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2008 |
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12th October Autumn Gala | |||
With an irresistible loco line up and favourable autumnal weather the scene was set for the GCR's superb (and subsequently highly successful) Autumn Gala. The line has subtitled 2008 as "Year of the Express Engine" and the gala lived up to that billing. With express loco designs from four different companies, there was certainly something for everyone. Topping the loco roster was without doubt new build Peppercorn A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado. This was the first time that I'd seen the A1, in grey undercoat it was an almost surreal sight stood outside the loco shed at Loughborough. The engine is a credit to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust that have spent 18 years raising money and building her. Playing a gallant supporting role was LMS 5XP 5690 Leander. Usually based at the East Lancs Railway this was the Jubilee's first visit to the GCR and bought a welcome splash of crimson lake to the head of trains. Finally the NRM duo, SR LN 850 Lord Nelson and 70013 Oliver Cromwell (which had returned to the line after its summer exploits on the main line). Making up the numbers were GWR Large Prairie 4141, GCR O4 63601 and BR 2MT 78019. All this and I've yet to mention the intensive timetable, the TPO, parcels and goods trains… | |||
Locos: 48305
and 63601 Location: Loughborough |
Subject: Yard Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 60163 Tornado Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 60163 Tornado Location: Leaving Loughborough |
D2081012-005.tif | D2081012-008.tif | D2081012-010.tif | D2081012-013.tif |
Loco: 63601 Location: Charnwood |
Loco: 63601 Location: Charnwood |
Loco: 850 Lord
Nelson Location: Woodthorpe |
Loco: 5690 Leander Location: Woodthorpe |
D2081012-014.tif | D2081012-015.tif | D2081012-016.tif | D2081012-018.tif |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Woodthorpe |
Loco: 78019 Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 60163 Tornado Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 4141 Location: Approaching Quorn |
D2081012-020.tif | D2081012-021.tif | D2081012-023.tif | D2081012-025.tif |
Loco: 5690 Leander Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 850 Lord
Nelson Location: Quorn |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Quorn |
Loco: 5690 Leander Location: Quorn |
D2081012-026.tif | D2081012-030.tif | D2081012-031.tif | D2081012-035.tif |
Loco: 63601 Location: Quorn |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 60163 Tornado Location: Woodthorpe |
D2081012-038.tif | D2081012-045.tif | D2081012-046.tif | D2081012-047.tif |
11th May Welcome back Oliver Cromwell | |||
After a four year overhaul at Loughborough, May 2008 saw the return to steam of 'End of Steam' celebrity pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell. For many 70013 will always be associated with the 15 Guinea Special, but I have a more personal association with the engine. At the tender age of 2 and a half, I just about remember taking a footplate ride on Cromwell at Bressingham. (So 70013 probably planted the seed!) That was the first and last time I saw Cromwell in steam, so to see the iconic loco back in steam, 22 years on, was rather special. Knowing a little about what it takes to get one of these beasts back on the road, I would like to congratulate all at Loughborough shed for the monumental effort they have put in to get Cromwell back in steam, especially in the last few months. Well done, and thank you. |
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Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Loughborough |
Caption: First
Class Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Leicester North |
D2080511-003.tif | D2080511-009.tif | D2080511-012.tif | D2080511-019.tif |
Loco: 70013 Oliver
Cromwell Location: Leicester North |
Loco: 78019 Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 30777 Sir
Lamiel Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 30777 Sir
Lamiel Location: Loughborough |
D2080511-020.tif | D2080511-026.tif | D2080511-032.tif | D2080511-033.tif |
26–27th January Winter Gala | |||
The annual Winter Gala marks the start of an exciting year for the Great Central Railway, with many firsts and comebacks for Britain's only mainline steam railway. This year's gala was subtitled 'A hazy shade of Oxford' and featured guest locos 4953 Pitchford Hall and 4F 44422. Also making a welcome return to the Winter Gala timetable was the RVP's TPO train, which made two (spirited) runs during the day (Saturday). The all steam line-up featured; GWR Hall 4953 Pitchford Hall, Large Prairie 4141; LMS 4F 44422, 8F 48305; SR King Arthur 30777 Sir Lamiel; BR Standard 2MT 78019. | |||
Locos: 78019 and
44422 Location: Approaching Quorn |
Subject: Quorn
station Location: Quorn |
Loco: 4953 Pitchford
Hall Location: Quorn |
Loco: 48305 Location: Quorn |
D2080126-001.tif |
D2080126-002.tif | D2080126-005.tif | D2080126-006.tif |
Loco: 4141 Location: Quorn |
Loco: 78019 Location: Quorn |
Loco: 30777 Sir
Lamiel Location: Quorn |
Loco: 78019 Location: Quorn |
D2080126-007.tif | D2080126-009.tif | D2080126-011.tif | D2080126-012.tif |
Loco: 44422 Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 4953 Pitchford
Hall Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 4953 Pitchford
Hall Location: Approaching Quorn |
Loco: 30777 Sir
Lamiel Location: Loughborough |
D2080126-013.tif | D2080126-014.tif | D2080126-015.tif | D2080126-017.tif |
Loco: 48305 Location: Loughborough |
Loco: 78019 Location: Kinchley Lane curve |
Loco: 44422 Location: Kinchley Lane curve |
Caption: Setting
up for the TPO Location: Quorn |
D2080126-024.tif | D2080126-026.tif | D2080126-030.tif | D2080126-032.tif |