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Great Central Railway General Matters

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by Reading General, Nov 11, 2017.

  1. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    This coming weekend has the "Boscastle" team offering guided tours around the Engine Shed, details on the GCR Website.
     
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  2. misspentyouth62

    misspentyouth62 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the heads up Phil :)
     
  3. John Petley

    John Petley Part of the furniture

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    Just to say that I appreciate your regular reports on progress with Boscastle, Phil. I haven't visited the GCR since 6023's visit about seven years ago and the prospect of a Bulleid on the roster at Loughborough before - hopefully - too long would be just the incentive I need to make a long overdue journey to the line, so please keep the updates coming!
     
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  4. 45076

    45076 Member

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    In June it will be 20 years since it was withdrawn from service. So many people have never seen it running, but will be well worth the wait.
     
  5. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    The K1 62005 has arrived at the GCR for the Jan 24 - 26th Gala. It was out yesterday on a photographic charter. It will be joined by "Pitchford Hall" plus, up to 6 "Home fleet" locomotives.
    The "Goods Galore" event is earlier this year, now at the end of March (28th 29th).
     
  6. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    Latest GCR news! GWR ‘4073’ Class "Thornbury Castle" is to leave the WSR and be restored at Loughborough. Bought by a "supporter of the GCR".
     
  7. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Gosh!
     
  8. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Hate to sound negative but I'll believe it when I see it. This loco's had so many false dawns.
     
  9. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    According to GCR website, the move to GCR is scheduled Week beginning Jan 27th, so that seems very definite.
     
  10. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Press Release - GWR ‘4073’ Class "Thornbury Castle"

    GWR 4073 Class number 7027 “Thornbury Castle” has been sold to a private buyer, the present owners JJP Holdings have announced today. Under the sale and purchase agreement, the Great Western locomotive is to be restored at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire and will run there for the duration of its next 10-year ticket.

    The new owner, who is a significant supporter of the GCR, has confirmed that it will not be made available for any mainline operation. It requires significant restoration which will be carried out at the Great Central’s locomotive works in Loughborough under the watchful eye of their Chief Engineer, Craig Stinchcombe''.

    The loco, currently housed at the West Somerset Railway’s Williton depot, will be transported by road to Loughborough during week commencing 27th January.

    Built in 1949 by British Railways at the Swindon works, N0. 7027 was initially allocated to Plymouth Laira before moving to Old Oak Common some 10 years later, with its last shed allocation being Reading before being withdrawn from service in 1963 and being transported to Woodham Brothers Scrapyard at Barry. It was purchased by the Birmingham Railway Museum and left Barry in 1972. Subsequent to this it was purchased by the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust and remained in scrapyard condition for stays at Crewe Heritage Centre and Peak Rail until being purchased by the current owners in July 2016

    Jonathan Jones-Pratt (JJP) said, “We are obviously sad in many ways to lose this iconic engine from the Group but, at the same time, very pleased as I always wish to see the right decision being made for these wonderful engines. For me, this is a good move for Thornbury and we have been pleased to play a key part in ensuring the engine is restored as a Castle and we are satisfied that there is the right commitment to rebuild the engine to the right standard. We wish the Great Central team well with the project and, personally, I welcome the chance to help them along the journey. The engine will now leave the WSR over the coming weeks for her new home where I am sure the team will be waiting to get started!”

    GCR’s Managing Director, Michael Gough commented “We are very excited that this iconic locomotive is coming to the GCR and very proud that the new owner has chosen to have it restored in our works and for it to run here at the Great Central once completed. This is a major project and will involve significant hours and expense but we are ready for the challenge and looking forward to its arrival next week. <BJ>
     
  11. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    Most pleasing to see 7027 going to the GCR and its subsequent restoration. Previous posts have mentioned how the loco has languished with false hopes of restoring her but now seems a new dawn.
    I never showed much interest in the GCR - maybe it was the 'main line' appearance - but a recent tv programme I saw showed the large stock of freight that they have being put through its paces at a gala. A nice change from Mk.1's. Must watch this space. ;)
     
  12. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    A railway well worth a visit .....even from the deep south. ;) <BJ>
     
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  13. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    The freight stock is showcased in the forthcoming..........
    Goods Galore which takes place earlier in 2020 on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March.

    Expect to see up to 6 goods trains (5 goods train sets and 1 parcels train which also carries passengers) in service alongside a very frequent passenger service, shunting demonstrations, and turntable demonstrations.

    I would just like to add .........For all those enthusiasts who bemoan the vital but inauthentic "commercialisation" of heritage rail operations, this event is your opportunity to show how you support the other "historic" side of heritage operations.
     
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  14. MAPLE CHRIS

    MAPLE CHRIS Member

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    well said phil without the inauthentic commercialisation most railways would not survive i will be there tomorrow to enjoy the gala.
     
  15. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    It was very busy today and all the station car parks were full. The trains were delayed later in the afternoon and I saw an 08 shunter attached to the three car DMU set up on the Swithland branch, whether that was the cause of a problem I don't know. DSCF7511.JPG
     
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  16. M59137

    M59137 Well-Known Member

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    Great to see the event being so well patronised. I used to often go to the January gala but have now stopped as it has become TOO busy for our comfort! I try to make up for it by making sure I visit for at least one other event later in the year. Of course from the railways success point of view there's no such thing as too many people trying to buy tickets!

    Sent from my HTC U Play using Tapatalk
     
  17. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    We did have a late addition to the Gala as the NER railcar was brought into use on Sat and Sunday. DSCF7526.JPG
     
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  18. and60007

    and60007 Member

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    I'm just wondering if the K1 and Pitchford Hall are running this weekend at all?
     
  19. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    Both were cold outside the shed today, services run by the Jinty, 47406 and Ivatt class 2, 46521.
     
  20. and60007

    and60007 Member

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    Thanks Phil. I hope they are running next weekend?
     

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