Great Central Railway - End Of BR Steam Gala : 4-5th & 11-12th August 2018

Spotting this on the GCR website. Anyone have anymore information, such as visiting locomotives and special loads?

http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/end-of-br-steam-gala-2018/

 

'We are hopeful that the event will feature two popular locos which are currently under overhaul - detail soon'

I assume 78019 & 48305 if they are that advanced?

So could we potentially see two Standard 2MT's together for the first time and the rare pairing of two 8F's if 48624 is still running by then?

 

There is a mention of it in the new Steam Railway that arrived yesterday. 73156 to appear as 73069, plus 70013, 45305, 48305 & 48624 at least (assuming they are all fit to run).

 

Any news or updates from this gala? Especially if the gala is going ahead on the 4th and 5th of August?

 

One of the Mags (SR I think) reported that 70013 and the Std 5 will be available and possibly 48264 if it gets a boiler ticket extension. No Black Fives available though as 45305 won't be ready in time.

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Looks like plans for first weekend (4/5 August) at least are under review due to potential for lineside fires. 3 steam and 2 diesels now detailed with 70013 and 46521 highlighted. See; http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/end-of-br-steam-gala-2018/

 

Much more accurate for a 1968 gala!

 

With todays substantial rainfall and tomorrows predicted rain to follow I wonder how likely this will change again.

 

I would have thought it would need a lot more than just a couple of days rain, especially as it is due to warm up again later next week.

 

Latest Rail Mail e-newsletter states that there is a total steam ban on the Rothley-Leicester North section at the moment.

 

Timetable for this weekend is now on the GCR Website: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/wp-conte...day-4th-and-Sunday-5th-August-2018-ver-2a.pdf

70013, 46521 or 78018 and a 3rd steam loco TBC down to run, with a Class 47 and 25 and a DMU also in operation.

 

Thanks for link. Also noted that no steam south of Rothley due to fire risk.
Shame that event seems to have had to be 'modified' due to weather and think I'll miss this one and wait for autumn gala instead.

 

73156 should be the other steam loco, as long as the new spark arresting gear can be fitted by then, according to an e-newsletter that I received today. Fares have been knocked down to "normal" day fares, rather than Gala special fares as well.

 

Not the typical vibe of a big gala, but then again the weather has forced the event to be dialed back somewhat.
I spent half the day there this morning due to work commitments with the majority of my efforts being taken to filming. All to come sometime after next weekend... In the meantime, who knew a DMU could make a decent photo?

 

Popped over to the railway this afternoon to take a few photos, plan to attend all day tomorrow to travel.
For anyone line siding, the field at Woodthorpe has been fenced off and building work commenced since my last visit in May.

 

The cynic in me can't help wondering how soon it will be before the first complaint about the trains being noisy, making smoke or setting fire to the grass ; and when the palisade will go in !

 

The houses facing the railway in the other field are now occupied, one of the owners was not best pleased with the sight of photographers yesterday. He had a pop at anyone who dared to venture through the fence for the usual afternoon shot from the bridge. Lots of aggression and explicitives.

 

Typical Nimby attitude. Buy a property next to a heritage railway/visitor attraction then moan when people come to see or take photos of it.

Put up a high solid fence to block off his view then he'd have something more reasonable to complain about.

I wonder what it is about people who buy property like this, knowing there is a railway there but then expect it not to affect them.

I believe the GCR still get complaints from people who live in what was the station yard at East Leake.

Dave B

 

Happens everywhere and not just next to heritage railways.