Great Central Railway News and Updates

[Mikw]

I am a long way away but visited England in 2022/203, Scotland in the former and Wales in the latter.

Are things really that bad?

In my country, allegedly 73 per cent who rent are suffering financial stress, compared with half of those who have a house/apartment mortgage. I assume for the third group (those who own property debt free, or own their own home debt free with an investment property or more than one with a loan, there isn't 'stress'.

What are the equivalent percentages in England?

I'm not sure about the figures you're after, but scurvy and ricketts are making a comeback, conditions historically linked to poverty.

 

[L+Y]

Does anybody know when the tpo will return?

Mentioned in the latest Main Line that it's hoped to get at least some of the MK1 TPO's back in service this year.

 

[WesternLancer]

GCR winter steam gala this weekend is very good - had a most enjoyable day today - well done to all concerned.

I would recommend a visit on Sunday to anyone who has the chance.

 

[Flying Phil]

Today was clear but cold - nice for steam effects though!

 

[Iskra]

Today was clear but cold - nice for steam effects though!
View attachment 151311

Very nice, winter steam is so much more atmospheric Was it busy?

 

[WesternLancer]

Very nice, winter steam is so much more atmospheric Was it busy?

It was very busy on Saturday - many trains I was on were all seats taken as well as people standing. Hopefully Sunday was busy too and good takings received by the GCR.

 

[Flying Phil]

Certainly, on Sunday, most seats were taken in the trains but the only standing was in the NER railcar. There was a "Medical Emergency" at Rothley on the train, which had to back up into the station so that the ambulance could get better access. This naturally led to delays for the rest of the afternoon.
It was a superb Gala though, with three passenger trains, two railcar units and two freight trains running to a busy timetable. The double headed Std 4 and Std 5 was a treat.

 

[WillPS]

Slightly niche question - does anyone know which vehicles are planned for the 'rail replacement buses' for the upcoming 'reunified' anniversary gala?

 

[Flying Phil]

Slightly niche question - does anyone know which vehicles are planned for the 'rail replacement buses' for the upcoming 'reunified' anniversary gala?

It may be worth your while to pop along to the GCR(N)Ruddington and ask the Bus people there as they are probably supplying the vehicles?

There was a photo charter using our Windcutter rake and the 9F (just before its with-drawing for 10 year overhaul). One of our team Gavin Thomson took this picture. (Click on to view)

 

[Cowley]

It may be worth your while to pop along to the GCR(N)Ruddington and ask the Bus people there as they are probably supplying the vehicles?

There was a photo charter using our Windcutter rake and the 9F (just before its with-drawing for 10 year overhaul). One of our team Gavin Thomson took this picture. (Click on to view)

What a fantastic photo that is Phil!

 

[Flying Phil]

This was running yesterday for crew training, ready for display at the GCR125 event this weekend.

 

[Flying Phil]

Road Rail steam event on the GCR this weekend. Lots of action at Quorn with steam traction engines etc. There are regular guided tours of Loughborough Locomotive shed with Boscastle team Guides throughout Sat and Sunday from 10.30 to 4 pm.

 

[railfan99]

Road Rail steam event on the GCR this weekend. Lots of action at Quorn with steam traction engines etc. There are regular guided tours of Loughborough Locomotive shed with Boscastle team Guides throughout Sat and Sunday from 10.30 to 4 pm.

Flying Phil, the GCR site doesn't yet show what (four day?) period the Autumn Steam Gala will be, if there is one.

As I may again visit the UK around September, I'd love to do a repeat visit as in 2022 with seven or eight locos it was incredible.

Do you have an inkling on what date(s) that Gala is likely to be held?

Am I correct on such Gala weekends that the 'mt' branch is inoperable?

What a fantastic photo that is Phil!

Worthy of national recognition. The train, the light...beautifully captured.

 

[Iskra]

Road Rail steam event on the GCR this weekend. Lots of action at Quorn with steam traction engines etc. There are regular guided tours of Loughborough Locomotive shed with Boscastle team Guides throughout Sat and Sunday from 10.30 to 4 pm.

I went to this event last year, it was a great even with a nice atmosphere, I’d recommend it

 

[Flying Phil]

Flying Phil, the GCR site doesn't yet show what (four day?) period the Autumn Steam Gala will be, if there is one.

As I may again visit the UK around September, I'd love to do a repeat visit as in 2022 with seven or eight locos it was incredible.

Do you have an inkling on what date(s) that Gala is likely to be held?

Am I correct on such Gala weekends that the 'mt' branch is inoperable?



Worthy of national recognition. The train, the light...beautifully captured.

Hi Railfan
The Autumn Steam Gala is Oct 3-6th. There are all the 2024 events listed on the website but you need to click on the banner headline "Whats on 2024" on the homepage. The Mountsorrel branch is open for quite a few weekends this year so may well be open for the gala.
Re that 9F picture - Gavin is a member of our Windcutter team so I will tell him your thoughts.

Iskra - glad you enjoyed last years event...there is certainly a lot to see and do.

 

[railfan99]

Hi Railfan
The Autumn Steam Gala is Oct 3-6th. There are all the 2024 events listed on the website but you need to click on the banner headline "Whats on 2024" on the homepage. The Mountsorrel branch is open for quite a few weekends this year so may well be open for the gala.

Thanks. Having travelled on about 15 wonderful standard gauge heritage railways (plus narrow gauge ones) from my distant abode, GCR along with West Somerset, Kent and East Sussex and East Lancashire are my top four. Subjective, even though I've "done" Bluebell and Keighley & Worth Valley that seem favourites among locals. North Norfolk Railway much better than expected.

If anyone hasn't been to GCR, easy to get there by train to the mainline station and then an achievable walk. Well worth supporting, and notably like K&ESR is expanding.