If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Great Central Railway Autumn Gala 3-6 October 2019

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by Regan, Jul 29, 2019.

  1. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2007
    Messages:
    35,092
    Likes Received:
    20,742
    Occupation:
    Training moles
    Location:
    The back of beyond
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    IMO variety is the spice of life in the heritage railway world and long may we continue to enjoy the products of a wide range of CMEs.
     
    Johnme101 and Bluenosejohn like this.
  2. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    598
    Location:
    Herefordshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    John Petley said "...I was delighted when the Spa Valley Railway procured the use of the L&Y 0-6-0 52322 last year and made sure I had a ride behind this fine engine during its stay down south. Furthermore, if any heritage line near my home was to bring down one of the NELPG's locos as a guest engine for a gala, I would write a a big note in my diary to make sure I didn't miss such an event."

    I agree: anyone know the current operational committments of the L&Y 0-6-0? I too would like to see this and NELPGs at a gala. It was great to have the Q6 at the SVR last year and I had hoped to see one of these at a gala this Autumn.
     
  3. The Black Hat

    The Black Hat Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2010
    Messages:
    860
    Likes Received:
    399
    Occupation:
    Defender of the Faith
    Location:
    51F
    In that case I will plant my banner firmly in the knowledge that I am an ally of Swindon.

    926 doesn't impress me as to me it always seems to be running out of power near Goathland, nor does it grip very well and spins its wheels often. For me the main areas are the low tender, the half cut cab and front end looking dated - the S15s saving point is the bogie tender and that's about it. Its not as cleanly built as something Swindon or Darlington would have made, and the cab in particular would leave crews exposed. Maunsell I don't rate, nor with many of the others you have mentioned. Hence liking things such as a GWR Castle, Pannier, Hall, or later Staniers works that transformed the Midland region.

    I look for great engineering and acknowledge it when I see it, but love the debate that things like this bring up and also enjoy seeing the passion others have for things like also love and hold dear (especially if its different to my own view). Sadly, I'm never going to see these has having been in full squadron service, save finding a Blue Telephone box I can borrow. Preservation is lucky to have so many working examples of engines for us to enjoy, but what irks me is that often conversation, media coverage, gala themes and recognition overlooks the north east, as well as some other areas. There's articles on expresses, idyllic branch lines or mountainous routes of the south, west, midlands and Scotland but the north proper almost doesn't exist. Especially ones that people coalesce around and repeat ad infinitum.

    Maybe I shouldn't be so serious - it could be a failing that I'm steadfast in making sure people understand that achievements up north easily mirror, or often exceed, those that are often talked about down south and as commonplace, for fear they are overlooked. I do honestly love seeing the pride and enthusiasm that people have for their beloved subjects and choice of engine, route, engineer, stock, livery, etc. even if a sarcastic or contentious post has lit the blue touch paper (again probably..). So while I might not be at the Great Central gala, this time round (as this has become a favourite of mine) I will certainly have a friendly and welcoming ethos given the variety at the NYMR soon - even if I just watch the S15 and Repton go past...
     
  4. Regan

    Regan New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    32
    Gender:
    Male
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
  5. Davo

    Davo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2018
    Messages:
    1,523
    Likes Received:
    634
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    W yorkshire 56f
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Is there a timetable still available nearer the date the of steam gala like before on the G.C.R. website for the 3-6 otober, or has it to be booked online to get a copy of the working timetable?
     
  6. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    Messages:
    6,046
    Likes Received:
    4,843
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Swanage
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Passenger services (and TPO) normally online usually, but you need a WTT for all the freights. Usually free with a gala ticket or about £3
     
  7. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    598
    Location:
    Herefordshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    This is now little over a week away but no timetable info seems available. It would be nice to plan things before I join the ticket queue for my full WTT on arrival at Loughborough with the event in full swing (and my etickets already inn my pocket...).
    Anyone know anything, or would last year's WTT, which I still have, be an approximate guide?
     
  8. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2007
    Messages:
    35,092
    Likes Received:
    20,742
    Occupation:
    Training moles
    Location:
    The back of beyond
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    That shows how little you know of locomotive design and engineering.
     
    A1X, Johnme101 and Chris86 like this.
  9. waterbucket

    waterbucket New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2006
    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    88
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Loughborough
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Morning all, firstly apologies for the lack of timetable info so far. I appreciate the frustration but hopefully it won't be too much longer.

    From what I understand the timetable will be pretty similar to last year so first passenger trains at 1000 Thurs and Fri and 0900 Sat and Sun. Saturday evening sees a welcome return of the twilight trains with the last passenger service at 1815 from Loughborough.

    Hope this helps slightly and with a bit of luck it won't be too long before timetables appear on the website!
     
    lil Bear likes this.
  10. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    598
    Location:
    Herefordshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Thanks Waterbucket, that's helpful and encouraging. Twilight trains sound interesting too.
     
  11. LNERandBR

    LNERandBR New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2011
    Messages:
    50
    Likes Received:
    31
    Any idea which loco's will be out Thursday?

    Unfortunately I'm already committed for the rest of the gala weekend but luckily managed to book the Thursday off work. I'm hoping both the visitors will be running, especially the T9.
     
  12. Ben Jenden

    Ben Jenden Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2019
    Messages:
    841
    Likes Received:
    618
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Croydon
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Normally it would be both the T9 and Repton as two of the three locos to run followed by one loco of the homefleet.
     
    LNERandBR likes this.
  13. Paul.Uni

    Paul.Uni Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2008
    Messages:
    1,275
    Likes Received:
    577
    3ABescot likes this.
  14. The Black Hat

    The Black Hat Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2010
    Messages:
    860
    Likes Received:
    399
    Occupation:
    Defender of the Faith
    Location:
    51F
    Maybe I do, but you don't like my opinion. Maybe I don't know as much as you, but I can still have an opinion based on what I do know.

    Personally speaking, I think I know enough - but just don't rate them. Something shared by many others at the NYMR event this weekend. However, variety is interesting and many others will be happy to see the Southern pair at work at the GC.
     
  15. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2007
    Messages:
    35,092
    Likes Received:
    20,742
    Occupation:
    Training moles
    Location:
    The back of beyond
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    So just who are these "many" who don't rate Maunsell locos? The NYMR seem to rate them as why would they have overhauled both 825 and 926 if they were as bad as you suggest?
    You are indeed entitled to your opinion but I'd argue that your opinion is based on limited knowledge of these locos in preservation and not personal experience of their day to day workings in steam days.
     
  16. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
    Messages:
    21,040
    Likes Received:
    20,701
    Location:
    1016
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Well I for one will be at the GCR to see 926 for the first time as at least Leicester is further south than Levisham.
     
    Oakfield53 likes this.
  17. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    598
    Location:
    Herefordshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I didn't intend to Like this but to suggest that this argument has gone on too long.
     
  18. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2011
    Messages:
    25,354
    Likes Received:
    23,438
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Grantham
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    While my visit will be the first time since 1992 that I've seen Repton on the GCR - and that was also for an event centred on 4-4-0s!
     
  19. David likes trains

    David likes trains Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2014
    Messages:
    804
    Likes Received:
    3,317
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Colchester
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Both the visitors at work today:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    And a very shiny Pitchford Hall at Loughborough.
    [​IMG]

    48305, 46521 and 78018 are facing north, all other locos facing south.
     
  20. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    598
    Location:
    Herefordshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Thanks for the pix and the info. Looking forward to my weekend there.
     

Share This Page