This picture of a rather unusual train was spotted in Lydney on Saturday July 2, taken from a high point on the path between Bream Road and Middle Forge.

Mr Peter Adams, chairman of Dean Forest Railway, says that this was the first day of an operation of two auto coaches by the DFR that were once an everyday scene on the GWR branch line network between the 1930s and 1960s, the locomotive being in the middle with the driver operating the regulator, whistle and brake from the front of either auto coach in the direction of travel. The whole ensemble was linked by cable to the cab of the engine, where the fireman also had control of the locomotive in an emergency.

In July and August, steam trains run every Wednesday and Sunday, Saturdays, July 2 and 30, and all Saturdays in August, as well as Bank Holiday Monday.  A heritage diesel locomotive runs on July 23 and August 25 and a heritage diesel railcar on Saturday July 16 and Thursdays July 28, August 4, 11 and August 18.

Foresters, let us support Dean Forest Railway in every way we can. It is a valuable asset for our area.  For further information see http://www.deanforest">www.deanforest railway.co.uk

 – Marie Fraser Griffiths, Peacehaven, Bream Road, Lydney.