D9015,55009 March/April Press Release

D9015 Tulyar and 55009 Alycidon.

March/April 2026 Press Release.

As we approach the end of March our volunteer teams are continuing to work hard; both on the important Return To Service examination for D9015 Tulyar as well as the C examination required before 55009 Alycidon moves to the SVR in April.

While we are approaching the final stages of Tulyar’s 30 year restoration we have unfortunately run out of time to complete the remaining minor tasks and finish the exam, move the loco to the GCR and undertake testing with coaching stock in time to run a “members only” event before the GCR Spring Diesel Gala which is only a few short weeks away. D9015 will not therefore be ready to play an active part in the Gala. While this is disappointing for both the DPS and the GCR, the Gala appearance was always provisional and subject to the locomotives restoration being complete. 

We are continuing to work on D9015 in two areas. The cab windows, with their newly manufactured rubber seals, have now been fitted and we expect the recertified fire bottles to be back with us around Easter. Once these have been installed we can continue with the remaining items on the examination list. We are hopeful that, subject to everything being completed in time, D9015 will then move to the GCR during April and be on static display during the Gala and at the Society’s AGM on Saturday 9thMay. While we plan to have the loco open for members to have a look round it will not be hauling passengers at this stage.

We expect D9015 to begin its testing at the GCR sometime later in May and we are then planning to have a members day for D9015 at the GCR followed by a celebratory “Tulyar Returns” weekend before its first gala appearance at the GCR Diesel Gala in September.

It is planned to move 55009 down to the SVR at the end of April for testing before its appearance at their Spring Diesel Festival on 14-17th May. We are also planning a special members only day at the SVR in June. 

June onwards is going to be a busy time for both 55009 and D9015 and we are very excited about all their forthcoming running appearances. Watch this space for more news soon!