GCR Autumn Steam Gala – Thurs 1st to Sun 4th October 2015.

Believe me many of the volunteers are also disappointed at the lack of TPOs at the gala! However in my opinion you really need at least eight decent-sized engines to be able to operate the fully intensive gala timetable on the GCR. Unfortunately the pot of money to get in visiting locos is not endless and the railway has already had a decent number of engines in this year...1501, 7820, 6960, 43106 and 92212 that I can think of (not forgetting a few diesels too). The need to hire in a couple of small locos for the Mountsorrel Branch opening as well makes that a lot of expenditure in one year. With the unfortunate issues being encountered currently with 6990 it seems to me like a sensible decision (but sad all the same) has had to be made.

I hope we'll still be able to put on a decent show for those of you who choose to attend. If you're not already aware 92214 replaces 6990 in the line up for tomorrow and 47406 makes an additional appearance on Friday. Fingers crossed the shed team can work their magic to allow 6990 to appear at the weekend!

 

With due respect according to the online timetable the number of departures from Loughborough are:
Thursday 9
Friday 14
Saturday 20
Sunday 20

 

Online timetable is just passenger trains.

 

No problems.
So what ae the "other departures"?

 

Normally mineral trains, mixed freight and light engine moves

 

Be alot easier if these were shown in the TT.

And prevent mis understanding the origional statement

 

I should have stated working timetable in my original post. Apologies for any confusion!

Today seemed fairly busy for the Thursday so hopefully that bodes well for the next few days. 6990 made a light engine test run in the afternoon to Rothley and back but I have no idea whether it was deemed a success or not I'm afraid.

 

It would be helpful if the WTT was published rather than just the passenger workings.
This would help attract more punters = more income = increased profit (hopefully)

 

The full timetable including goods workings is usually in the programme for the gala, and comes free with a ticket or a charge if bought without.

 

But giving that info when purchasing a ticket is ok but doesnt help in attracting punters.
It should be a selling point.

If you compared a railway that just put out passenger workings with one that included ECS workings, LE moves and freight then you can guess which one would more than likely attract more visitors.

 

The GCR's website does promise "freight trains galore", if you've studied the timetable without reading the headlines on the website which you'd have had to go past to get to it then that's not really the railway's fault. Having seen the WTT myself I don't think there is any harm in telling you that there are two different goods trains rostered.

Phil you still can't read a WTT re the statement I quoted from your earlier post. I am being picky though as you are only out by five minutes (or one departure). ;-)

 

Any news on whether 6990 will be out tomorrow?

 

The driver of 6990 on test this afternoon announced that it will haul its first train tomorrow (09;45am), what happens after that will depend on how successful its first trip is.

 

Have just had to look back at my post and the WTT and I can't see it...you'll have to put me out of my misery Phil!

Yes, after completing another two light engine trips today the intention is for 6990 to work it's booked diagram tomorrow...fingers crossed!

 

GC have posted on their Facebook page last night saying 6990 is cleared for tomorrow's first run and will have at least two runs. Additionally praises its loco department who have worked through the night to make it happen which i think is very justified. Hope all goes well today.

 

Confirmed that 6990 ran as scheduled this morning and was on the 9.45am departure from Loughborough.

Looked great, too - well done to everyone involved.

 

6990 didnt run in the afternoon and was replaced by 92214 on the 13.45 service, Dont know the reason or if it is running Sunday

John

 

The Tender bearing was running warm again, was jacked up being worked on in the afternoon

 

Hopefully the winter gala resembles nothing like this gala & they learn not to do things on the cheap again ! Bring back the tpo's !

 

Well Phil the WTT I was sent had the last departure at 1715. The one the railway ran to today was different. So if I confused you I apologise, but it's due to being sent a dud timetable!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk