02/11/2026
WE DID IT! 🎉 Avon Valley Railway secures purchase of historic Diesel Railcar!
We are extremely pleased to announce that thanks to your generous support and a significant grant from the Swire Charitable Trust, we have now completed the purchase of a 2-car 1960-built Class 117 DMU.
As a former Bristol Bath Road depot-based unit, it's fantastic to be able to give our railcar the 'Bristol Homecoming' it deserves! - and for the enthusiasts out there, we do have records of sister Class 117s operating along our railway in the 1960s, so it really will help to recreate that by-gone Bitton scene.
Once in traffic, passengers will get to enjoy unique scenic views of the Avon Valley thanks to the large windows on the unit - and be able to look straight past the driver with the front-facing cab windows many 1st generation DMUs are famous for!
We thank you again for your support and look forward to seeing our Diesel Railcar arrive at the railway soon, allowing us to commence crew training next year. Keep an eye out for future updates! 👀
The Railcar appeal currently remains open to help with further costs towards transport and future maintenance:
https://www.avrht.org/dmu
Our Fit for the Future appeal also remains live for those wishing to donate to help grow and support the Avon Valley Railway:
https://www.avrht.org/appeal
