Great Central Railway General Matters

And I think this is a point though because if you consider the groups who have either moved on from Ruddington or reduced their presence there, you've got
-the HST group
-#567
-GCR RST

It feels to me, as a supporter of two of those, that whilst there had to be a push toward financial sustainability, the price of that has been most of the Railway's future unique selling points. And at this point, personally I'm wondering where Ruddington sees itself going, because in my eyes it's become just another preserved railway with a DMU and a few MK1's shuffling up and down with no real drive or intention of progressing beyond that level.

I make absolutely no bones about the fact that a big part of why I have donated - quite heavily and to the detriment of projects of my own - for several years now, was because it was where projects I'm invested in were based. With those projects gone, Ruddington will have to work harder to get me enthused to open my wallet.

 

You can add to that the departure of every steam loco apart from the mothballed B1 and one of the Manning Wardles (and that is up for sale). Even with none of the 'home fleet' working, being able to say that you have half a dozen or so steam locos calling the place home puts you 'on the map', so to speak.

It feels to me as if the strategy is to bumble along just about keeping the wolf from the door until the GCR proper takes over. Whereas a few years ago the strategy was to have a fully established and viable railway so that the two could merge. There are clearly many reasons why the earlier vision didn't come to pass and that's a debate for another day, but it does seem like a bit of a missed opportunity.

 

957 was apparently at Quainton 1974-1983, so seems possible. In its present location it seems to have lost its bogies. I hope they have them stored safely somewhere.

 

There was also 56097 that the owner put up for sale as there was no point in keeping the loco there with no stock to haul. No one else bid for it so it went to GBRf and is now running round as 69016.

 

Does anyone know how many home fleet locos will be running at the Spring Steam Weekend in addition to the three visitors?

I completely get that at this point the exact locos selected may not have been decided on, I am just curious to how many locos will be running, given last year was just three steam and a Railcar.

Many thanks.

 

Expected line up is as follows:

3809
34072
68067
92134

D7018 - Hymek
Class 101 DMU (2 car blue one)

Plan is for the two austerity tanks to top and tail trains on the Mountsorrel Branch with the 9F and Battle of Britain sharing mainline services with the Hymek. DMU will mainly do Loughborough to Rothley shuttles but gets a couple of trips down the branch too.

Hope that helps!

 

You have made my day!

Very excited that the Hymek will be running in particular. Certainly will be going, great line up of locos.

Thanks.

 

Any idea what might be running at the weekend? Looking to be in the area so was wondering if it was worth a trip.

Have been keeping an eye on the roster page of the website but at 1530 on Friday I've given up hope

 

As far as I'm aware it should be 34072 and 92134. Why it's not been publicised as such I've no idea I'm afraid.

 

92134 is the one I was hopeful for, I'll take a punt! Cheers

 

Very sad to read that the Ellis Team Rooms at Rothley are closing. I've eaten there with the family a few times and always really enjoyed the food, and the views out to the railway.

Sent from my SM-S926B using Tapatalk

 

That’s sad, and also really interesting to see - I can remember it having to grow to meet demand.

 

Something had changed, on a few previous visits they had no food which was far from ideal.

 

Very much appreciate the eloquent understatement, telling indeed.

 

Whilst Ellis's was always busy during events, it was less busy on ordinary running days and weekends. When no trains are running it has usually been very quiet. It is in a difficult location, hidden from view with only a small sign board at the roadside to show it is there.

It is a shame that it is closing as quite a lot has been spent on extending it and upgrading its facilities.

 

The Great Central Railway Flash Sale is LIVE!
For the next 48 hours only, enjoy 10% off a wide range of experiences, events and tickets when you book online.
From 8:00am today until 8:00am on Thursday 5 February 2026, you can save on First Class Dining, Afternoon Teas, Fish & Chips Trains, daytime and evening dining experiences, running days, special event Galas and Driver Experiences.
The offer also includes items from our online shop, including clothing, souvenirs, books, and our popular signature gin and spiced rum.
Every booking helps support us as a not-for-profit heritage railway, preserving the Great Central Railway for future generations.
Visit gcrailway.co.uk