Great Central Railway General Matters

Kinchley Lane is still good (as per photo below from yesterday) but probably worth avoiding on a main gala event. This weekend was the quietest I've ever seen it - you normally can't move for people there.

Metal fencing has gone up on the bridge at Woodthorpe; issues with kids climbing and hanging off the bridge and abutments, but also some photographers going where they shouldn't. I think this was inevitable sadly.

 

Very much enjoyed the Last Hurrah yesterday. I like the mixed traction format, with lots going on and choices having to be made because you just can't do everything. The double track really comes into its own on days like this with some trains running with just a 10 minute headway. Well done and thank you to everyone at the GCR.

 

I have to echo the comments above about the 'Last Hurrah'. I visited for the first time since 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hopefully, it won't be another 16 years before I return!

 

I would have attended but I really didn't fancy more than an hour each way trundling round on the rail replacement bus from Nottingham to Loughborough! I'll maybe pop in on New Year's Eve.

 

We're always pleased to visit the GCR and have enjoyed some fantastic galas. Considering that we travel 140 miles in each direction, we think of Nottingham as just up the road [BJ]

 

3 hour drive each way --- but worth it - first visit in 25 years last time was with 5029 for running in.....

 

Just seen the GCR are running a 'pay what you can afford' service on Christmas Day

What a wonderful initiative, there are a number of people who are in circumstances that make Christmas Day a difficult time, so this may help them get out of the house and not feel isolated

Well done GCR

 

They must have enough volunteers willing to escape their homes on Christmas Day. It will be intriguing to see how well the day goes, but all the best for a successful event.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C4zu7RRrp/

Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive response to our special Christmas Day service, it’s been lovely to hear how GCR can help bring extra joy and festivities to your day.

Due to the limited nature of this special timetable, with just three services operating during the day, we anticipate a high level of interest and busier trains than usual. Seating may therefore be limited, and we kindly ask that passengers offer seats to those who need them most.

We’ve been delighted by the overwhelming response to this event, and as a result it may not be possible for everyone to travel on every service. Please be considerate of fellow visitors so that as many people as possible can take part. You might also like to spend some time at Loughborough Central Station, enjoying the atmosphere and watching the comings and goings throughout the day.

️A ticket inspector will be on board for this very special Pay What You Can Afford service. Both cash and card payments are accepted, and all proceeds will go towards keeping the railway alive for future generations to enjoy.

The on-board bar will be open, serving beer, spirits, soft drinks and mince pies to keep you refreshed and merry throughout the journey.

Please be patient with our volunteers, who have very kindly offered to help bring this magical day to you.

Find out more about the Christmas Cracker on our website at https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20251225-christmas-cracker/

 

It does make me wonder if we will see more of this appearing in future? As the world has and continues to drastically change in terms of culture, Christmas is celebrated less and less as a religious holiday (at least in my eyes that is the case). We are seeing many people alone at this time of year, and others who are just generally not interested in celebrating it at all (and I include myself in that). The opportunity to not only have something to do on an otherwise fairly mediocre day, but also something that helps other people who might be alone, I can see becoming quite appealing. This, of course, is providing it is of course kept voluntary and not enforced; i.e. a service is only advertised and run if it has sufficient volunteers to do so, rather than it being a committed open day from the outset.

Perhaps a new 'tradition' from this will emerge in years to come?

 

Once upon a day, a pub opening for Christmas was a new thing, then it became Christmas lunch and I recall nearly 30 years ago going for Christmas dinner with a grandparent on their first year alone. Now everyone is doing it.

Likewise, I have come across older friends who work in hospitals and healthcare offering to work Christmas Day in order for younger colleagues with families to be able to have a day together. Beliefs or not, it all boils down to being kind. Something the world needs a little more of.

 

I'd be happy to volunteer on some sort of operational thing.

Zero interest in any celebrations. The best thing about Xmas and New year used to be picking up all the double/triple time/Christmas/New year bonus shifts.

Sadly I don't get those in my current job role.

 

GCR has run a Christmas Day dining train for quite a few years now.
Then it was decided that as the engine was in steam and staff rostered, there may as well be another train or two, so a 'freebie' service as a thank you to the locals was added. I'm not sure how long that remained free for, but the idea of making it a 'pay what you can afford' service seems to me, if anything, an attempt to cover its costs. Probably no bad thing, really.
Maybe in the future it will grow into something bigger. Time will tell.
Personally, I've never volunteered on Christmas day because there have always been family reasons not to, but I can definitely see the appeal for those who, for whatever reason, would otherwise spend Christmas alone.

 

Snap
20 years on Track Renewals and worked 15 Christmases.

Now unpaid retired domestic slave.

 

I didn't think you could retire from being a domestic slave

 

Sorry for the small correction - but there'll be 2 engines in steam for Christmas Day. 73156 is currently rostered for the 2x diner trips and 78018 & D123 will be top & tailing the 'pay what you can afford' service (all subject to the usual caveats).

Having had a look at the historic WTT on HOPSs since Covid, Christmas Day has only had the diner service in operation, so not sure when the freebie service for the locals was discontinued - casualty of Covid perhaps? Before my time.

According to the last GM update, this service is running due to popular request of volunteers willing to give their time - I'll never be able to volunteer on Christmas due to family, but hopefully it is a good day for all!

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BKiWdrRkK/

Pay What You Can Afford Day – Thank You For Supporting GCR

We’ve been truly humbled by the number of people who’ve got in touch to say they’d still like to donate, even though they’re unable to join us for the Christmas Cracker service. Your kindness and generosity mean so much to everyone involved with the railway.

Thanks to your support, even more people will be able to enjoy the magic of the railway, now and in the future — and that’s something really special.

If you’d like to make a donation and be part of this wonderful show of support, please click the link below.
Every contribution, large or small, makes a real difference.

Thank you for helping keep the railway alive.
https://gcrailway.enthuse.com/donate?#!/

 

Just seen a video of 68067 on today’s services on load 6!

 

Nothing unusual. 'Antwerp' used to take 6 on the NYMR which does have some uphill bits, unlike the GCR, which is dowhill in both directions.

 

A few shots from Boxing Day.

2025-12-26 GCR 405 BR 78018 2MT 2-6-0 KINCHLEY LANE by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

2025-12-26 GCR 424 BR 73156 5MT 4-6-0 KINCHLEY LANE by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

2025-12-26 GCR 452 BR 78018 2MT 2-6-0 KINCHLEY LANE by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr



2025-12-26 GCR 482 BR 73156 5MT 4-6-0 KINCHLEY LANE by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr