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

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

Hopefully it will work passenger trains as well!

 

I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else yet, but according to the event webpage 78019 will not be ready in time to appear at the Gala.

Autumn Steam Gala – 29th September to 2nd October 2022 | Great Central Railway – The UK's Only Main Line Heritage Railway (gcrailway.co.uk)

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Timetables are up now

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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.

 

Don't try and get into Loughborough via the A60 from Nottingham at the weekend.....
https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/2022/09/a60-road-closure/
Work gets under way on replacing the GCR rail bridge from then.

 

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.