Great Central Winter steam gala

I agree a great gala but they are always good galas at the GCR the train were full for January and the King in blue i a great attraction i realy enjoyed the day well worth getting cold for.

 

After deciding not to risk life and limb getting to Shap I decided to stay local and go back to the GCR and what fabulous conditions for day 2 of the gala. Great event so much action and a big thank you to everyone at the GCR for another top gala.

The King on the 10.00 service from Loughborough seen here near Quorn.

GWR King No 6023 near Quorn GCR | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

pulling out of Loughborough under Beeches Rd bridge

GWR King 6023 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Thanks for looking, Simon.

Flickr: FlyingScotsman4472's Photostream

Zenfolio | Simon Lathlane

 

Had a nice day out at the gala today, the king was mightily impressive- looks and sounds absolutely spot on. A credit to te GWS and all who have got her back up and running!

Sir Lamiel also looked fantastic today in malachite, such a nice change from BR green!

Lots of activity and luckily the weather held out most of the day, had a few good chats with the stall holders at Loughborough and a couple of GCR staff too.

Thanks for setting up a decent show

Chris

 

I fully enjoyable and excellent presented Steam Gala by the GCR. This was my 1st visit back to the GCR since October 2009.

My day didn't start well though. Heavy snow in the space of 2 hours on Friday night in Chester meant that getting to Loughborough could prove to be difficult. Got to Crewe in one piece, however may connecting to Derby was cancelled, so it was a detour to Birmingham New Street. Got to New Street only to miss the train to Derby from there by about 30 seconds. But luckily got a stroke of luck when a Leicester bound train turned up & departed on time from New Street. I managed to get to Loughborough just before 9am.

Was pleased to get a first ever ride behind Ivatt 46521, as well as the guest engines 6023 and 3803. Also had rides behind 78019, N2 1744 and 777.

Many thanks to everyone at the GCR for making it a special event. Looking forward to seeing what your line-up will be in October.

 

Some outstanding shots from some of the usual and not so usual suspects. Thanks for posting them.

 

EDIT: Double post

 

A few of my efforts at GCR January Steam Gala, 26/1/2013 - a set on Flickr

 

As ever, an excellent show from the GCR, especially given the difficult operating conditions caused by the snow. Here's my video comprising shots from the Friday and Saturday;

Great Central Railway - Winter Steam Gala 2013 - YouTube

 

An enjoyable gala the trains seem to get busier as the day progressed.A small selection of my photographs can be found at Zenfolio | Paul Simpson | Great Central Railway Winter Gala 2013 my favourite being Sir Lamiel on the TPO Zenfolio | Paul Simpson | Great Central Railway Winter Gala 2013 | Photo 1. Malachite green seems to look better in dull weather.

 

Footage of the King yesterday [video=youtube;JC7OdU8SF0U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC7OdU8SF0U[/video]

 

I'm about halfway through the editing process now, but thought I'd share a couple of more if you don't mind:


Langtree Photography-4781.jpg by Langtree Photography, on Flickr


Langtree Photography-4796.jpg by Langtree Photography, on Flickr


Langtree Photography-4787.jpg by Langtree Photography, on Flickr


Langtree Photography-4756.jpg by Langtree Photography, on Flickr


Langtree Photography-4735.jpg by Langtree Photography, on Flickr

More to edit, I'll try and finish the final nightspots for tomorrow

Cheers

Duncan

 

Evening all,

A good day yesterday at the gala, really top marks to all involved. One question though, it was noticeable whenever the TPO was scheduled there was a lull in the otherwise quite relentless activity, is there an operational requirement for this (e.g. both lines free Loughborough to Swithland / Rothley) or is it just pure coincidence?

Anyway, photos and video are below...

GCR Winter Gala - January 2013 - Railway Galleries

2013 Great Central Railway winter gala - YouTube

 

Congratulations to the GCR on an excellent gala. The operational flexibility added by the completion of work at Swithland (plus the addition of the turntable at Quorn) has added a real intensity to the events. Many railways advertise an 'intensive service' at galas, but the GCR is really delivering on this.

I journeyed behind 78019 to Swithland, where we pulled into the loop with 46521 on the branch and 47406 in the down loop light engine. 46521 hooked on to the back of our service, and then Sir Lamiel came barrelling round the bend and past us heading towards Quorn. We should have also been passed by the King, but it was clearly delayed, and we were signalled back onto the main line and on to Rothley where we eventually saw the King. This was one of the most fascinating experiences I have witnessed on a railway. I was born far too late to experience the 'real' days of steam, and yesterday I saw just a hint of what it must have been like.

 

Had a very enjoyable weekend at the GCR, some time lineside and a bit of travelling, well done to all involved in a great gala. Trains seemed busy and the sun even made an appeared.

My pictures are here:
Flickr: Bantam61668's Photostream

The only downside was the attitude of a member of GCR staff at Loughborough on Saturday afternoon towards myself and a number of other potential customers. The person in question was not too friendly towards the gent in front of me in the queue with his children who requested a post 3pm ticket at about 14:50 (the 14:45 had already departed so the ticket couldn't be used before 3 pm). After an argument with one customer he then proceeded to be rude to a number of others who similarly requested ticket only valid after 3 pm, at least 2 of whom then walked away. When 3 pm finally arrived there was a queue of about 20-30 people, at which point the shutter was slammed shut leaving only one ticket window open. I have no problem with the strict enforcement of the not selling tickets before 3pm (although in this instance it did seem a little unnecessary) but with the attitude of the staff towards customers. This certainly didn't give a good impression towards potential customers and certainly lost the railway some revenue in this case. Rant over

 

had a enjoyable saturday at the gcr, the king looked magestic!!

The king is back! 6023 passes Kinchley Lane | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

6023 King Edward II looks magestic as she rolls past Woodthorpe Bridge | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

As did 777
30777 Sir Lamiel assualts Kinchley Lane | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

thank you again to the GCR for putting on an awesome display of power

more pics on my flickr from the weekend

matt

 

Had a top day at the gala on Saturday, and also on shed friday night. Attached are two picture,s plase go to Winter Gala 2013 - Davidballard's Photos to see more. Thanks to all at the GC for their hard work.

 

There is a requirement for the Block section in advance of Quorns to be clear in the up direction as well as no passenger services in the Quorn down. Also the gates at Quorn must be locked before the TPO is aloud to leave Loughborough.

 

Great pictures everyone.It was wonderful to see a King on the GCR and it was a sight and sound to behold.Well done everyone once again.
See my pics at Zenfolio | SteamGalore

 

My set of photos from Saturday and Sunday at the GCR Winter Gala are now online at my Zenfolio site: - Mick Rogers | GCR Winter Steam Gala, 26th & 27th January 2013

I'm so very glad that the dire weather forecast for Friday evening sisn't put me off travelling up to Leicestershire! An excellent event, as always, so congratulations and thanks to all involved.

Cheers,

 

some images from Rothley on Saturday morning

Great Central Railway - Winter Steam Gala 26th January 2013 - a set on Flickr

graham