GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY
Welcome to my photographic look at what's happening to the Steam and Diesel Locomotives at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough. As the different events take place I will be adding these to my website.
Most Recent Photo

N2 No 1744 at Woodthorpe, GCR on 20.6.09 with 1315 Loughborough - Leicester North Gresley Society Charter.
About Me
I am in my fifties and still have a strong interest in todays Diesel and Electric railways. My interest in Diesels began in the very early 1970's with visits to Wellingborough Station to see Class 45 and 46 'Peaks' working passenger and the odd Class 44 on a freight from Toton. Eventually this lead to getting started in photographing the diesel scene in the early 1980's when I lived in Wrexham, North Wales. Iron Ore trains from Llanwern to Shotton steelworks used to rumble past my house in the capable hands of double headed Class 37 locomotives then laterly Class 56's In 1983 I moved to Hinckley, Leicestershire and I was very keen on taking photos around Leicester or Nuneaton. I used to travel anywhere for that newsworthy photograph. However, with the passing of time and favourite classes of locomotives, I then turned my attention to other matters. However, I have discovered the Heritage Scene and I really enjoy a day out visiting our Heritage Diesel Railways around the UK especially if there is a diesel gala taking place. Recently I have become interested in the steam engine that today's enthusiast calls a 'kettle'. Living so close to the GCR as I do, I suppose it was always inevitable that the unforseeable would happen.

Location:Loughborough, Leicestershire
 
Photo:

July's Photos
June
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
Gallery Stats
Hits (today):0
Hits (this week):131
Hits (this month):131
Hits (this year):16056
Hits (all-time):87307
Collections:56
Recent Changes
2009-06-21 21:08:56
1 image added to A first look at the N2 at the GCR
2009-06-19 22:41:51
4 images added to A first look at the N2 at the GCR
2009-06-14 22:15:44
4 images added to War Weekend 2009
2009-05-31 22:55:42
5 images added to April and May 2009 on GCR
2009-05-25 21:34:24
2 images added to April and May 2009 on GCR
Your Basket

You have no products in your basket.

Photos By Year
200920082007
20062005
Top Photographs of All Time
Hitachi HST on GCR.jpg   For honoured guests at the Hitachi launch steam train with Prarie 4141 ran alongside the HST from Quorn to Rothley seen at Kinchley Lane on 3.5.07. Look who is winning!  Hitachi HST at GCR  (2663)
Tornado In Steam at GCR.jpg   Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado powers past Kinchley Lane, GCR on 26.8.08 with a test train from Loughborough to Leicester North  Tornado In Steam at GCR  (1511)
Hitachi HST at GCR.jpg   Hitachi HST after the official launch at Quorn Station, GCR. 43089 has Brush symbols and Falcon while 43160 is named Porterbrook  Hitachi HST at GCR  (1351)
Tornado In Steam at GCR.jpg   Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado with Inspection Saloon 999504 at Woodthorpe, GCR running on test between Loughborough and Rothley on 22.8.08  Tornado In Steam at GCR  (1308)
Hitachi HST on GCR.jpg   Hitachi PC 43089 at rear with 43160 returning to Quorn on first test run on GCR on 2.5.07   Hitachi HST at GCR  (1265)
Great Central Railway.jpg   Me about to drive Class 20 loco at Loughborough Central Station  GCR Diesel Gala 2005  (1196)
Hitachi HST on GCR.jpg   Power Car 43160 and NR caoch 977974 in the station at Quorn on 30.4.07 awaiting the arrival of the Hitachi PC 43089 and another mk1 coach  Hitachi HST at GCR  (1119)
Hitachi HST on GCR.jpg   Seen from Quorn Station bridge is Hitachi Power Car 43089 and Network Rail coach 977976 having arrived at GCR from Brush by low loader on 30.4.07  Hitachi HST at GCR  (1081)
Hitachi HST on GCR.jpg   Hitachi PC 43089 after lauch now with Falcon symbols and Brush Plaque at Quorn on 3.5.07  Hitachi HST at GCR  (1010)
10 Hitachi HST on GCR.jpg   Test run at Woodthorpe of Hitachi HST on 2.5.07 in readiness for the next days official launch  Hitachi HST at GCR  (992)
Most Recent Collections
19th Jun 2009A first look at the N2 at the GCR
N2 No 1744 looked resplendent in magnificent solid gold lettering and numerals together with the GNR two greens of the paintwork. I was lucky to see the loco after its test run to Leicester and back and thank all at GCR who allowed me to photograph the loco and also Martin for his help. The following day it made its debut on a charter for the members of the Gresley Society (owners) running to Leicester North and return
14th Jun 2009War Weekend 2009
A few images of the workings that took place on the Sunday during the War Weekend using my new lineside pass to good avail. The 4-BIG was used on the shuttle to Rothley until enemy fire forced it to remain at Rothley in the sidings in the afternoon!!
10th May 2009GCR 40th Anniversary Gala
The Great Central Railway marked forty years of preservation progress on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of May 2009. A selection of steam and diesel engines took part in a festival marking the lines final closure and the achievements since revivalists took over.
12th Apr 2009
to 13th Apr 2009
GCR Easter Tank Engine Gala 2009
On Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday there was a very special line up of tank engines. Two star guest engines - the N7 tank from the North Norfolk Railway (on long term loan from the East Anglian Railway Museum) and the visit of Ivatt tank no 41241 from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The Fairburn tank and N2 tank no 69523 in green and under restoration were also on display outside the engine shed at Loughborough
1st Apr 2009
to 31st May 2009
April and May 2009 on GCR
Some images from April and May 2009 of the happenings on GCR starting with N7 tank engine working over weekend 18/19 April 2009 and an image of 37314 at the Diesel Gala. Unfortunately 47714 was a non runner as well as the Class 25 which made for a depleted gala event,. 4-BIG Unit 7059 re-painted in green livery made a surprise appearance on 24 May 2009
21st Mar 2009
to 22nd Mar 2009
GCR 1960's Experience Gala - March 2009
A gala that featured 4 steam and 3 diesel locomotives in action all weekend. A selection of images from both days depicting the 60's scenes of both passenger and freight workings
1st Feb 2009
to 31st Mar 2009
February and March 2009 on the GCR
The first week of February saw snowfall but unfortunately the snow soon disappeared and by the weekend only the remnants were left. Start of March brought a little sun and a nice pic of the NELPG's Q6 No 63395 was taken at Woodthorpe.
31st Jan 2009
to 1st Feb 2009
Great Central Railway Winter Steam Gala 2009
Images from the winter steam gala for 2009 billed as "At last - It's the 1968 show!" Guest steam loco was NELPG Q6 No 63395 which looked excellent on the windcutters. Sunday's weather was a real disappointment. A small amount of sun in the morning only then sleet and snow showers all afternoon. At times it was impossible to see the railway line through the blizzards.
10th Jan 2009
to 11th Jan 2009
GCR Winter Diesel Running Event 2009
A new event for 2009 featured steam and diesel services, with three heritage diesel locomotives in action. Also new for 2009 -was one of the repatriated Irish Rail steam heat vans used in one of the train formations ensuring constant heat. Unfortunately there was a problem with the steam heat van on the Saturday and according to sources on the train ' it was freezing' and could not be fixed. On the Sunday the van did not appear at all.
1st Jan 2009
to 31st Jan 2009
January 2009 on Great Central Railway
A look at some of the workings on GCR during January 2009
6th Dec 2008
to 31st Dec 2008
Christmas 2008 workings on GCR
A little look at the Christmas 2008 Santa Specials and holiday workings on GCR including both steam and diesel. For a change the weather broght sunny clear blue skies over the period giving one or two delightful shots
1st Nov 2008
to 30th Nov 2008
November 2008 on GCR
A few images from November 2008. Unfortunately with poor weather and other commitments I have been unable to photograph as much as I would have liked.
5th Oct 2008October 2008 on the GCR
A look at a few workings on the GCR during October 2008, weather permitting. Also some images of the Steam Railway Gala between 10 - 12 October 2008 which mainly featured Tornado, Leander and Lord Nelson. The weekend of 25/26 October saw City of Truro making its debut on the GCR. Wow what a month!
12th Sep 2008
to 14th Sep 2008
GCR Diesel Gala September 2008
A look at the workings of the September 2008 Autumn Diesel Gala. D6535 at last has received a lick of paint while D5830 also has been re-painted still in Golden Ochre. Guest Loco 37314 looked grand in large logo livery. Well done everyone for another great gala.
22nd Aug 2008
to 26th Aug 2008
Tornado In Steam at GCR
A few pics of Tornado steaming on shed at Loughborough, 2 days after its arrival and a look at her with Inspection Saloon 999504 at Woodthorpe running under its own steam. Thanks to all at GCR and A1 Steam Trust for being so helpful and accommodating
20th Aug 2008Class A1 60163 Tornado arrives at GCR
A red letter day for the GCR with the arrival of Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado at Quorn having been brought down from Darlington on 2 low loaders the previous day. After careful unloading of loco and tender by Allelys, Tornado was moved to Loughborough along the GCR metals for the first time by diesel shunter D4067.
10th Aug 2008August 2008 on the GCR
A few pics of the goings on at GCR during August 2008
19th Jul 2008SR 850 Lord Nelson on GCR
After missing the Lord's first weekend running on the GCR last weekend, it was satisfying to capture her on digital today. The sun shone on 2 of her 3 runs from Loughborough so luck was in for a change. Southern Region green blends beautifully with the Leicestershire countryside
11th Jul 2008
to 14th Jul 2008
Lord Nelson Arrives at GCR!
SR 850 Lord Nelson arrived early this morning for its short stay at GCR where it will undergo some mainline testing. A few pics of its move from Quorn to Loughborough Central and a few days later at Loughborough
23rd Jun 2008Lakeside and Haverthwaite Fairburn tank No. 42085 at GCR
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Fairburn tank No. 42085 is staying for an 11-month visit to the Great Central Railway. The 2-6-4T will undergo a seven-month light repair by Loughborough Standard Locomotives Group volunteers, with assistance from the GCR’s full time engineering staff. As a 'one off' the loco ran over the weekend of 21 and 22 June 2008 with permission of Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway

17th May 2008
to 18th May 2008
Stars of the 60's Gala
An interesting line up for this gala that included Sir Lamiel and Oliver Cromwell both working goods and passenger trains. Sunday was a better day for the weather although it was pot luck in the afternoon with the sun
11th May 2008Oliver Cromwell Rides Again
A few images of Oliver Cromwel before this beast goes off to York for a while and for once the sun shone. Is there any better spot than Kinchley Lane?
3rd May 200870013 Oliver Cromwell runs again on GCR
Saturday 3 May 2008 saw BR Standard 7, Britannia Class,no. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' make its first passenger run with the 1710 Loughborough Central - Leicester North service much to the delight of all. The Bank Holiday weekend found 'Ollie' delighting many worshipers unlike that other one at the Walkers Stadium
26th Apr 2008DRS 37610 at GCR
An immaculate DRS 37610 was named T.S (Ted) Cassady at the GCR, after the sad death of the same person who was aged 46, on Thursday 24 April 2008 in a special ceremony at the request of his widow. DRS then allowed the loco to be run over the weekend hauling 5 return passenger services on the GCR which were very well patronised by enthusiasts
11th Apr 2008
to 13th Apr 2008
GCR Spring Diesel Gala 2008
Another well run diesel gala with guest loco 37314'Dalzell' being the icing on the cake. Lucky with the weather on saturday and managed some nice images of the Tractor. Pity there was no freight at this event. It would hve been nice to see 37314 with the windcutters
14th Mar 2008
to 16th Mar 2008
GCR 1960's Steam and Diesel Gala 2008
Limited number of pics from this event mainly due to the poor weather over this weekend. 3 steam and 3 diesel loco's took part from the home fleet but unfortunately guest diesel loco Class 40 D212 from Midland Railway, Butterley was unable to be transported to the GCR in time.
1st Feb 2008
to 30th Mar 2008
February & March 2008 on GCR
A few images from the months of February and March 2008 when you expect some freezing weather but so far its been very mild
26th Jan 2008
to 27th Jan 2008
GCR Winter Steam Gala 2008
A very good event blessed with some sunny weather especially on the Sunday. The three guests of 4953 Pitchford Hall, 4F 44422 and 30777 Sir Lamiel supplemented the home steam engines and both days all performed with gusto. A good turn out on the trains with lots of lineside photographers added to the flavour of the event
19th Jan 20084953 Pitchford Hall arrives at Quorn, GCR
4953 Pitchford Hall arrived at Quorn Yard on friday afternoon 18 January 2008 by low loader from Tyseley for next weekends steam gala. The tender followed separately by the same method arriving saturday afternoon. Some pics of the tender and 4953 in the yard on sat afternoon - once again the weather was typically English!
1st Jan 2008
to 31st Jan 2008
January 2008 on the GCR
A look at the workings on the GCR during January 2008
[ More collections | Calendar ]
Top Photo

For honoured guests at the Hitachi launch steam train with Prarie 4141 ran alongside the HST from Quorn to Rothley seen at Kinchley Lane on 3.5.07. Look who is winning!
(2663 hits)
Hitachi HST at GCR
Welcome
My website is dedicated to both Steam and Heritage Diesel locomotives at the Great Central Railway. There are photographs taken the length of line between Loughborough and Leicester North. Steam and Diesel Gala's, drive a diesel, freights and an assortment of workings come under the microsope or camera! I will be adding to the site as time goes by.
Groups
  • Family
  • Landscapes
  • Transport
  • Travelling
  • Vintage Photos
  • With The Kids
  • Work
  • Other Galleries
  • HERITAGE RAILWAYS
  • MIDLAND RAILWAY - BUTTERLEY
  • MODERN RAILWAYS
  • BARROW HILL
  • Notify Me!
    Enter your email address to be contacted when this gallery is updated:
    Browser Configuration
    Optimise Now!
    Change the way photos appear on your browser, to your own taste and connection speed!
    Navigation
    Search Gallery
    Find:  
    Photos   Collections  
    Links
  • Great Central Railway
  • Ian Loasby
  • Joe Bloggs Railway Photo's
  • THE 82045 LOCOM0TIVE FUND
  • Traction Magazine
  • Fotopic.Net
  • Communities
  • British Rail
  • England's Railways Archived
  • Fotopic.net users and their galleries in
  • GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY
  • Modern British Railways
  • Modern Railways
  • Modern UK Trains
  • Modern-Traction-Photo
  • Past And Present railways
  • Places Four Trains
  • Rail Enthusiasts
  • Railroad Photography
  • Railways
  • Railways of Great Britain photo site.
  • Rate My Railway Fotopic
  • Train crazy
  • UK Preserved Diesels
  • UK Railway Photographers
  • UK Railways
  • UK Railways
  • Hope you enjoyed that look at Leicestershire's finest preserved railway. Come back again soon to see what has been added.