Christmas Holiday Trains at the GCR (48305s return)

http://www.gcrailway.co.uk

Christmas Holiday trains - Saturday 27 December 2008 to Wednesday 31 December 2008From the 27th of December to December 31st, the Great Central Railway is running trains every day, so beat the post Christmas blues and entertain the family with us!

Two locomotives will be in steam every day with an impressive line up of motive power, reflecting a 1967 theme. Steams last Christmas you could say...

Subject to availability, the engines in use should be as follows...

27th December, LMS 48305 and GCR O4 63601 (Freight engines day)
28th December BR 78019 and LMS 48305 (Midland Region day)
29th December BR 78019 and BR 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" (BR Standards Day)
30th December BR 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" and BR 78019 (Midland Region Day)
31st December GCR 04 no 63601 and BR 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" (National Railway Museum treasures day)

If you are visiting to particuarly see one of these locomotives, please check it is in service before travelling to us, by ringing the booking office on 01509 230726

There are six steam heated trains each day. The first departs from Loughborough Central at 10.30am, then every hour at half past the hour with the last train departing at 3.30pm. Trains depart from Leicester North at 11.15am and then every hour at quarter past the hour until 4.15pm. The last, full line round trip availabe from Leicester is at 2.15pm

Seasonal fare (mince pies) available on board some trains. First class "Beavertail" observation saloon in use on some trains. A first class fare is payable to ride in the observation saloon where complimentary mince pies and hot drinks will be served.

 

I should be there for most of the "Not the Mince Pie Special" trains.

 

I shall be there ( I think Mince Pies are rancid) and most probably be emptying the pits or in the shed. But definetely good to see the 8F running again.

 

Hi Jamie - That looks a great line up, would you know what loco's may be used on the Santa Specials on the 22, 23 and 24th December?

Many thanks for your help.

regards

Michael Anderson

 

Probably 63601 and 4141, they've been used for the past few weeks, 48305 may be used if it's fit for traffic though, or put in a guest appearance on some light engine runs.

 

4141 and 63601 will be used on Santa Trains from this Saturday until Christmas Eve, and the O4 should be out Christmas Day (subject to availability) please check with the booking office as to which locomotive is confirmed for Christmas Day.

 

63395 has now arrived on the GCR, the tender came direct from the NYMR arriving last week, the engine arrived today coming via EWS at Crewe where it has been for tyre turning. It will take us a few weeks to refit the motion and do a few other smaller jobs but it should be back in one piece and running early January.

Has a Q6 every been to Crewe before, come to think of it has a Q6 ever been this far south before?

 

Unfortunately outstanding repair work not being completed on 48305 means it will not be hauling trains this week, however are are trying to complete the repairs as soon as possible for it to return to traffic as soon as possible.

 

Took a drive over yesterday to the GCR very quiet on the stations and lineside. Running was 63601 & 78019 lovely weather for photography.

http://www.simon582.fotopic.net/p55585301.html

http://www.simon582.fotopic.net/p55563479.html

http://www.simon582.fotopic.net/p55259495.html

http://www.simon582.fotopic.net/p55563480.html

http://www.simon582.fotopic.net/p55259494.html taken at the start of the Santa runs.

Cheers,
Simon

 

Any idea what will be running at the weekend? I'm hoping to pop over on Sunday.

 

Spent a cold morning lineside yesterday.78019 and 70048(70013) were running.Pictures up at
http://steamgalore.fotopic.net/c1631561.html

 

Cracking way to finish off the year with BR Britannia Class 70013 still in the disguise of 70048 in action today.Also in action BR Standard 2 No 78019.The trains looked full but not many at the lineside.


http://simon582.fotopic.net/p55643901.html
http://simon582.fotopic.net/p55643899.html
http://simon582.fotopic.net/p55643900.html
http://simon582.fotopic.net/p55643903.html

 

The weather looks good for the weekend, especially on the Saturday.
Could someone kindly let us know which locos are rostered please?

Have a good 2009. <BJ>

 

I should imagine it'll be from a pool of 63601, 70048 (70013) or 78019; potentially 48305 might come into that category as well. With the Class 101 on the 9.45 ex-Loughborough.

 

Thanks Jamie for your reply. M4, M5 and M42 again tomorrow then. <BJ>