GWSR Appeal Event, 9th & 10th April, at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

A real 8-coupled bonanza! I hope to attend on the Saturday, camera at the ready...

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Things are now on the move! 2807 safely dispatched this morning (monday) on her way to the seaside (WSR) for the spring gala -go see! After finishing on the 27th it will then be moved to the GCR where it will join GWSR 8f 45160 for the GR8 Escape gala.
The 8f is booked for departure from Toddington next monday (21st) for its move to the GCR. It will be in operation for the 1960's event (25th - 27th).

The Gr8 escape gala is very probably the only time you will EVER see 3 8f's and 2 Western heavy freights working at the same place together!
This is a not to be missed event. I believe the timetable has been upgraded to the 45 minute schedule (please see final timetable when the GCR release it)
to include freight and TPO runs.
we hope to face 2807 chimney first into Loughborough, so we have the opportunity to pass freights etc on the double track section. Oh and i have asked the turkish 8f group to take along there LMS (and possibly there 48274 BR(!) smokebox plate, then at least a line up of the 3 8's will look reasonable.

See you there!

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Good to see everything is coming together!

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Nice article and photo here:
http://www.gwsr.com/news/latest-news/getting-ready-to-go.aspx

Cotswold Steam

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Thought we'd better get this back on the front page as the gala is approaching fast, and the GWSR needs every possible pound it can raise. Any updates to the plans?

Cheers

John

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Yes, it looks like 5542 is appearing, (which is sort of news to me!) I knew it was going but wasn't aware it was going to be used during the event(2 short in the driving wheel dept!). However it looks as if 178 is also staying so perhaps a bit of 'Auto' Esc8pism.

See http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/Events.aspx?ID=367

Enjoy!

John

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Yes, click the black triangle at the bottom of your post and you can send the mods a message asking them to change the title

 

Does anyone know if there's likely to be a timetable/roster available before the event...?

Thanks

 

Is anyone on here planning to drive up to this from or through the Berkshire area, and would like a passenger to pay the petrol cost?

I'd love to go but it looks impractical by public transport!

I am a very civilised passenger, I promise

 

Re: GWSR Appeal Event at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

Just read following on GWSR website:
Hot off the press, Mike Little's GWR Autocoach no. 178 still on the Great Central from an earlier Gala so it was decided to give GWR favourite 'Small Prairie' no. 5542 the chance to work with it on Britain's only double-track heritage main line. The pair have frequently appeared at galas on the Honeybourne line, most recently at the very successful GWR175 celebrations.
In addition, the Type One Locomotive Company's immaculate BR two-tone green liveried Brush Type 4 (class 47), D1705 Sparrowhawk is also appearing so the event isn't entirely steam!
Read full article on GWSR website here. An event not to be missed!
Page especially for event and details of ticket prices here: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/Events.aspx?ID=367

 

Now published - see link on this page (rh column): http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/Events.aspx?ID=367

 

Hmm, the driver for a tenner seems to have quietly disappeared from the website... Can anyone from the GC confirm whether it's caped, or just been removed from the advertising please?

 

I'm led to believe that with the now intensive 45 min schedule, the driver for a tenner may be a non starter. The interest shown in this event had caused it to become larger and larger, to the extent that some things may get in the way!

Whats great is that GWSR working volunteers will be manning most of the non operational side of the GCR and I can only thank them all for there efforts in advance. The latest news form the appeal is very positive and there will be an update after this weekends event. When will you next see 5 eight coupled locos in steam?

 

I'm rostered for both days on my own railway

 

I'll be there with Mrs S and friends, hopefully decked out in 50's gear

I see the 38xx has failed and is replaced by Pitchfork Hall. Any one know what, if any, side attractions are planned - food/beer/vehicles/bands etc etc?

 

As posted on the works by someone from the loco owning group:

"Jumping the gun a bit there with that announcement! No major issue, more a case of time being required for cooling down then lighting up again, I shall be up there tomorrow and with any luck all will be sorted in good time for Saturday morning, if not the Hall will deputise."

 

I'm still looking for a lift from the Reading area, either day, if anyone's going. Will pay all the petrol cost. Many thanks!

 

Hi Steve. Where are you exactly? I would have to come south to pick you up but as long as it's not too far I could pick you up tomorrow. North of Reading would be OK. Ring me if you like at work today ('til 17.15) 01296 423843 (Oxfam) ask for Ian.

 

Thank you Ian, sorry, did not see your message till 22.30 Saturday, I appreciate your kind offer.

 

A fantastic event today, I hope the event proves successful and raises plenty of money for the GWR! I pledged my support and went on the last train (Just for a change ).

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