GCR Autumn Gala, 5-8 October 2017

Yes I had the experience what I suspect was the same weekend. Last weeks weekly email from the GCR did say they were hoping to do something different for gala weekends, hence the question.

 

Can anyone confirm which way all locos are facing please. Many thanks.

 

All locomotives so far are facing South (Leicester North), 34053 arrived this evening and is facing South. 34081 will arrive tomorrow and will be facing South. 47406 will arrive tomorrow from Epping Ongar though I'm not sure which way it will be facing.

 

Many thanks - very much appreciated

 

Unfortunately 34081 is now unavailable on Thursday and will be replaced by 48624. It's still hoped to be able to run over the rest of the gala.

Further details here: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/autumnsteamgala/

 

34081 has arrived at Quorn, 24 hours later than intended. Time will be very tight to reassemble loco, move her to Loughborough and then do a steam test/FTR exam in time for Thursday. Hence the GCR taking the understandable step of rostering the 8F instead.

 

I've just been told that 73156 has run hot and has brake problems and has retired to the shed.

 

Have heard the same, 46521 has taken its place.

 

92214 will be replacing 73156 tomorrow after failing/incident this afternoon

 

Not the best start to the Gala. I'll be attending on Saturday regardless of what's running, but hope 73156 and 92 Squadron will make it! No double header on the 1600 from Loughborough today, instead was just the 8F - not that I'm criticising as sounds like it has been a difficult day for the railway and I'm sure they're equally disappointed that things haven't run as advertised.

 

Its a shame that I cant make the gala. A few events and things up north see me busy this month. I actually wanted to be there to see the various Southern stuff as its something different and they seem this time to be all together - not to mention 34081, the pride and joy of Spamcan81.

I'm sure many will be there to see the engines at work. I think GC Galas are fast growing more in reputation and entertainment for those that go. Sadly, this time I cant be one and seeing the photo of the 8F on the Mk 1 set saddens me more for missing the excellent breakfast that starts the day.

 

Superb gala today. Ok, the Standard wasn't running but it came out on test this afternoon, so it may well make an appearance over the remainder of the weekend. For me the star of the show was the Spam Can, seen here leaving Loughborough on the 2.30pm departure....................

 

This afternoon 73156 made a light engine test run to Swithland and back. Ran fine, then double headed the 1515 to Leicester North with 92214 where mulitple issues occurred and didn’t return till 1900 this evening. As a result of this 78018 will be covering 73156’s turns and Class 20 D8098 will cover 78018’s turns...

 

That's the plan for tomorrow at least, best advice is to keep an eye on the website for the latest info and no doubt one of us will post the plan for Sunday once we know what's happening. Obviously it's a shame 73156 can't run tomorrow (and likely Sunday too) but as is the nature of complex restoration projects sometimes things aren't always as straightforward as you'd like!

Hopefully we can still put on a decent show for those of you attending over the next couple of days.

 

Yes,good show on Friday

 

Highlight of Saturday so far was the 35mph run out of Quorn with 34081.

 

Timetable gone to pot due to broken spring on one of the carriages. 37 down atm.

 

Just popped in at Loughborough so an update:

- Standard 5 not working today and very unlikely to be working tomorrow - details on the GCR website.
- Good news that the shed IS open for access - sign saying 11.00am-3.00pm today, so I assume much the same tomorrow. I was able to have a wander round.
- Timetable is indeed down at the moment as the carriage had to be removed from the rake at Rothley.

Hope this helps.

 

I made my first visit to the GCR today and had a great time. My thanks to everybody involved with the Gala for putting on such a splendid event.