GCR Winter Gala 31 Jan '09

From the most recet GCR email;
"speaking of which the Fairburn Tank rivet head job is now
complete; every task on it has to be preceded by warming the metal
with the gas blowtorch. That's how it used to be though, and, after
all, we are trying to 'recreate the experience'. The cab roof,
generally regarded as a 'basket case' has been stiffened and just
needs some cosmetic work to make it watertight. Not far off putting
the right tank on now".
I gather it's hopeful rather than promising.

 

It does sound hopeful that the Fairburn tank will be able to join the rest for the gala. I hope it can make it as ive never seen one running before. The gala is lining up to be a very good start to 2009

 

It does look as this is going to be a good one, but I do hope that some of the engines are pointing north this time.

I wonder if the GCR is going to introduce day lineside passes?

Regards

 

Some of the engines will be facing north, at the very least one will be, so you can get passing freight trains facing the right direction (or the wrong direction when in reverse )

 

As far as I know 48305 at the very least will face North, no idea about Sir Lamiel.

 

Doesnt look good for the Fairburn being ready in time, its mention has vanished completely on the GCR website for the gala so im guessing it isnt going to make it =(

 

Looking forward to the gala - should be a good un!

Is there going to be a good number of freights as per last years gala?

Also seems strange renumbering the 8F after a preserved one. Why not go for the other 4th August one 48476 (as pictured in Steam The Grand Finale)? It will also save the effort of putting on the yellow cab-side stripe!

 

Im sorry youve lost me? 48305 hasnt been renumbered has it? The loco at the GCR is and has always been 48305?

 

That's true but the GCR are hoping to renumber 48305 as 48773 for the gala, which would be in keeping with the "1968" theme

 

Ah right sorry wasnt aware of that fact. Was due to be visiting the gala but cirumstances have changed now ](*,) ](*,) ](*,)

Shame would love to have seen the 8F in traffic and Listen to 70013 at full chat on the mail

 

48305 did survive until 1968 as did 'Ollie', but none of the rest of the participants in this gala did. I think this is just another example of a railway thinking up a 'theme' just for the sake of having a theme. Still, never mind, I'm sure it will still look great as will all the others.

I note from the GCR website that platform tickets for Loughborough will be withdrawn for the duration. That's a shame.

Like a good many enthusiasts I prefer not to ride in yet another BR Mk1 TSO that pretty well all the railways are equipped with, often times exclusively so. I prefer to stay beside the lineside fence and look at the action. Basically I'm a railway observer and that is how I like it. An issue comes out of this though ... how do you say thank you in a tangible form. I normally, even where I am a member and have a lineside pass, go to the tourist trap and buy a book or DVD. This won't be possible at the GCR for this gala as the withdrawal of the platform ticket facility will prevent me from accessing the shop to buy that item to say thank you for the pleasure of attending the event.

](*,)

Regards

 

You could buy a travel ticket to Quorn & Woodhouse which is the cheapest fare available at £8, and costs £3 more than a platform ticket.

 

Just seen the passenger timetable for the weekend on the GCR website...

63395 (visiting loco) - one passenger train each day in the late afternoon
48305 ("renumbered as a classmate running railtours in 1968" to quote the website) - one passenger train each day, plus another on Saturday evening
4141 - one passenger train each day
63601 - no passenger trains (again!)
42085 - no show?

 

Once again the GC puts freight locos onto freight trains for most of the day. And good on them. Maybe some people will bemoan the opportunities to ride behind the Q6. but it is a freight loco! and it does appear to be there for two more months. As the GC can run relatively decent sized freights, lets see these engines doing what they were built for

 

I have to disagree. Putting locos onto freight trains is fine so long as they get a few passenger turns too. Freight trains only benefit the photographers and train watchers. Those of us who like to ride behind loco's as well as photograph them would expect the opportunity to travel behind the Q6 if shelling out a fair amount of cash to travel. If the GC can't give the Q6 at least 3 passenger turns during the day ensuring I can travel behind it then i'm afraid I will stay away. ](*,)

 

I much prefer goods locos on goods at a Gala as there's precious few opportunities otherwise. Plenty of time to get a ride behind them on service trains throughout the year. The big snag with this Gala is I can only go on the Sunday and there's a certain apple green loco running on the ECML on the same day. Decisions, decisions. :-k

 

Why? You've got until April to get a ride behind the Q6. Would you rather have Sir Lamiel and Oliver Cromwell only on freight runs, with the Q6 just shuttling about on a passenger train.

You can't please everybody, but we always please the majority.

 

Because travelling from here by train is expensive and i'm sure alot of other people would be travelling a fair distance to ride behind the Q6 at the gala too. Why not use the Prairie and 8F on the freight.

It would have been my second visit to the GC this year as I enjoy the gala but think I'll be giving it a miss now.