Great Central Railway Autumn Gala Thurs 04 October to Sun 07 October 2012

Would it not be possible to run a £5 shuttle bus throughout the day from Rothley like I think they did IIRC when the double track was launched (with 92212)? This would solve the problem of 'manning the gate', parking, access etc? Access would only be granted to those on the bus. Could our friends at the Leicester vintage bus group not help out? I think they ran shuttles to Quorn and Leicester from Abbey park not long ago?
Steve

 

Sounds like a good idea. You would, of course, have to make it very clear that the charge is for access to Swithland, and NOT for the bus ride - licensing issues - but it would seem to solve the other issues - along with some temporary fencing, presumably.

 

Oh no, there are no evening trains on the timetable. :-( They are one of the main reasons that I come to the gala as the atmosphere at Loughborough in the dark with engines at the platform, departing or being positioned is superb, it feels just like it did there 50 years ago. The night mail last year was also fun, so presumably thats not a runner either ? Drat, I may have to reconsider if its worth the three hour drive when there are competeing family events Sat and Sun.

 

If you don't come, put your comments in writing saying that you'd only have come for the nighttime event, it helps to justify the expense of it. Generally we only do it if we have something going on at Quorn in the evening, such as the beer tent, so the night event helps to keep people at Quorn buying the beer.

 

I think this is now a feature of the Winter Gala as opposed to the Autumn one - as you get more darkness running but don't have to keep going quite so late into the night! We shall wait and see when the details are announced.

 

I have to admit to having had a sneaky peek round the door at the shed this afternoon, and Sir Lamiel looks fantastic in malachite green. They're just doing the finishing touches in terms of the lettering & lining (it's mostly all done) but the loco does look awesome. Well done to the GCR / 5305la team.
The pannier is there too (looking great in BR black) - but 6023 seems to have disappeared! It may have been shunted right to the back of the shed for the boiler works - but I couldn't see it. Perhaps it's been spirited away quietly to avoid further controversies...

 

I think I definitely will still come. The prospects of a day of interesting double track and sidings steam activity very easily outweigh having to entertain two maiden aunts on the Saturday. Oh, and I was given a day pass by SWMBO.

 

Sounds a good idea to me, a facility that only needs to be availible for gala's and a suitable safe area to stand cordoned off from the rest of the Lineside.

While were on the subject of things that will entice you to or make money for the GCR, is there any chance of the night shoot at Lougborough shed on the Friday Night prior of a gala prior to the weekend ever making a reappearence ? (where you paid £5 at the booking office and off you went), I know Photo Charters regularly offer this sort of thing, but their usual midweek nature coupled with work and family commitments make them easier said than done to do.

 

The WTT for the weekend landed on my doormat this morning. A few teasers for you...

The first movement is 08.20 each day, and there are multiple movements before the first passenger train.
Expect a lot of train movements between Swithland and Rothley, and vice versa, with perhaps the use of 2-3-3 between signalmen.
Train frequency is approximately 5 per hour throughout most of the day in both directions.
There are three TPO services, and two turntable demonstrations.

So if that doesn't whet your appetite I don't know what will!

 

So, how late will the first passenger train be then?

 

You can see that in the passenger timetables on the GCR website. Autumn Gala 4th – 7th Oct | The UK's Only Main Line Heritage Railway

 

I wish the WTT (or rather the brochure thingy we tend to get now) could be ordered in advance by visitors. Something for the Winter Gala planners to consider hopefully.

 

What I.actually meant was how much will the first passenger train be delayed by the earlier movements. Partly tongue in cheek, but the GCR did used to have a reputation for late starts even on a normal running day.

 

Well with 5tph everyone will have to be on their toes - depending on how well this gala goes it could be the most intensive timetable the GCR ever uses.

 

I've had 12 trains pass my box in an hour at Quorn on a gala day before now (5 one way, 7 the other way). Granted the service was up the spout leaving them rather more intensive than planned as it recovered!

 

If you've been to our Autumn and Winter galas over the past few years you'll know that we've ran on time for 99% of the day.

 

As a FOTGC Whats the earliest I can get in on Sunday I would like to take some early morning pics at the shed

 

Guaranteed from 8am, likely earlier, I suspect you'll be able to get in from 7am, but if not, sit in your car for a bit and somebody will turn up!

 

Thanks guess I will sit in the road outside the station dont see anywhere else to park there

 

It's a sunny Thursday morning , and 925 & 9466 are both in steam............. both locos currently facing North