Great Central Railway General Matters

Ripped the tyres to shreds forcing the unit up the branch line have they? No surprise there.

 

well the only surprise seems to be that you have absolutely no idea what you are taking about.

Colin

 

Please explain how this is the case?

 

Maybe they have acquired an ex Paris Metro rubber tyred unit

 

What? Has it been pulling doughnuts down ASDA carpark?

 

Nice write-up…

https://www.theguardian.com/culture...railway-plans-to-revive-victorian-train-route

 

It is good to see pictures and videos of Tornado running on the GCR, it certainly suits the double track!

 

Doors anyone know if there likely to be any other high speed test runs by Tornado on the GCR over the coming weeks?

 

I think it is unlikely to be announced as the Railway does not want to have lots of people near the tracks when high speed running is taking place. It is the Diesel Gala for the next three days.

 

The weather is looking good for the Autumn Gala this weekend and there is an intensive timetable. The Boscastle Shed Tours are taking place on Sat and Sunday. No booking required and they are free, but a donation towards Boscastle's overhaul is appreciated. There is the Windcutter Sales /Information stand at Rothley C & W shed on both days.

 

The Gala went well and the Shed Tours were very busy (Too much so at times). The Windcutter stand was very popular on Sat in the warm sunshine, less so on Sunday, when a localised downpour meant a hasty packing away!
Today at Quorn saw Odney Manor departing - Tornado left yesterday.


Note how clean it is after use in the Gala, and there is even some coal in the tender! Well done the GCR shed staff.

 

Arrived at WSR this morning, tender came just before 10.15 departure and loco was there when we returned just after 1.30.

 

I've got a free weekend when the Last Hurrah Gala takes place in a few weeks time and looking to go to it. How long before the event is the timetable published before the event, as I can't see it listed on the event page currently?. Just so I can get an idea what time I need to get trains to and from Loughborough Main.

 

Looking at the threads from past 3 years, it seems 1-2 weeks in advance seems to be the norm.

As a volunteer I can see that a WTT is now available internally, so I suspect the public version can't be too far off.

 

Ok thank you, I'll keep an eye out for it. Been keen for a return since the Winter Gala last year and missed out on runs behind most of the locos running

 

Website has been updated with the timetables https://tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/91368.

Hope you have a good weekend down!

 

Thank you, I'll give it a good study so I can work times. I'm sure I will do, despite how packed it was last time I went I still had a fantastic day.

 

I wonder if the "Tin Shed" bar will be open? (I'll be visiting regardless but might bring some extra "provisions" if not!)

Edit: Got a quick reply back from emailing the GCR, so if it's of any interest to anyone the "Tin Shed" bar will be open from 09:30 on Saturday for the gala.

Further edit: If you're considering a visit to the railway with some kids, there's the added attraction of Loughborough fair for afterwards (on Saturday only). Lots of rides and food stalls.
If they're not mad keen on the railway, the promise of the fair afterwards might serve as a useful bit of bribery.

It's about 0.5 miles from Loughborough Central to the fair location, which is around the market place area.

 

Very enjoyable day at the railway yesterday for The Last Hurrah, the Gala Programme mentions running a early season version of the event next year. Trains seemed full or almost fully loaded all day. Managed to get runs behind 6990 and 78018 for the first time (I missed out on the latter at last years Winter Gala), also had a run behind 73156 (which I also missed a run in at the same Winter Gala and only had a short run behind at the Bluebell in 2022, when double heading with Camelot).

Also did one of the Shed Tours, which was interesting and a donation made towards Boscastle, as well as one for The Gap, and a nice Strawberry Cider from the Tin Shed at Quorn and Woodhouse.

A few mobile pictures, although one doesn't seem to want to load for some reason.

 

Glad that you had a good visit Dan and thanks for your donations. Nice pictures!