Great Central Railway General Matters

You know I think you and quite a few others seriously underestimate the so-called "normal" visitor and their ability to engage their senses particularly their emotional sense- how many "normal" people watch and love Brief Encounter not just for its storyline but for its settings as well?
I could imagine that moment described, stepping off a train after dark and crossing the platform under gas lights, to have your senses pummeled by a train flying through on the other line all fire thunder and steam, could stay long in the memory because of its immediacy and its total immersion of the senses. And that is something that many of our railways could work on- the totally immersive experience.
My young grandson when I began taking him to the Bluebell Railway immediately, and with very little prompting, got hooked on this "immersive experience" I can picture him so vividly on a winter's day, stepping up to the edge of the platform as he would do, gazing at the engine backing slowly onto its train. And the little lad would stand there wreathed in steam and the smells of the railway, the engine towering above him, and waiting and watching for the thud and clunk of buffers. He didn't grow up to be a railway enthusiast, but loved it all nonetheless.

 

Thanks for that picture. I just hope that whoever lives in those buildings is a railway enthusiast and supporter of the GCR! I know I'd love to live there!
Andy

 

All very wonderful and, as you say, full of atmosphere to provide exciting and memorable moments for Joe Public. I couldn't agree more. The trouble is, they are only 'moments'. Your express through the night has gone in seconds and it's going to be a long time before the next experience. There isn't much night time running in summer, either. I took some friends to the GCR to watch a mail drop off/pick up. We waited perhaps twenty minutes for it to happen. It happened. The comment from my friends wife was ' Was that it?'
Having a destination can at least make the journey one of anticipation and excitement, just like going on holiday. The coming back is never as good, though.

 

I'm fairly certain at least one high profile loco owning group wouldn't agree to its loco running round it. They tried running to Whitby once, never again.

Any idea what the chainage for Crimple curve is?

 

Oh well. Hard to know why any of us bother then, really. I think I'll just take up property development as a hobby instead. there's probably lots of prime development land being taken up by those boring old railways

 

I don't know but LNER eight wheel tenders used to go round it regularly. Been round it behind an A4 and a 9F.

Sawdust.

 

When I relaid it, it was just about 9 chain so it needed check rail plus all the greasers.
Prior to fitting the greasers you needed earmuffs to be anywhere near it due to the squeal.

 

Are the GCRN planning to relay double track anywhere if possible or staying as a single track line?

The only passing loop would be east leake at the old station site but read somewhere in the past that wasn't possible for some reason. GCRN seemed to be making good progress at ruddington when I last visited with building a 2nd platform. Think as well they've got plans for a canopy over the platforms.

 

Don't remember ever seeing sidings at gotham, only place there's any en route to loughborough are at rushcliffe halt next to the gypsum plant.

You can still see clearly though where the 2nd line was. Think GCRN will need a fair amount of trackwork upgrading though as there's about 3 speed restrictions between rushcliffe & loughborough.

 

Last thing you want on a long stretch is speed restrictions or too many ' Halts'

 

GCRN seems to have about 3-4 speed restrictions after rushcliffe halt towards loughborough so guessing their track must need upgrading or relaying in places? It can't be that bad though as the gypsum trains have used the line in the past which weigh in at around 2000 tons.

 

Are you saying the gypsum trains don't run any more?
Andy

 

Mk 1 coaches were designed for a minimum 4 chain radius, but if buckeyed up, this was increased to 6 chains. I did a 'hypothetical' survey for Tony Sparks several years ago, and produced sketches as well, allowing for a double tracked curve from Asher lane to the mainline, and maintaining the existing sections to 50 Steps as a loco turning triangle and 'freight' destination for galas.

 

AFAIK they still run, how often though I'm not sure. However having 2000 ton gypsum trains won't be doing the track any favours.

 

The speed and operational restrictions at East Leake are there because of the proximity of houses.

 

I believe you are correct.

 

Errrr, there are no restrictions at East Leake..........

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