Network Rail (NR) gives Great Central Railway (GCR) "Bridging the gap" go-ahead

[bunnahabhain]

Ultimately the GCR wanted a full 4-track mainline railway. Laying a bit more track through the arches they provided and a new platform would not detract from the aesthetics. There are many faults with the idea but that isn't one of them

Actually the GCR didn't desire a 4 track main line, the majority of the structures that were wide enough for 4 lines were at stations, every single major structure wasn't built to be expanded. Look at every station and it has the ability to have a loop put on the outside of the platforms.

 

[AlexS]

I doubt very much you'd be able to easily fit a 3rd track into the cutting north of Rothley station anyway!

 

[L+Y]

Latest update reports that the GC managed to raise £100,000 for the appeal in the first two weeks alone: a very encouraging start!

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Latest update reports that the GC managed to raise £100,000 for the appeal in the first two weeks alone: a very encouraging start!

Wow, that is very good indeed.

 

[DarloRich]

Very sensible to get this work done when the MML is closed as it presents a unique opportunity to complete this work without any extra disruption for the traveling public

 

[Tomnick]

I think the plan would always have been to try and tie the work in with existing possessions - the change is that Network Rail will be trying to plan that in their own possessions, as well as doing the survey and design work, which looks rather cheaper than getting an external contractor to do the same!

 

[harry42]

Well...there we are:

I quote from GCR website:

1st September: The total raised has reached £206,000! We’re twenty percent of the way there in just three months. Thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal. Let’s keep going because every pound we raise is a pound closer to making the next big infrastructure project in railway preservation a reality.

Lets hope it keeps going!!!

 

[harry42]

EVERYBODY ON HERE SUPPORT THIS FUND: IT IS FANTASTIC! Imagine travelling on GC Railway for around 15 miles.

 

[Mikey Boy]

EVERYBODY ON HERE SUPPORT THIS FUND: IT IS FANTASTIC! Imagine travelling on GC Railway for around 15 miles.

Having volunteered on both halves of the railway, I can say that this is the biggest news I can imagine. Well done to all concerned, THANK YOU to all who have donated and Good Luck going Forward .

The fund now stands at £1/3 million and rising. My membership of both North & South has been renewed together with my first bridge fund donation.

Regarding a previous comment regarding Ruddington, in the short term this could easily be rectified by a 'Station Pilot' leading the train from Ruddington Junction into the site. The locos would then change ends, the train returns to Ruddington Junction, Station Pilot disconnects and the train proceeds Southwards with the locomotive at the correct end for the rest of the line.

Ideally the southern chord would be the best option as it allows direct access to the site plus the opportunity to turn locos & stock.

 

[fsmr]

Further bit of good news here in todays Leicester Mercury

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/H...es-pound-25k/story-20390510-detail/story.html

An appeal to link two heritage railway lines is a third of the way to its £1 million target, thanks to an extremely generous Christmas present.

Great Central Railway (GCR) is on track to reconnect two sections of line, separated by just 500m, by building a new bridge over the Midland Mainline.

It follows a gift of £25,000 in memory of a former volunteer at the GCR.

The donation came from the 9F Locomotive Charitable Trust company in memory of one of their trustees, Peter Lang.

"Our appeal has been given a welcome Christmas boost," said a GCR spokesman. "It has taken the total raised to exactly £333,000 – a third of the way to our target."

Mr Lang, a former engineer, was a key member of the team that restored British Railways 9F Class locomotive 92214 to steam in 2003.

He was also a regular volunteer at the Loughborough shed on the GCR.

"We are deeply grateful for every donation we receive but we were particularly humbled by the donation made in memory of Peter," said Bill Ford, managing director of Great Central Railway plc.

"Sadly, he died in 2013, shortly after the deal to build the new Great Central bridge across the Midland line at Loughborough was announced.

"His fellow trustees made the donation to the bridge appeal in his honour."

"Peter is missed by many, not only at the GCR but also everyone involved with number 92214.

"On behalf of everyone from the northern and southern section of the railway, we'd like to record our deepest gratitude."

The north section of line, operated by GCR Nottingham, runs for 10 miles between Nottingham and Loughborough.

The south, eight-mile section, operated by GCR, runs between Loughborough and Leicester. The new bridge, being built in partnership with Network Rail, is the key structure in a chain which will allow the two sections to be joined.

Other donations from railway enthusiasts around the country have also continued to arrive during Christmas week.

"It means we can go into 2014 with renewed confidence," said Mr Ford.

The coming year will see building work begin on the bridge, which is expected to be completed in mid-2015.

Mr Ford said plans for other elements of the railway reunification project, including restoring the canal bridge at Loughborough and rebuilding a bridge over Railway Terrace in the town, were also progressing well. www.gcrailway.co.uk


Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/H...tory-20390510-detail/story.html#ixzz2pFipipCg