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Great Central Railway Autumn Steam Gala: 29th September - 2nd October 2022

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by WesternRegionHampshireman, Jul 24, 2022.

  1. Dan Hill

    Dan Hill Part of the furniture

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    I'm sure it has, truth be told I don't remember much from my first visit as I'd have been 2/3 at the time (I was told we travelled behind Sir Nigel Gresley and I was at speaking age), but it's a railway I've been longing to make a visit to.
     
  2. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

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    As one whose railway memories stretch to the late 1950s, I'd say it represents the everyday reality of a busy steam railway better than anywhere else. The double track, with intensive passing trains and extensive 'freight' traffic, are major factors. Hopefully, you'll be able to visit the loco shed too. Never a dull moment - enjoy!
     
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  3. Dan Hill

    Dan Hill Part of the furniture

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    If I can't attend, I'll aim for the Last Hurrah event in November instead. I'm determined to visit one way or another.

    I think I may have a vague early memory (unless it's a false one) of walking down the steps onto Loughborough platform. I think the GCR (or Didcot Railway Centre, as that was around a similar time) was the first Heritage Railway I visited.
     
  4. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    I see from the latest "Trackside" magazine (T14) that the J27 is due to haul the "Windcutter"wagons during the Gala as a headline act.
     
  5. malc

    malc Part of the furniture

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    Hopefully it will work passenger trains as well!
     
  6. Wagoniester

    Wagoniester Member

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  7. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

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    Any more news about the Gala?
    It's rapidly approaching but there is nothing new on the website. Except the loss of two of the originally advertised engines. And an advert for a fish and chip train that's been fully booked for ages!
    Also no specific mention of mail trains, which has been a usual feature of Autumn Galas. If there's a problem with the pick up & drop, maybe one train service, or a coach on a passenger set with loading and unloading, at a couple of stations at certain times?
    I'm planning my attenence. I've booked a hotel but reserving my train booking until I decide how many days to attend.
     
  8. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    Hi 3ABescot
    I don't think it will be possible to operate the TPO set at the gala due the the TSRs either side of Quorn station. There are two small bridges which need repair/replacement which is scheduled for March time next year.
    However I think there will be a lot of action in Quorn station yard with the QW&W team. There could be extensive freight train action as well.
     
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  9. jasa76

    jasa76 New Member

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    Not seen the TPO running for the last few years and instead we've had a selection of demonstration freights running through such as the wind cutters, which currently will be running again on the Saturday and Sunday.
     
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  10. pmh_74

    pmh_74 Well-Known Member

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    I've read elsewhere that the mixed goods will be running as well as the windcutters. From that and other info I gather that the van train won't be running. TPOs won't be running as noted above.
     
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  11. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

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    Thanks to all. I'd forgotten about the speed restrictions, which clearly rule out use of the apparatus, but not maybe some bag handling on the platform?
    Looks good anyway, with the superb wagon collection in action, esp the mineral stock with the visiting J27. And the Ivatt tank
     
  12. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    There should be a full rake of Windcutter wagons as 21 have passed their FtRs this month and the mixed goods rake has also had FtR exams, with about 8 tank wagons as well. It is a shame about the Std 2 (78019) as I know a lot of people have been working very hard to get it ready.
     
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  13. waterbucket

    waterbucket New Member

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    A few snippets for you as to what should be going on if all goes to plan:

    Thursday

    • 3 locos in steam including the visitors
    • First passenger train from Loughborough 1000, last 1600
    Friday
    • 5 locos in steam including the visitors
    • First train from Loughborough 1000, last 2000
    • Fish & chip special making two return trips at 1830 and 2000 (food served on the 1830). Non-dining passengers also able to travel on these trains.
    • 1 local passenger & 1 demo freight set in operation in addition to full line services
    Saturday
    • All 7 locos in steam along with 1 diesel (to make up the numbers) and Iris
    • First passenger train from Loughborough 0900, last 1815
    • 2 local and 2 demo freight sets in operation along with full line services & Iris
    Sunday
    • As per Saturday but slightly earlier finish with last train from Loughborough at 1645
    Hope this helps, I'd expect full timetables to be put on the website soon.
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2022
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  14. Ben Jenden

    Ben Jenden Member

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    Timetables are up now
     
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  15. Dan Hill

    Dan Hill Part of the furniture

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    Unfortunately I've only just found out there's engineering works on the Brighton Mainline between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges this coming weekend (the earliest I can get to Loughborough Main is about midday and then having to get back would mean a truncated day at the line), so looks like I'll have to try my luck again for the Last Hurrah Gala on the 19th November instead :(
     
  16. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    A shame that you cannot make it this time Dan. But the last Hurrah Gala should be good, as we are trying to run two Windcutter rakes, that combine in the afternoon, to give that "Lengthy Train"...Whether we make it 30@30 we will have to wait and see!
     
  17. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    It is a strike day, that alone would be reason not to risk rail travel.
     
  18. Dan Hill

    Dan Hill Part of the furniture

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    I was planning on going on the Sunday so wouldn't have been affected by the strike (that's affected the Football on the Saturday I'm going to instead, as have the engineering works), but the engineering works is what done it sadly.

    But fingers crossed for better luck in November.
     
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2022
  19. Johann Marsbar

    Johann Marsbar Well-Known Member

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  20. Wagoniester

    Wagoniester Member

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    Anyone know what time(s) the mineral set is running today (Friday)? I’m visiting to travel but would like to photograph that, though it’s not in the timetable online.
     

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