DELTIC AND PITCHFORD HALL SET TO STAR IN MAIL BY RAIL GALA

FULLY RESTORED Mk1 MAIL SET TO TAKE A BOW

The Great Central Railway's star summer visitor, Deltic number D9009 "Alycidon" will set the pace for the line's Mail By Rail Gala. Over the weekend of the 24th and 25th of July the Deltic will be joined by another diesel visitor, Class 26 007 and three steam locomotives which will operate an intensive timetable.

One of the steam locos in action will be GCR Summer visitor GWR Hall class, number 4953 "Pitchford Hall"

Other locomotives in action include LMS 8F number 48305, GNR N2 number 1744, Class 26 26007 and D5185

It's not only the first chance to clock up some passenger miles behind the Deltic visitor, but to see it in action on the non stop postal drop. The two tone green liveried machine will pair up with the fully restored MK 1 travelling post office train. The four vehicles will all be wearing a smart new 1950s Royal Mail livery for the first time for the gala. The set, owned by Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd, will make up to four non stop mail drops on Saturday and Sunday with a variety of motive power in charge.

One of the freshly restored Mk1 TPO carriages in its new colours. See the whole train like this at the gala for the first time.

It’s over in a flash – but not forgotten in a hurry! Come and witness a non stop postal drop at the Great Central Railway. Explore vintage post office’s on wheels and see how mail was sorted on the move.

TPO drop time details: 10.30am (Class 26) 12midday (N2 number 1744) 2.50pm (Pitchford Hall) and 4.15pm (Deltic D9009). Please note times and motive power may change as required.

Additional attractions:

• Display stand for the Mountsorrel Railway restoration at Quorn.
• RVPs award winning postal museum housed in two wooden bodied 1937 built carriages will be on display at Quorn and Woodhouse siding (please note access is by steps only)
• BBC Correspondent and Railway Author Alan Whitehouse will be at the Mail By Rail gala on Sunday the 25th of July to sign copies of his new book, "An Illustrated History of the Woodhead Route". The signing takes place at Loughborough shop and the cost is £19.99

Please note: 'One round trip' tickets will be available after 3pm.

We are pleased to offer discounted tickets to current and past employees of the Royal Mail. Please present proof of employment at any booking office window to qualify for the privilege ticket rate. (£10 for adults). Anyone travelling with a Royal Mail employee / retired employee is also entitled to the priviege rate fares.