GCR Autumn Gala, 5-8 October 2017

For anyone who isn't a member of the FoGCML, the GCR are hoping to have 2 Bullied pacifics at their Autumn Gala this year, to tie in with the 50th anniversary of the end of Southern steam which is apparently the theme for this event.
They are funding one attendee directly (possibly 92 Squadron, as that was hinted at in the latest Steam Railway) but they are seeking donations to fund the second locos transportation costs - apparently £10k. They already have half this amount pledged, but I thought it would be worth flagging the appeal up on here for those who are intending to attend the event.
Its mentioned in their latest magazine, so I'm assuming further details will appear on their website and in other media in the coming weeks as regards where to send donations to.....

 

The Rail Mail email newsletter has announced the first visitor, 34053 Sir Keith Park

 

What, again ! Would prefer Taw Valley !

 

The good citizens of Loughborough must be used to the loud sucking noise of the GCR absorbing funds, but it would be interesting to understand the reasoning behind this particular fund raising proposal. It seems that the railway company does not think there is an economic case for hiring 34053. There is a rebuilt Bulleid slumbering in the shed at Loughborough, probably for shortage of (or lack of priority for) funds, funds which I suspect the railway is obliged to provide under its previous hire agreement. The DCRT has launched an appeal to fund Boscastle. To the extent that there is £10,000 out there available from those who want to see a Rebuilt on the GCR, would not it be better to try to channel that into the Boscastle appeal rather than give it to Allelys?

 

Thanks for this, makes sense.

 

So Sir Keith and 92 squadron together again! They are becoming very fond of each other haha.

 

A shame there are so few available Merchant Navys which could be taken to the line really

 

The problem would be that unlike some railways the Great Central does not own any of the engines that it operates on the railway. So it can provide facilities for them to work on the engines (presumably at cost), but then hire them in to work on the line. It would be rather controversial for the GCR to then start part funding the overhaul of an engine if it were not doing so with other engines on the line. Equally so it could be done if it is part of the terms of the hire agreement for the engine to run on the railway, as it would merely form part of the terms and conditions. Other engines on the line could be offered similar conditions or choose to pay for their own overhaul and then be hired in as before.

Its all rather academic as it needs specific information with regards to the engines and their owning groups, but its probable that each has an agreement with the line on a case by case basis.

As for the Southern engines apparently visiting... Its a good job the GC is largely flat. Or they wouldn't really be going anywhere...

 

I don't know (and nor is it my business) where (else) the funding for Boscastle's overhaul is coming from but it is hardly slumbering, work is ongoing and the bottom half looks to be substantially complete. But the boiler needs a lot of work, the last I heard they were preparing to send it away. So with the best will in the world I think there is no chance of it being ready this year, and it's not just a question of funding.
Previously the GCR got itself into a mess with run-and-overhaul type contracts and ended up having to fund overhauls which were more extensive than they had expected and for which they had made insufficient funding provision, resulting in locos standing around for years out of use and unhappy owners. I really can't see them wanting to get into that game again.
As for the idea of an appeal to bring in a loco for a gala - why not? If people want to see it they can chip in, and if they don't they won't. From the GCR's perspective there are something like 10 working locos on the books; even allowing for some being away there is really no rational need to be hiring in more.

 

If any of the unrebuilt WC's show up I hope utilization of the mail train and some speed tests are done. 34081, 34092 etc.

 

Fool. Best replace your black hat with a flak jacket after a remark like that.

 

That assumes the owners will be happy with "speed tests" as you call them.

 

Get enough sand will be okay, Turn into a wheel slip gala otherwise.

 

Yawwwnnnnn.

 

2017 - the year of Bulleid gala overload?

 

Yes. Would have been nice for '81 to d/h with one of the other Bulleids but no real complaints.

 

Steam locomotive drag racing! I like the sound of that!!

 

So silent you won't know they are there, Well apart from the steam powered rail grinder noise,