Great Central Railway General Matters

We will be passing through the Midlands the weekend after next and note the GC has its Railways at Work event on. We probably won't have time to travel so would like to focus our limited time at Quorn - are platform tickets available like at Steam Galas or is it general admittance only for this event?

 

I'm sure the "Platform ticket" option is available all of the time as I recall seeing chalked notices at the stations encouraging people to buy one if they are not travelling - even on the "normal" non gala days, as well as the Galas.

 

I believe there will be 3 different freight trains running for the "Railways at Work" event next weekend (Aug 10/11). Lots of action at Quorn, but Loughborough and Rothley have plenty to see and do.

 

There are now timetables on the GCR website for the "Railways at Work" event next weekend. There are Boscastle Locomotive Shed tours at Loughborough and we will have a Windcutter Information/Sales stand at Rothley.

 

Please forgive this random question, but I’m struggling to find an answer online.
Is Derby Lightweight Railcar Iris still at the GCR? I haven’t had a ride in a Derby Lightweight for some time!
Thanks to anyone who can answer my question!

 

As far as I'm aware it's still at the railway - not sure when it's next in use though.

 

yes Iris is still here not sure when her next rostered turn is will check and let you know

Colin

 

Many thanks, much appreciated! Planning a short break in the area to visit GCR & Leicester Space Centre with 2 of the older grandkids and the Domestic Authority!

 

the next rostered running turns are at the Autumn Gala on all 3 days. no timetable yet
but there is every chance that she will do other runs for time to time it all depends on availability of crew and the other DMU fleet , we now only have the blue set available
I will endeavour to post on here if she is running between now and the gala but it will be short notice
hope this helps

Colin

 

Thanks again! I will chat with my kids about the date of the Autumn Gala and establish if the grandkids are free to visit then.
It would still be great to know if Iris is working at short notice though, just in case. I really appreciate your help .

 

Well, according to this, which has only been posted today....... https://tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/84956 .....the September Diesel Gala will include trains running on the North between Rushcliffe Halt and The Ruddington Heritage Centre! (and a Beer Festival), with connecting buses.

 

They also promised steam for the Anniversary Gala in March...
I hate to be a sceptic as I really want the GCRN to succeed (for selfish reasons apart from anything else as I want to be able to crew steam locos there again) but sadly after so many delays and false starts my attitude at this point, especially since as a member I have heard absolutely nothing about the railway being close to returning to operation, is 'I will believe it when I see it'

 

No bus link on the Sunday? Seems like a missed opportunity if GCRN is running that day.

Also, confusingly, they've illustrated the Class 101 DMU with a photo of the green set, but the car numbers confirm it is the blue set which will be in action. (Green set is currently out of traffic, I understand.)

 

Yes the green set is stopped due to tyres needing re-profiling one power car is now at Rothley ready to be jacked up so the 2 bogies can be detached and sent for re-profiling.
and thanks are due to Tyseley loco works for lending us the the lifting brackets so we can jack up the body.

Colin

 

Latest update on YT....
https://www.youtube.com/live/sfHCHo6PwY0

 

A quick heads up due to the blue 101 dmu set being used for staff training
Iris is running the passenger service this Sunday 18th
Should be running in the regular dmu timetable slots, but worth checking to make sure.

Colin

 

More here-up to 50 Steps bridge!!!

https://www.gcrn.co.uk/node/96

 

There's an interesting paragraph near the end of this, that reads: "Meanwhile, repair works are steadily advancing on a bridge on the main line. When completed, it will be possible for trains to run between the Heritage Centre and Rushcliffe Halt."

Isn't there also work required on Bunny Lane bridge before running into Rushcliffe is possible?

 

My understanding was that Bunny Lane Bridge would need work soon but it wasn't yet in a poor enough condition where it would preclude any running over it. I could be wrong though

 

Thanks, that makes sense of the quoted paragraph.