Great Central Railway (preserved)

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The Great Central Railway (GCR) is a heritage railway in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire split in two sections.

The Southern section runs for 8.25 miles from Loughborough to the northern outskirts of Leicester. The former Belgrave and Birstall station was demolished and the current terminus (named Leicester North) built to the south. With the exception of the short section between Bewdley North and Bewdley South signal boxes on the Severn Valley Railway it is the only standard gauge heritage railway in the UK with double track.

North of Loughborough, at Ruddington, is the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, the home of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), which runs for 9 miles towards Loughborough. In the future the two railways will be connected by reinstating a bridge at Loughborough to cross the Midland Main Line.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Main Line Preservation Group (MLPG) 1.2 The Main Line Steam Trust (MLST) 1.3 North of Loughborough 1.4 The double track project 2 Route description 2.1 Loughborough to Leicester section 2.2 Ruddington to Loughborough section 3 Major engineering projects 3.1 The Gap 3.2 Southern Extension - Beaumont Leys Lane 3.3 Loughborough Locomotive Shed Project 3.4 Northern Extension - Wilford / River Trent 4 Locomotives 4.1 Loughborough Motive Power Depot 4.1.1 Steam Locomotives 4.1.2 Steam Locomotives in service 4.1.3 Steam Locomotives under repair 4.1.4 Steam Locomotives undergoing Overhaul or Restoration 4.1.5 Stored steam Locomotives 4.1.6 Diesel Locomotives 4.1.7 Diesel Locomotives in service 4.1.8 Diesel Locomotives undergoing restoration or Overhaul 4.1.9 Diesel Multiple Units 4.1.10 Electric Multiple Units 4.2 Ruddington Motive Power Depot 4.2.1 Steam Locomotives 4.2.2 Diesel Locomotives 4.2.3 Diesel Multiple Units 4.2.4 Electric Multiple Units 5 GCR Rolling Stock Trust 6 Carriage and Wagon Department 7 Supporting Bodies 7.1 Main Line Steam Trust 7.2 Great Central Railway PLC 7.2.1 Renaissance Railcars 7.2.2 Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group 7.2.3 5305 Locomotive Association 7.2.4 Railway Vehicle Preservations LTD 7.3 Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre Ltd 7.3.1 Nottingham Society of Model and Experminetal Engineers 8 External links

[edit] History

The Great Central London extension opened in 1899 as a link in connecting Manchester to London via Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, and Rugby. It was the last domestic main line to be built in the UK, and was built to a continental loading gauge.

In 1923 the GCR came under the control of the London & North Eastern Railway. At Nationalisation in 1948, it became part of British Rail Eastern Region. In 1958 a BR reorganisation moved it into the London Midland Region. Historically, the Midland and Great Central had been bitter rivals and the 'Midland' soon reduced services, ending all expresses on the line in 1960.

[edit] Main Line Preservation Group (MLPG)

In the Beeching report of 1963, the line was listed as a duplicate of the Midland Main Line. Apart from the most Southern section into London, the line was closed as a through route in 1966 as part of the Beeching Axe, although a section of the line between Nottingham and Rugby remained open until 1969. Local groups who opposed the closure formed the MLPG at Loughborough.

The original MLPG scheme was to rescue the line from Nottingham Arkwright Street to Rugby Central. This soon was cut back due to financial realities, and refocused on Nottingham to Leicester. After continued funding difficulties and BR's intention to retain the line north of Loughborough for freight traffic, the scheme to preserve Loughborough to Belgrave & Birstall was devised.

North of Loughborough, a Ministry of Defence ordnance depot at Ruddington and the British Gypsum works at East Leake kept the line open, though BR sold the land in Nottingham City that gave access to this stub of a line from rest of the network. BR took up 300 yards of embankment between the preserved section and the Midland Main Line (over which the GCR passed) at Loughborough. Later, in 1980, the bridges over the MML and Railway Terrace at Loughborough were removed. The missing bridges and embankment form now what is known as the "gap".

BR opposed the running of their lines by 'amateurs', and strict operational conditions were imposed on the MLPG when they first operated trains on the double track between Loughborough and Quorn in 1973. A BR pilot-man was required to be on board at all times and held the key to unlock points. In 1976 BR increased the track retention fee from £1,100 to over £3,000 per month. At the same time, they announced that an agreement to buy the line must be made by April 1st or the track would be lifted.

[edit] The Main Line Steam Trust (MLST)

To purchase the land and track, Great Central Railway (1976) PLC issued shares, and the MLPG transformed into the MLST, a charitable body to support the company.

Charnwood Borough Council agreed to purchase the land from BR and lease it to the railway for 99 years. However this still left GCR (1976) PLC the task of raising over £150,000 to purchase the track. Ultimately, the target was not met and only a single track between Loughborough and Quorn could be afforded (BR allowed more time to raise funds to purchase Quorn to Rothley). The double track from Rothley to Belgrave & Birstall was lifted along with the 'down' line from Loughborough to Rothley.

In the late 1980s the intention was announced to extend the line back to Belgrave & Birstall. The former station had been vandalised and the railway had no choice but to demolish the buildings. In 1990, a new station called Leicester North was opened a hundred yards to the south of Belgrave & Birstall. This shift in location placed the new station inside Leicester's city boundary, allowing the 'Leicester' tag to be included in the name along with unlocking extra funds to assist in construction.

[edit] North of Loughborough

At the same time as the Leicester extension, the Ministry of Defence depot at Ruddington closed, and the 4 miles of track from East Leake to Ruddington were no longer needed by BR. It was also clear that British Gypsum were unlikely to bring in any more materials by rail. The GCR Northern Development Association was formed. Work initially concentrated on restoring Rushcliffe Halt, however when Rushcliffe Borough Council agreed to lease part of the former MOD site to the association, the grand scheme of the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre was devised to encompass not only railway preservation, but any transport heritage relevant to the area.

In the 1990s, work on what had become the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd was concentrated mainly at Ruddington. The transfer of BR into Railtrack and then Network Rail hindered attempts to purchase the line. Ironically, it was British Gypsum's intentions to renew rail freight traffic that formed the catalyst that allowed the GCR(N) to buy the line and restore it initially for freight use.

At East Leake station houses were built on the former goods yard in the 1980s, and some were built only yards from the remaining track. The disused nature of the line combined with a solicitor's error led the new occupants to believe that the line was closed (BR never listed the line as closed and could have resumed operations at any time). However, when the GCR(N) applied for a Transport and Works Act Order to purchase and operate the line, objections from local residents resulted in a permanent speed restriction of 5mph through East Leake and the station remaining closed.

For Network Rail to route freight trains onto the line during the week and GCR(N) to operate heritage trains at the weekend, a length of rail north of East Leake was removed to create two separate railways. With this 'rail break' the GCR(N) were unable to access Rushcliffe Halt. A more convenient solution was found in the form of a clip on double-sided wheel scotch padlocked to the line at the site of the rail break. At weekends, the GCR(N) phone Network Rail to take possession of the line. Network Rail then lock the line out of use from their end and allow the GCR(N) to unlock the rail break and access the track to Loughborough.

In 2003 regular services to Rushcliffe Halt resumed. Passenger trains further south are limited to the second Sunday of each month as there is no station at Loughborough and the station at East Leake is closed.

[edit] The double track project

In the 1990s, David Clarke approached the railway about the issue of double tracking the line. As a signalling enthusiast, David dreamed of operating a signal box on a double track main line, and so the campaign to raise funds to double the section between Quorn and Rothley was launched, with David himself providing a large amount of the capital.

Until signalling was complete the second track was operated separately from the main track. This provided a unique opportunity for trains to "chase" each other between Quorn and Swithland.

After reaching Quorn, work moved ahead to extend the second track to Loughborough. The double track between Loughborough and Rothley opened on 1 June 2000, and for the first time on a preserved railway steam trains could pass each other at speed.

Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate has granted powers to run private test trains at up to 60mph. Other special trains at public events run at up to 35mph. (Typically UK heritage railways are limited to a maximum speed of 25mph.)

In 2004 a new signal box at Quorn opened, the only preserved box in the UK with a double track on either side. With this new signal box a train can, in theory, be dispatched from Loughborough every 10 minutes. A further signal box at Swithland Sidings is being fitted with Great Western style signals.

Work continues on commissioning the signal box at Ruddington North Junction and development of the Heritage Centre (including a brand new station).

[edit] Route description

[edit] Loughborough to Leicester section

Loughborough Central Station grid reference SK543193 is a medium-sized station set in the 1950s and has the largest canopy in British railway preservation. The unique style of the station, being far grander than stations serving similar sized towns elsewhere, was a part of the Victorian railway 'one-up'manship that the GCR conducted with Midland Railway (who in turn even employed the same architect behind the GCR's Nottingham Victoria to rebuild their own station in that city). The preserved station has a number of amenities, including a small museum, a refreshment room, a book and gift shop, two beautifully restored waiting rooms (which reflect their Victorian ancestry since one is a "General Waiting Room" whilst the other is a "Ladies' Waiting Room"), and a short walk away is the Loughborough Locomotive ShedSK543198) which is open to the public.

Quorn & Woodhouse Travelling south from Loughborough, the first station that is reached is (SK549161). Here there is a large station yard which is suitable for parking, there is also disabled access through the yard (Loughborough only being accessible via stairs). Quorn is laid out to appear as it would in the 1940s, as a typical LNER station in the countryside. Quorn is the best place to watch trains pass on the double track, with the weekend timetable accommodating trains passing just north of Quorn & Woodhouse.

Just under two miles south of Quorn, the railway crosses Swithland Viaduct over Swithland Reservoir (SK558137), this is a major feature on the preserved line, with the Restaurant Car Trains both stopping here for a short scenic break halfway into their journeys.

At Swithland Sidings (SK564130) there is a freight yard and passenger loops but no station; during the 1890s it had been planned to construct a station here but after much work it was eventually decided to place it a mile to the south at Rothley. However, if you look closely between the gap in the bridges at Swithland you may be able to see a bricked up arch which would have formed the entrance to the station, the Up and Down lines also separating to provide for a standard GCR 'island' platform similar in size station to those at Quorn & Woodhouse and Rothley.

Continuing south of Swithland, we come to Rothley (SK568121). Rothley is set in the 1900s, just after completion of the line, and is representing the original Great Central Railway company. The signal box controlling the movements in and around Rothley is situated opposite the platform and you can sometimes see the Signalman pulling the levers before a train arrives. There is a carriage shed at Rothley, however this is not open to the public. There is also a garden railway in the station yard at Rothley, which is enthralling to both the young and old.

The double track ends at Rothley, but the line continues single-tracked to Leicester North, (SK587082), where the line terminates. Leicester North was built in the 1990s, and is just south of the site of the former Belgrave and Birstall station. The station is representative of the 1960s when the line was under control of British Railways Midland Region. At Leicester North during the summertime there is a connection to an open-topped tour bus that runs from the station to Leicester City Centre and the National Space Centre, amongst other popular tourist destinations in and around Leicester. More information on the tour bus is available at this website. [1]

[edit] Ruddington to Loughborough section

The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is located in Ruddington (SK574323), situated on a former Ministry of Defence site off the main line. In addition to the engine shed, the visitor will find museums, a miniature railway, children's play area, cafe and gift shop as well as being surrounded by the delightful Rushcliffe Country Park.

A chord joins the Heritage Centre branch to the main line at Ruddington North Junction (often called '50 steps junction' due to a nearby footbridge), but trains have to reverse to travel south.

After passing the site of Gotham sidings and the trackbed of the Gotham branch, the first station is Rushcliffe Halt at the northern end of East Leake (SK551276), which is as far as trains normally travel. Rushcliffe Halt was a late addition to the Great Central line, opening in 1911 to serve Rushcliffe Golf Course.

East Leake (SK546262), the only surviving GCR station accessed from an underbridge rather than an overbridge, is a mile further south but this has not yet been reopened.

Continuing South the line climbs through the impressive East Leake cutting before passing through Barnstone Tunnel (SK535235), after which it descends past the former Barnstone lime quarry (which utilised the railway), over the high Stanford Viaduct (SK542216) over the River Soar, which offers fantastic views of the picturesque Stanford village and the more industrial Loughborough.

The line then approaches Loughborough across the floodplain of the River Soar on an embankment before ending at the A60 road bridge, from which a chord connects the line to the Midland Main Line (SK545204).......

[edit] Major engineering projects

There are currently a number of engineering projects underway, these include extensions south and north, and also a 1/2 mile length of line joining together the Loughborough to Leicester line, and Loughborough to Ruddington line.

[edit] The Gap

Main article: Loughborough Gap

Between the A60 and Loughborough locomotive shed is "The Gap", a section of embankment and a bridges (including a large single span over the MML) that need to be reinstated to join the two concerns together. That is a long term, expensive project and in the mean time there are plans to construct a new "Loughborough North" or "Loughborough High Level" station on the embankment near the A60 road bridge. This would allow easy interchange with Midland Main Line trains with trains from the GCR(N) (and later when the Gap is bridged, the Greater Great Central).

[edit] Southern Extension - Beaumont Leys Lane

Recently discussion has looked at a possible extension south of Leicester North station, to a new station 1 mile away, at Beaumont Leys Lane, close to the Abbey Pumping Station, National Space Centre, and Abbey Lane Park. The extension would be single track from Leicester North, and would be for passenger use only. A run-around loop would be located at Beaumont Leys Lane, along with a single platform and station facilities.

Extending to Beaumont Leys Lane would require the demolition of part of the platform at Leicester North, and bridging Leicester Inner Ring Road and Thurcaston Road. Reinstating the line down to Beaumont Leys would be relatively straightforward, with only two viaducts, or large bridges, and a small bridge or level foot crossing for a private occupation crossing.

[edit] Loughborough Locomotive Shed Project

The current Locomotive Shed at Loughborough stands in the way of the double track main line which will eventually run through to the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre. A solution was found by Tom Tighe, the GCR PLC’s Locomotive Superintendent whilst on holiday up in the lake district, he stumbled across Workington Locomotive Shed, which was shortly to be demolished. The shed was saved and funding sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources.

The shed was dismantled and moved piece by piece to Swithland Yard for eventual rebuilding on the site of the old Loughborough Tip.

When the Locomotive Shed is built, it will feature an 8 road shed, with 5 roads for running locomotives, and 3 roads for locomotives under restoration or overhaul. Originally it was a 10 road Shed, the other two roads will feature a mess room, offices and amenities for the Locomotive Department.

Another proposal is for a small platform adjacent to the shed for a shuttle service to be operated between Loughborough Central, the Locomotive Shed, and the proposed Loughborough High Level station.

[edit] Northern Extension - Wilford / River Trent

In a 10 year business plan published in 2004, a feasibility study was proposed into extending the line northwards from Ruddington to head towards the River Trent as it passes by Wilford village. This would be a further extension of almost two miles and would take the line within metres of the boundary of Nottingham City itself. Extension further north would be impossible since the viaduct over the river Trent was dismantled in the 1990s and the land beyond has been completely redeveloped as a new housing estate.

However, Nottingham Express Transit, who own and promote the Nottingham tramway have plans to convert the section of the line from the River Trent to Clifton Boulevard into an extension to their existing tram line (which also re-uses existing GCR structures at Station Street).

[edit] Locomotives

Locomotives marked with an asterisk (*) are not permanent residents on the Great Central Railway. Locos marked with a cross (+) appear courtesy of the National Railway Museum.

[edit] Loughborough Motive Power Depot

[edit] Steam Locomotives

[edit] Steam Locomotives in service

• • Great Western Railway 2-6-2T 5101 "Large Prairie" Class no. 4141. In regular Service.

• • London Midland & Scottish 2-8-0 Class 8F no. 48305. Recently arrived from the Churnet Valley Railway, a reliable performer but the motion will need to be Overhauled soon.

• • London & North Eastern Railway 2-8-0 Class O4 no. 63601. In regular service following recent boiler work. Owned by the National collection.

[edit] Steam Locomotives under repair

• • British Railways 2-6-0 Class 2MT no. 78019. Recently failed with a crack in the firebox. Off site for repairs at Crewe.

• • London Midland & Scottish 4-6-0 Class 5MT no 45305. Currently having attention to leaking firebox stays. It is estimated that 400 stays need replacing.

• • Southern Railway 4-6-0 "King Arthur" Class N15 no. 30777 "Sir Lamiel. Recently returned to traffic in early 2006 and spent the majority of 2006 away on the main line, it is now back at Loughborough for re-studding repairs on the Firebox.

[edit] Steam Locomotives undergoing Overhaul or Restoration

• • British Railways 4-6-2 "Britania" Standard Class 7 no. 70013. The frames have been re-wheeled. Boiler work is ongoing, should be completed in 2008.

• • British Railways 4-6-0 Class 5MT no. 73156. Almost ready for re-wheeling, a new tender tank has been made off site.

• • London Midland & Scottish 2-6-0 Class 2MT no. 46521. Re-wheeling the frames is not far off, the boiler is due to go away to Germany for repair soon.

• • London Midland & Scottish 0-6-0T Class 3F "Jinty" no. 47406. The frames are almost finished, boiler work is currently ongoing.

• • London & North Eastern Railway 0-6-2T Class N2 no. 69523. The frames have recently been re-wheeled, the motion has been fitted and boiler work is ongoing, the old firebox has been cut out and a replacement one is being made up, new side tanks have also been made, the engine should be done in 2008.

[edit] Stored steam Locomotives

• • Great Western Railway 4-6-0 6959 "Modified Hall" Class no. 6990 "Witherslack Hall. Recently arrived back from the Birmingham Railway Museum and is currently awaiting overhaul in the shed at Loughborough.

• • Southern Railway 4-6-2 West Country Class no. 34039 "Boscastle. Stored in Loughborough shed awaiting an Overhaul.

• • Southern Railway 4-6-2 Merchant Navy Class no. 35025 "Brocklebank Line. Restoration has been paused. The Locomotive is for sale.

[edit] Diesel Locomotives

[edit] Diesel Locomotives in service

• • Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DM Industrial Shunter No 28 "Bardon" built in 1956. In regular use at Rothley as the Carrige and Wagon Shunter.

• • British Railways 0-6-0 Class 10 no. D4067. A regular Shunter around Loughborough yard.

• • British Railways Bo-Bo Class 20 nos. D8048 * and D8098. Both are operational and usually work together on a passenger or freight train.

• • British Railways Bo-Bo Class 25 nos. 25265 and D5185 (25035). 25265 is out of traffic undergoing engine repairs and D5185 is in full working order.

• • British Railways A1A-A1A Class 31 no. D5830. In traffic but due to have a repaint soon

• • British Railways Bo-Bo Class 33 no. 33116 "Hertfordshire Rail Tours. Operational but requires bodywork repairs. On Loan from the National Railway Museum, York.

• • British Railways Co-Co Class 37 no. 37255 (on loan from Fragonset Railways). Used by the Permanent Way department and can only be found on passenger trains on diesel galas.

• • British Railways 1Co-Co1 Class 45 no. D123 "Leicester and Derbyshire Yeomanry". In regular use on diesel passenger trains.

• • British Railways Co-Co Class 47 no. D1705 "Sparrowhawk". In regular use.

[edit] Diesel Locomotives undergoing restoration or Overhaul

• • British Railways 0-6-0 Class 08 no. D3101. At Loughborough yard and is currently undergoing a long Overhaul.

• • John Fowler Industrial Shunter 0-4-0DM "Arthur Wright". Undergoing Major Engine repairs at Rothley.

[edit] Diesel Multiple Units

• • British Railways Class 101 unit 50321+51427 (Set A). In regular use on morning services and at diesel galas. Has been superbly restored in dark green with red bufferbeams and lined out in yellow with speed wiskers.

• • British Railways Class 101 unit 53226+50203 (Set B). Undergoing overhaul with most work concentrating on 53226 at the moment which has been used recently and soon major work will start on the bodywork and it will then be repainted. Work is also being done on 50203 with smashed windows replaced and a clean out of the interior. Both vehicles are expected to be completed and run together by 2008.

• • British Railways Class 101 unit 50193 (Spare). A source of spares at the moment.

• • British Railways Class 127/120 hybrid unit 51616+59276+51622. 51616 is Stored at Loughborough and 59276 and 51622 are stored at Swithland Yard. Work will hopefully begin once the other railcars have been done.

• • Class 111 centre Car No 59575. Recently arrived from the Midland Railway Centre and will be paired up with one of the 101 sets but which one is unknown. Work will start once the other 101 set is fully operational.

• • AC Car Railbus No 79976. Recently arrived from the Colne Valley railway and presently under restoration by the David Clarke Railway Trust. The restoration should be completed speedily.

[edit] Electric Multiple Units

• • BR Class 421 unit 1393 (Note: Can be operated in push-pull mode with BR Class 33 no. 33116)

[edit] Ruddington Motive Power Depot

[edit] Steam Locomotives

• • RSH No 63 Corby. Currently away at the Midland Railway Centre for a retube and due to return in Easter 2007.

• • RSH No 56. Under Overhaul with the boiler and smokebox away for Overhaul, due to be completed in 2008.

• • Manning Wardle No 1762 Dolobran. Under restoration which is due to be finished in 2007, frames due to be re-Wheeled in March, a new Cab has been made and is now fitted on the locomotives, a new Saddle Tank has been completed and the boiler only requires Re-Studding and Re-Tubing and a new Smokebox.

• • Manning Wardle No.2009 "Rhyl". Stored awaiting restoration. Due to go in the works for its restoration once Dolobran is complete but preparations are being made for it to be moved in the Workshop, hopefully late 2007.

• • Manning Wardle No. 2015. Stored but is going to enter the shed for a major restoration once 2009 is finished, there are plans for a cosmetic paint up.

• • S160 No.1631. Undergoing restoration with new parts and repaired ones on site.

• • Hudswell Clarke Julia. Under a long term restoration project, overhaul stopped due to a seriously damaged Cylinder block.

[edit] Diesel Locomotives

• • BR 0-6-0 Class 08 nos. D3180. Operational and used on a regular basis.

• • BR Bo-Bo Class 25 no. D7629. A regular operator on the line but currently in shed during the Winter to have its gutters re fitted

• • BR Bo-Bo Class 47 no. 47765. Undergoing Restoration with the bearings currently being worked on.

• • BR Co-Co Class 56 no. 56097. Under overhaul where good progress is being made, new turbos have arrived and been fitted, the roof sections have been removed for repair and the application of the primer undercoat on the bodywork is nearly complete.

• • Simplex No. MR1930. In use and operates sometimes for shunting duties, photo charters and special events. Recently had a replacement gearbox fitted.

• • Ruston 88DS Marbleagis. In use for shunting duties and special events. Currently awaiting a compressor to be fitted.

• • Ruston Mechanical Shunter. Currently out of use. The cab has recently developed thick corrosion problems. Due to move to a new location soon.

• • 2B Ruston Staythorpe Shunter. Used sometimes on shunting duties. Operational.

• • 423 RSSH Ruston Cromwell. In use and shunts regularly around Number five building.

• • 371971 Ruston Qwag. Under restoration which is nearing completion. Cab just awaits its roof. The engine has been started up but the gearbox requires attention: the owner says that if the engine can haul one brake van he won't dismantle the gearbox but if it can't it will be dismantled. A new horn is expected to arrive on site soon. The smallest diesel on the line.

• • Simplex No 2028 Morris. In use for shunting duties, photo charters and special events.

[edit] Diesel Multiple Units

• • BR Class 108 unit 53645+53926. Under a fast track overhaul that is hopefully going to be completed in 2007. The bodywork on 53926 is complete and the needle gunning of the roof has been fitted, fitting of the seats is underway where as on 53645 the body is waiting to be repaired but new pannels are on site, needle gunning of the roof will start shortly. Both Vehicles have moved under their own power.

• • BR Class 116/117 hybrid unit 51138+59501+51151. In regular use on morning trains and DMU services. Currently undergoing a repaint retaining its Green livery as it was beginning to look a bit tatty.

[edit] Electric Multiple Units

• • BR Class 488 units 8304 and 8310. Currently stationed at Rushcliffe Holt awaiting air conditioning repairs.

• • BR Class 489 unit 9108. Currently stationed at Rushcliffe Holt awaiting air conditioning repairs.

[edit] GCR Rolling Stock Trust

A group called the GCR Rolling Stock Trust owns the largest single collection of pre-grouping rolling stock known to exist in the UK, including the famous 'Barnum' carriages (so named as these were the type hired by P.T. Barnum's travelling circus) and some items that even herald from the days of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincoln Railway - the GCR's title before completing the London extension. The details of the stock are below.

• • Six Wheeler GCR No 946.The group's current restoration project, bodywork restoration is nearly complete but the body will be lifted soon to repace some timber on the Chassis, replace a leaf spring and test and work on the brakes, all this is expected to be done in 2007 and the months of 2008 the interior will be done, doors and windows will be fitted and the Carrige will be painted, 2008 is the planned completion date. Recent work is the front and back gutters have been fitted and the side ones will be soon and then they will be trimmed down to size. Recently been moved to the back of the workshop for its body to be lifted.

• • Barnum Bar coach No 228 built in 1910. After 946 is completed this will be the next project to be tackled, the framework, chassis, floor and roof are in good condition, it is planned to fit a Bar in once finished. Recently moved to the front of the shed.

• • Barnum Brake Coach No 695 built in 1910. Currently in No 5 shed undercover but a building is being made up which will hold all four Barnums, restoration planned to start once 228 is completed, a kitchen will be fitted to this during restoration.

• • Barnum Dining Car No 666 built in 1910. Undercover in No 5 building but to be moved into the planned Barnum building, work due on it once 695 is completed.

• • Barnum Dining Car No 664 built in 1910. Undercover in No 5 shed but will be moved into the planned Barnum building, work hopefully will start once 666 is completed.

• • Clerestory 1st and 3rd class No 1663. Body Stored on a flat Wagon but frames are nearly ready to hold the body to take the weight of the body, shortly to be moved onto its own frames, final Frame work and bodywork Restoration will begin once Barnum No 664 is complete. Undercover in No 5 building.

• • Suburban No 799. Outside with good framework and the roof has recently been tarpaulined, work due to start once 1663 is complete.

• • Suburban GCR Coach No 555. Parted from its frames at the moment, work due to start once 799 is complete.

• • Six Wheeler No 373 GCR. Stored with poor body and major work needed on the frames, it will be the last Carrige to be restored.

Remember help is desperately required and anyone who is interested to come and help can if they want. The website is below

• [www.gcr-rollingstocktrust.co.uk]

[edit] Carriage and Wagon Department

A carriage and wagon department is currently being formed at Ruddington at the GCR(N) to fix and maintain the railways other carriages and wagons, anyone wishing to help out with this must email: gcrrollingstock@hotmail.com

[edit] Supporting Bodies

Both the Great Central Railway PLC and the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) have a number of supporting bodies which are based at each individual line, the majority of these are Locomotive or Rolling Stock Groups, however there are a number of private owners who have based their stock or locomotives at the lines.

[edit] Main Line Steam Trust

Main Line Steam Trust was established in 1969 as the Main Line Preservation Group, with the intention of preserving one of two potential sections of the line, one based at Lutterworth, running from Leicester to Rugby Central, and one based at Loughborough, running between Leicester and Nottingham. The Loughborough base was chosen and work began on restoring the station, an office was rented at street level at Loughborough Central station, and in 1971 Charitable Status was granted to MLPG, who changed their name to Main Line Steam Trust Limited.

Substantial monthly payments were required to keep the formation intact between Loughborough and Belgrave & Birstall, with steam hauled services operating from Loughborough Central to Quorn & Woodhouse Station, and eventually Rothley station. Sadly the money required to purchase the line south of Rothley was not available and only the Loughborough to Rothley section of line was preserved, with the aid of Charnwood Borough Council.

The operation and the assets were transferred to the Great Central Railway (1976) Ltd. and MLST took on the role of the charitable volunteer run support body for the railway. MLST has continued to support the Great Central Railway PLC (the 1976 was eventually dropped from the title), and the various organisations around the railway. It also supports the Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

MLST have funded a great deal at the Great Central Railway, including assistance in funding the double track, Leicester Station, Quorn & Woodhouse Signalling, Swithland Signalling, Loughborough South Remodelling, and has assisted in bringing in visiting locomotives for gala events on numerous occasions.

[edit] Great Central Railway PLC

[edit] Renaissance Railcars

Renaissance Railcars own the five Class 101 vehicles at the Great Central Railway PLC, at present only one set, known as “Set A” (affectionately also known as “The Green Goddess”), is in regular passenger use, however progress is being made on the other vehicles based at the line.

[edit] Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group

Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group, or LSLG, look after and part-own a number of Locomotives, these are BR Standard 2MT No.78019, BR Standard 5MT No.73156, BR Standard 7P6F No.70013 “Oliver Cromwell” and LMS 2MT No.46521

At present only No.78019 is in running condition and can regularly be found operating passenger trains, although the other locomotives are making progress. No.70013 “Oliver Cromwell” is part of the national collection, owned by the National Railway Museum, and is being restored by both LSLG and the 5305 Locomotive Association. LSLG also have in their care a Directors Saloon, coach no. M999504, which is on loan from EWS.

[edit] 5305 Locomotive Association

The 5305 Locomotive Association have a number of locomotives in their care, these are LMS “Black 5” No.45305 “Alderman A.E. Draper”, SR King Arthur No.777 “Sir Lamiel”, BR Class 33 D6535 “Hertfordshire Railtours”, and BR Standard 7P6F No.70013 “Oliver Cromwell”.

Nos.777, D6535 and 70013 are all part of the National Collection and are owned by the National Railway Museum. Recently No.777 emerged from a lengthy overhaul in British Railways Brunswick green livery, under the BR number 30777.

[edit] Railway Vehicle Preservations LTD

Railway Vehicle Preservations LTD, and their members, own a number of vehicles around the railway, these include the famous LNER Travelling Post Office set, LNER Beavertail Observation Saloon, and a number of LNER “Gresley” Teak passenger coaches.

[edit] Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre Ltd

[edit] Nottingham Society of Model and Experminetal Engineers

NSMEE operate a mile-long circuit of mixed-gauge miniature railway at the Heritage Centre.

[edit] External links

• Homepage of preserved Great Central Railway in Leicestershire.
• Main Line Steam Trust, the GCR's charitable body.
• Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre.
• BBC site with stuff.
• "Bridging the Gap" - The project to reinstate the missing embankment and bridge.
• Photographic Gallery containing photographs of the present day Great Central Railway.