GCR Autumn Steam Gala - 1st-4th October 2026

That’s the two I expect to feature .

 

You can find out the final guest on Patreon....though looks like 9681 to me

 

Does anyone know what's happened to 6990 and 78019. I understand they are in the workshop and won't be running at the Gala. Anyone know what work is being done to them?

 

6990 is having new superheater flues fitted and some other steam pipe work. 78019 has been having what looks like a valve and piston examination/refurbishment.

 

According to the event page, Thursdays locos are:

• 813
• 16640
• Visiting loco TBC

On Friday to Sunday the locos are

• The five visiting locos
• 68067
• 73156
• D9525
• DMU (Iris 0r class 101)

Ann will be giving inspection saloon rides around Loughbrough.

On the Saturday there will be one full line trip behind Ann. An additional charge applies.

 

There will be Boscastle Guided Shed Tours on the Saturday and Sunday of the Gala. They run regularly from 10.30 to 3.30 and are free, but a donation towards the overhaul of Boscastle is appreciated.

 

Gala timetable 2026-Autumn-WTTs-for-Website-at-v11-2309.pdf

 

The following weekend is the Autumn Steam weekend.

https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20261010-autumn-steam-weekend/

How many of the five visitors will also be at that event?

Sent from my SM-A166B using Tapatalk

 

The roster has 5 engines in steam and I believe has a “little engine” theme - so hopefully 73156 will have a rest and it’ll be 4 visitors (can’t see Ann pulling anything) and 68067. Don’t think any are leaving in the week between the gala and this.

 

73156 is running as its classed as little and large theme. 68067 is also running. Anne will only be doing shuttles around Loughborough

 

Bus shuttle timetable Autumn-Steam-Gala-Bus-Stops-2026.pdf

Train timetable seemingly pulled from website at time of posting this

 

Also the Saturday Ann full line trip is now Loughbough to Quorn, top and tailed with another visiting loco

 

UPDATED Gala timetable 2026-Autumn-for-Programme-at-v12.pdf

 

I was Sheringham last week and someone staying at the same place as me said Newstead had failed last Weds ,only here say mind you.

 

No sign of the 1020 from Loughborough local service, not sure what’s occurring.

 

Newstead wasn't in steam or due to run that day - she was being readied for her trip to the GCR!!!

 

Brilliant day today, thanks to everyone for their efforts. Some delays this morning but back on time this afternoon, very well done. Definitely the quietest GCR steam gala I’ve ever been to, I really hope it’s still made good money for the railway, thanks again.

 

As Bob Dylan once didn't sing, How many diesels can you run at your steam gala before you can call it a Mixed Traction gala?

I'd argue one is acceptable. Two is pushing it, unless covering for failure. Three (as was the case here) seems excessive.

Still, what steam there was put on a great show, some photos at https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/Great-Central-Railway/Autumn-Steam-Gala-October-2026 with a selection below.

 

i think we have been spoilt in the past with lots of engines running at galas the costs of running large locos have risen considerably recently a lot of galas have hired in smaller locos this year i was on the severn valley on Saturday and the trains seemed quieter than previous years the diesel market seems to need a red pen engine to bring out the masses.

The steam enthusiasts are getting older so the numbers attending is dimishing also i do not see many families on the trains at the various galas i attend some railways have been offering kids for a quid etc to encourage more to travel.