45231 and loco fleet at GCR

Delighted to see Black 5 45231 back at the GCR for an extended stay - but I was just wondering what the reason for the visit is? I'm sure it's not for runnng-in and it's not as if the GCR are short of motive power at the moment.

I know it's staying for the Winter Gala in late January and there's talk of another Black 5 visiting too.

So at the moment, I think the GCR serviciable fleet comprises:
- Britannia 70013 'Oliver Cromwell'
- King Arthur 30777 'Sir Lamiel' (albeit with a superheater repair)
- Black 5 45231
- 8F 48305
- O4 63601
- N2 1744
- Std 2 78019
- Fairburn 42085 (if it's still there)

If the Fairburn is still there that makes eight locos, which I guess must be a record for the GCR? I seem to remember not long ago boiler problems meant they were struggling to get two out.

Anyone know if the GCR has ever managed more than seven servicable locos?

 

I recall a visit in December 1996 as a 16 year old when the following were there and servicable:-

46229 (had just come off the main line)
45231
48305
6990
34039
34027 (on main line testing and painted the wrong colour green)
30777
75029
92212
92203
69523 (N2)

It seems there are a nice mix of engines right now with some others on the way.....

 

Fairburn 42085 has now left the GCR to return to its home the Lakeside Hatherthwaite Railway. 30777 should be running the services/datexs this weekend alongside 63601/78019.
48305 now been stopped for bottom end overhaul. Should be back for christmas/new year.

 

Was fun while it lasted...

 

Does the GCR have space for non-santa passengers on its santa trains?

I'd like to get down for a ride behind 63601 if possible, any info is appreciated!

 

Some of the trains nearer to Christmas are "fully booked" but we always used to have space for non-Santa passengers - not sure which part of the train you'll get shoved into though. I suggest you call the booking office on 01509 230726, they should know, or be able to find out.

Can't say which days or which trains 63601 is running on though, there are quite a few in-ticket locos available at the moment so it's usually a case of checking on a Friday evening what has been lit up for the weekend. Plans do change, sometimes at the last minute, so if you're after a particular engine it's always worth checking as close to your intended visit as possible.

 

You can also check the GCR Twitter feed for information about loco rosters, they normally appear on a Friday.

www.twitter.com/great_central