locos should be, with suggestions including Mr Whippy, Flake, Sprinkles, Cornetto, Solero, Twister, and Magnum!
Estimated to be one of the busiest diesel gala and beer festivals in the Swanage Railway’s history
The event could not happen without the Swanage Railway volunteers
“Marvellous weather”
Dan Bennett added:
“I would like to thank all those people who have worked so hard to plan and deliver the gala, as well as saying a big thank you to everyone who attended and enjoyed the event in what was marvellous weather.
“It could not have been better!”
The old and the new as the Class 99 travels past Corfe Castle
Further information
- More about Swanage Railway events
