Page updated 17th March. Timetables added and additional attractions announced. Tornado arrived at the railway on 16th March.

Massive 4 Day 1960s GALA STARRING TORNADO - Devlishly good fun!



SEVERAL GUEST ENGINES IN ACTION. 25th, 26th, 27th 28th MARCH 2010

The Great Central Railway notches it's 2010 gala action up a gear in March. The popular mixed traction 1960s gala returns bigger than ever with celebrity new build Peppercorn A1 Pacific right at the top of the guest list.

It's 'Magnificent Seven' motive power line up. A1 60163 'Tornado' is joined by BR standard four number 80072 (which has only recently returned to steam), visiting Jubilee number 5690 "Leander", visiting Black 5 number 44767 "George Stephenson" (Saturday) and Black 5 number 45231 (Sunday) and newly restored Jinty number 47406. In addition two diesel locomotives will join the fleet each day.

Look out for the three wagons freshly restored with Mountsorrel Granite Company livery running together for the first time, in a pick up goods train operated by the Jinty. The Mountsorrel branch project will also have their stand at Rothley.

The lines Met Camm DMU is also expected to feature in the event, giving passengers a front seat view of passing trains on the double track.

• Thursday 25th will feature an hourly departure schedule from Loughborough Central and locomotives 5690 and 80072. You can also be a steam driver for just a fiver! Get your hands on the regulator of 3F 47406 for just £5, for a short drive in Loughborough station limits. 47406 will also operate one return trip and 80072 and 5690 combine for a double header on the 4pm departure!
• Friday 26th will step up to a forty five minute passenger timetable with three engines, 5690, Tornado and 80072. We're offering driver for a fiver again - this time with class 20 D8098 on a short journey around Loughborough station limits. Trains will run late on Friday to take you to Quorn for a performance by the famous GCR shed band in the beer tent!
• Saturday 27th will see a full intensive timetable with passenger and freight trains. Locomotives are expected to be Tornado, 5690, 80072, 44767, 47406, Class 20 D8098 and Class 25 D5185 plus the DMU. The beer tent is open from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday with live music expected. Trains run late on Saturday evening - including a night freight and a late postal drop at Quorn.
• Sunday 28th will see a change of Black 5's. Motive power should include Tornado, 5690, 80072, 45231, 47406, Class 27 D5401 and Class 45 D123 plus the DMU. The locomotive diagrams also change - look out for different engines on different trains.The beer tent will be open from 12pm to 6pm.

A gala programme will be available, free with all full price runabout tickets while stock last (£2.50 when sold)

Please note: Adult, Senior and Child, three or four day tickets are also available IN ADVANCE ONLY (rates not listed opposite). Please enquire with the booking office on 01509 230726

The motive power line up. (Images from Mike Spencer, Rick Eborall and Paul Biggs)

CALLING OWNERS OF VINTAGE VEHICLES... Do you have a 1960s (or earlier) vehicle? IIf you can display it at Quorn station during any day of the gala, you can buy your travel ticket at the privilege ticket rate. If you'd like to let us know in advance that you are coming, please call GCR events co-ordinator Steven Chapple on 07515 598328

Not a member of Friends of the Great Central Main LIne? Join at the special stand at this event and get a full years membership at a discount rate. (£15 as opposed to usual £20 per year adult price).