PAGE UPDATED 12th September

Unfortunately, Class 03 D2158 failed today and despite the best efforts of our engineers it can't be returned to traffic for this event. With regret we have decided to remove the shunter shuttle from the programme. A slightly revised timetable for Sunday 13th has been posted below. We apologise for any disappointment caused and aim to reschedule a shunter shuttle for a future event.

DELTIC D9019 and 50007 STAR IN THREE DAY EVENT. 47714 HAULS ITS FIRST PASSENGER TRAINS AT GCR. CLASS 20 and CLASS 03 JOIN 13 LOCOMOTIVE LINE UP

D9019 "Royal Highland Fusilier" at Loughborough on 10th Sept 2009 (Martin Wilkinson)

Talisman headboard has been lent to GCR for Diesel Gala by Mr & Mrs Phipps of Talisman Railwayana Auctions, Ambergate House, Screveton, Notts, NG13 8JL. Tel: 01949 21105. Email: info@talisman-auctions.com. Website: www.talisman-auctions.com

The Great Central Railway is delighted to welcome the Deltic Preservation Society and the handsome machine D9019 as a star attraction at this years September diesel gala. The engines visit will be brief and its only passenger work will be during the gala, so don't miss the sight and sound of this large machine on our double track. It is hoped to run the deltic on two engines!

50007 "Sir Edward Elgar" (Paul Biggs)

Our second star guest is Class 50, 50007. This type of engine has never run at the GCR before and appears thanks to the support of 'The Class 40 appeal' group who also own 37314.  Again - the engine is visiting briefly, its only passenger mileage will be during the gala event, so don't miss it! It's the first time a fifty has ever worked at the GCR.

Visiting Class 47 714 and 37 314 should also take part in the event meaning four 'non resident' engines will be featuring in the double track intensive timetable. 47 714 is departing after the event - so this is your only chance for mileage at the GCR.

Other motive power should include Class 25 D5185, Class 27 D5401, Class 31 D5830, Class 45 D123 and Class 47 D1705 and a Class 10 shunter D4067. Newly arrived class 03 D2158 has also been added to the line up.
Meanwhile the GCR's 4'BIG' unit will also feature. It has been completely cosmetically restored and now sports an all over green livery. Inside period features have been repaired and restored. The unit which is cleared for push pull operation will operate with the National Railway Museum's Class 33.

Resident Class 20 D8098 (from the home fleet) has been repaired and performed some test runs, so should be part of the locomotive line up.

This is a three day event.

Friday will be 'big engines day' featuring a busy passenger service. Highlights include solo trips for D9019 and 50007, Solo trips for both class 47s, class 45 and 37. Class 47s double heading at 1pm, 4 BIG shuttles with class 33 to Rothley.

There will be a beer,  fish and chips train train making two return trips on Friday night hauled by class 50 and 37 (departing Loughborough at 7pm 8.15pm). FISH AND CHIPS AND ONE PINT OF REAL ALE - JUST £5 WHILE STOCKS LAST (Bottled beer not included in offer)

On Saturday and Sunday the full fleet should be in action for a full intensive service. Highlights include an expected return to traffic for class 20, local trains between Loughborough and Rothley worked top and tail, double headed class 47s and solo trips for all guest locomotives,

There will be a real ale and food train making two return trips on Saturday night hauled by D9019. Departing Loughborough 7pm and 8.10pm FISH AND CHIPS AND ONE PINT OF REAL ALE - JUST £5 WHILE STOCKS LAST (Bottled beer not included in offer)

On Sunday trains run into the late afternoon with departures from Loughborough at 4.20pm (D9019) 5pm (double headed 47s) and 5.40pm (class 37 and class 50)

All locomotives appear subject to availability.

Class 20 D8098 (Paul Biggs)

Class 25 D5185 (Rick Eborall)

Class 27 D5401 (Rick Eborall)

Class 31 D5830 (Rick Eborall)

Class 33 D6535 (Rick Eborall) working in push pull mode with the 4 BIG set.

The 4 BIG set with Class 33 D6535 at rear. (Paul Biggs)

Guest Class 37 37314 Dalzell (Rick Eborall)

Class 45 Peak D123 (Rick Eborall)

D1705 (Rick Eborall)

Guest Class 47 47714 (Rick Eborall)

THE GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY - CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS OF PRESERVATION IN 2009