GCR Winter Gala 2016

Yes indeed Loughborough was quite something with one of more steam locos always moving around. Unequaled anywhere else in preservation IMH

 

A video with scenes from Friday and part of Saturday

 

Was a very good gala. The trains did seem busy, and I notice the blood & custard rake was bolstered after the first round trip on the Saturday from 5 to 6 coaches. Perhaps the local rake might have benefited from an additional coach or two if they'd been available. A shame the Beavertail wasn't out, always think it's a shame when these more unusual coaches don't get an outing at galas.

Here are a selection of photos, more can be found on my website. I'm hoping to get a video uploaded over the next few days.

https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/Great-Central-Railway/Winter-Steam-Gala-January-2016/

 

The Great Central Railway on the 30th January 2016 during their Winter Steam Gala featuring visiting engines SR U No.31806 and SR No.34053 'Sir Keith Park'. Also hauling services was LMS 2MT No.46521, LMS 5MT No.45305, SR N15 No.777 'Sir Lamiel', BR 9F No.92214 (as 92220) and GWR No.6990 'Witherslack Hall'.

Video Available Here

 

That could be: things I liked at the GCR included the constant stream of movements, variety of workings (passenger, goods, mineral, TPO), open shed and timetable booklet. Things the SVR does better (catering, lineside scenery, Engine House, access from NR) are mostly things that affect "family day out" visitors particularly.

It's a pain getting to the GCR from my part of the world, so I don't expect to return for all (or even most) galas, but the railway did enough that I'll keep an eye on future events there.

 

Coverage from the Friday & Saturday, including the return of the TPO

 

I've seen 9 mk1s run round at Leicester North, so would question that...

 

Did that require two locomotives? They run 7 on occasion using one loco so not sure why they don't do that on gala days.

 

Nope, D123 as I recall (though of course that's immaterial, so long as it fits the headshunt!)

 

Certainly on the last round trip, where we were double headed the last carriage was off the end of the platform at the country end. I'm not sure how many more you could have fitted and then run two locos around individually.

 

Bury Bolton Street on a gala day is more atmospheric in my view.

 

As promised, a video of the event...

 

hello
judging by the queues at Loughborough at 8.00am , the amount of vests line side not to mention that most trains seemed to be standing room only
the weatherman seemed to have made Saturday the day to go
some pictures at www.stevebottrill.zenfolio.com
regards

 

I think the loop at Leicester North can take 10 Mk.1s though I am willing to be corrected. Loughborough is more of a problem as Platform 2 is a bit limited by the position of the SB bracket signal, Platform 1 can take more and I have certainly been on a 10 coach train at the GCR though it was pre-double track.

As for the shortage of stock, remember we are still about 5 passenger carrying Mk.1s short due to the 37198 incident. Also the late withdrawal of the DMU from the event won't have helped.

I wasn't able to attend this one but looking forward to next weekend: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/southern-weekend-6th-and-7th-february-2016/

 

Well, that's tempting as it says it will be normal fares.

 

Deleted (double post for some reason)

 

Seemed fairly quiet on the trains on Sunday until lunchtime then things seemed to pick up once the rain stopped

anyway - all three days pictures now available here - http://steamingnorth.com/thumbnails.php?album=194

Below - Sunday - 31/01/2016 - Guest engine double header - 34053 "Sir Keith Park" and SR 2-6-0 "U" class - 31809 on 2A27 - 13.45 from Loughborough at Quorn and Woodhouse Station on the GCR Winter Steam Gala

 

Thank you for pointing this out. I did wonder about coming up on the Saturday but ended up having to work for much of the day and Loughborough is a long way from here. It's good that there is a possibiity of a second bite of the cherry - at least, as far as 31806 and 34053 are concerned - next weekend.

 

A set of images depicting the action on Saturday 30th can now been viewed on my Zenfolio website via this link: - http://mickrogers.zenfolio.com/p1036473773
Here's a taster to whet your appetites...



As always a huge thank you to everyone at the GCR who had a part in putting on the event and not forgetting the weather gods for their contribution.
Cheers,