GREAT
CENTRAL RAILWAY
LINESIDE UPDATE (May 2004)
There are a few special restrictions and some rules appertaining to double track train operation. Most importantly, the area south of Loughborough station between Great Central Road Bridge and Beeches Road bridge is very busy with bi-directional working on both up and down lines. Consequently there is a walking route from the station to Beeches Road, the only place in this area where the running lines may be crossed. A map of this together with other relevant instructions will be available for all permit holders to collect at the signing-on points. If the supply has run out please refer to the Booking Office at Loughborough.
Loughborough Yard (north of station), and Swithland viaduct are permanently out of bounds. As well as Loughborough South, the area to the south of Rothley station is also subject to a defined walking route.
All of these rules, which are very simple, must be obeyed. Anyone transgressing risks losing their permit.
Carry a copy of the timetable at all times but be aware that trains can run at short notice and footplate experience paths may not precisely timed. In other words be prepared for a train to appear from either direction at any time.
This is one of the most popular locations on the line. Russ Hillier and a team of volunteers have done a lot of clearing work under the advice of a National Trust expert and the result is superb. There is now little need to go inside the fence at all at this location but if you do please stay at the top of the embankment below the bridge abutment to give a clear view for others. This is a busy location for walkers and horse riders. Please remember that your behaviour is seen by the public as representing the railway.
45305 is now in regular
service ,78019 is very close to completion and 30777 is expected to enter
traffic this summer. 63601 and 30777 will be visiting
York for “Railfest”.
As you may be aware the GCR has now been granted permission to run at 60mph for specific purposes such as testing locomotives and rolling stock. Lineside permits are not valid at such times.
This is open to the public again but please be aware of restricted areas when work is in progress.
A few reminders
Please remember to sign in at one of the stations (Loughborough recommended) The aim is to try to have all relevant information available including extra trains etc together with details of walking routes. This may not always happen but I am working on it!
Wear your high viz vest
(orange - not yellow!) at all times and be alert to non-scheduled train movements.
Please remember to WEAR your permit in a visible position when you are
on the lineside.
Do not walk in the four foot, walk in the cess facing in the direction of
oncoming trains. Please do not trespass on adjoining farmland.
Be polite to walkers - they have a right to enjoy their day out too. There
have been a few instances reported of abuse to local people at Kinchley Lane
in recent weeks. Any confirmed cases will result in the guilty party having
their permit removed.
Respect our neighbours who may be enjoying a quiet afternoon in their garden.
Do not climb onto signals or railway vehicles.
Swithland Viaduct is out of bounds due to restricted clearances.
Report any stupid acts to a member of the operating department or to me via
the booking office.
Remember that we are very privileged. Nowhere else can access to a main line
railway be gained so easily. Let us make sure that we keep that privilege.
The Great Central Railway is already the best of its kind for photography and there is more to come! Enjoy your visits in safety.
For those with access to
the internet, David Pladgeman maintains the GCR website with lots of useful
information (and the chance to buy!). He tries to include
the rostored locos for the coming weekend by Wednesday of each week but be
aware that things can change rapidly where steam engines are concerned! Gala
timetables are also published there as soon as available.
