The Dean Forest Railway's mainline link has been used for railtours off the network, transfer of locos (with a mainline fitness to run) to other preserved lines (Class 31 and 73 currently away) and more recently, movement of tampers and ballast regulators onto the DFR for training purposes.
Of note, last year a DCR Class 56 was travelling on the main line light engine and became low on coolant water. He dropped into the loop at Lydney and ran onto the DFR at Lydney Junction to top up. Hosepipe and mug of tea was organised, loco filled and the suitably refreshed loco and driver went away. All whilst the DFR was running a standard steam service!
