Railway 200: Greatest Gathering Derby tickets and exhibits

[Segedunum]

I seemed to have hit the sweet spot of arriving in the queue about 9:20, getting in when the barriers were removed and having a whip around for any photos before the crowds descended.

By and large everyone's been quite civil and pleasant - just a couple of odd folk on the 345 test run, one of whom was quite indignant that the Alstom staff couldn't tell him the 'official' names of the stopping points on the test track.

The 345 itself is also running rather late. A few teething troubles I gather - but no drama.

 

[Covshire1]

There is a deltic hidden behind D7076. Any idea chaps?

 

[YorkshireBear]

Got called an effing c-word by a bearded moron for the crime of walking along a path while he was taking the same photo hundreds of people had taken. Reported it to a steward since he had apparently done the same to a family.

Would make me stand infront of him for a prolonged period that... Out of order but expected from a minority.

 

[htafc]

EDIT - BOTH NOW CLAIMED

Hi folks, I have a couple of adult tickets for tomorrow I'm looking to get rid of for face value (£30). Do send a private message if interested.

Some of the literature mentioned checking names on cards to cross-correlate purchases - can anyone confirm whether this has been done today? Just wondering as if so would think anyone buying these would have to queue with me.

Many thanks
HTAFC

 

[Flange Squeal]

Would make me stand infront of him for a prolonged period that... Out of order but expected from a minority.

I wouldn't blame you! It is after all a huge event that will be attracting not just enthusiasts but families and others. It's perfectly reasonable for people attending to want to get up close to the trains and look at them, rather than stand at a photographer-approved distance from them. Anyone such as the person described in @GatwickDepress 's post who goes to an event like this expecting clear unobstructed views of everything and people to not go near any of the trains is clearly a moron. Even more so if it's people just using a path!

 

[Trainman40083]

because the train was late and the station busy. Once it was uncoupled it ran off to Chaddesden and had to wait for ages to come back

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 31 Jul 2025 ==


that's a given!

Would have thought it might have been easier to run round outside the station, given the occupancy of the only platforms it could use for Litchurch Lane, platforms 3 and 4

 

[Covshire1]

There is a cl701 coach (I think) in one of the workshops which is hidden away. Excuse the rubbish photo!

 

[L+Y]

Having done the day, some overall thoughts...

1. Buses from Derby station worked very well. There wasn't anybody signposting people to them that I could see, but common sense seemed to apply and plenty boarded.
2. While the queue looked scary, it took us about 25 minutes to cover the distance: this was shortly after 11.
3. The organisation of the site seemed a little chaotic and "random" (aside from a few themed bits) but for me that added to it- you'd turn a corner and find something completely new.
4. A few more seating areas might have been appreciated, along with a few more bins.
5. All in all, a good afternoon. Took me about four hours to feel I'd seen everything, and could have easily managed a fifth.

Thanks to all involved!

 

[Bedford Rail]

Question for those who have been: how strict are they being on bag sizes? The advance info said "no bigger than A4", but are they really not allowing small satchels, say? TIA.

EDITED: I've now seen on social media they're not sticking to the 'A4' guidance and small bags (max 20L) are OK. Leaving this post here just in case anyone else was wondering.

 

[_toommm_]

Question for those who have been: how strict are they being on bag sizes? The advance info said "no bigger than A4", but are they really not allowing small satchels, say? TIA.

EDITED: I've now seen on social media they're not sticking to the 'A4' guidance and small bags (max 20L) are OK. Leaving this post here just in case anyone else was wondering.

I went in with a 30L rucksack as I'm going down to London after for a few days. It was thoroughly searched, along with my Padlock for work nearly being confiscated, but it was fine. It left a lot bigger than when it came in due to some purchases.

 

[Rail Quest]

Fantastic effort from the organisers! I've had a great day and everything seemed to work well. My only issues with the day were very minor (slow boarding on the 345, not many slots available on the cl.66 simulator etc.).

 

[birchesgreen]

What a great day, saw so much! Getting good photos wasn't hard, you just needed a bit of patience and quick wits. My only issue was a lack of places to sit down.

 

[RGM654]

What a great day, saw so much! Getting good photos wasn't hard, you just needed a bit of patience and quick wits. My only issue was a lack of places to sit down.

I agree.

Having given up when I saw the queue about 11:15, I went back about 13:30 (walking, as the buses had stopped running) and got in without having to queue at all. I passed many people walking the other way who had already had enough. With two and a half hours I managed to cover most of the site, and by the time we all had to leave I had done more than enough walking, with my specified no-open-toes footwear, which I wear only when I have to. Having seen the Coal Tank from our ride yesterday evening, I went to the far end of the site to see it and found it rotating slowly on the turntable.

I am planning to return at a similar time tomorrow.

 

[Trainman40083]

I agree.

Having given up when I saw the queue about 11:15, I went back about 13:30 (walking, as the buses had stopped running) and got in without having to queue at all. I passed many people walking the other way who had already had enough. With two and a half hours I managed to cover most of the site, and by the time we all had to leave I had done more than enough walking, with my specified no-open-toes footwear, which I wear only when I have to. Having seen the Coal Tank from our ride yesterday evening, I went to the far end of the site to see it and found it rotating slowly on the turntable.

I am planning to return at a similar time tomorrow.

The free buses may stop running but there is still the Arriva route 2 from the bus station to Osmaston Road/Litchurch Lane via the railway station, for those who are too tired to walk.

 

[Covshire1]

A late arrival?

Realtime Trains | 5Q57 1515 Old Dalby to Derby Litchurch Lane | 01/08/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q57 1515 departure from Old Dalby to Derby Litchurch Lane on 01/08/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

37611 + 730202...

 

[dmtransport841]

Alright, back from the event. It was mainly positive for me, only a couple of slight negatives from myself.
A: The fact some trains were behind barriers, especially the made in Derby section
B: Why did they block a GA 755 with their stall?
Other than that, a fantastic day! Covered nearly everything except all the steamies.

I think I might have to update the list when I have the time, Every EMR seems to be a no-show.

 

[Trainman40083]

Alright, back from the event. It was mainly positive for me, only a couple of slight negatives from myself.
A: The fact some trains were behind barriers, especially the made in Derby section
B: Why did they block a GA 755 with their stall?
Other than that, a fantastic day! Covered nearly everything except all the steamies.

I think I might have to update the list when I have the time, Every EMR seems to be a no-show.

May suggest just how short of trains EMR is.

 

[Kite159]

Has anyone seen 730201 anywhere please?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Aug 2025 ==

Has anyone seen 730201 anywhere please?

I'm pretty sure one coach of it was in one of the workshops alongside the part built 701 coach

 

[theblackwatch]

I'm pretty sure one coach of it was in one of the workshops alongside the part built 701 coach

I was there yesterday and saw two cars of it inside different shops. One was as you describe and if I remember rightly the other was in the building where 220033 (separated) was located.

 

[dmtransport841]

Added 220033 on the list, added all possible no-shows. Any ideas what the other Crosscountry voyager was at the depot, the one with the front and one coach?

 

[E B]

To those attending on saturday/sunday - I advise turning up for the gathering as early as possible so you have enough time to see everything before close. I arrived at the site at around 11:05am (due to the very long queue) and wasn’t able to see everything (in part due to reasons like being in a party of 4, the test track being delayed, long queues for lunch etc.)

 

[Class15]

To those attending on saturday/sunday - I advise turning up for the gathering as early as possible so you have enough time to see everything before close. I arrived at the site at around 11:05am (due to the very long queue) and wasn’t able to see everything (in part due to reasons like being in a party of 4, the test track being delayed, long queues for lunch etc.)

I arrived at 12 and got everything. I would advise:

1. Don’t do the test track - it’s not worth it.
2. Bring your own lunch

 

[Covshire1]

Added 220033 on the list, added all possible no-shows. Any ideas what the other Crosscountry voyager was at the depot, the one with the front and one coach?

I noted 221101, 221102, 221103, 221105 and 221106 in addition to 220033.

 

[Skymonster]

I was seriously of the mind that this would end up being a s***-show with far too many exhibits to fit in the space available and likely all of them buffer-to-buffer. Pictures taken yesterday furthered my concern. And today I was proven wrong - most items had been spaced out and arguably there was room for a few more. Possibly that space would have been eaten up by the EMR no-shows and the inbound 730 and 37 this evening.

As an aside: how difficult can it be to get a 222 that is supposedly non-operational right now, and a 158 that doesn’t seem to have been used since it was refurbed, from Etches Park to Litchurch Lane (maybe an excuse for the absence of the 170 if they’re short of units)? Very difficult it seems. So sad it was the locals that let the side down.

Anyway, mostly positive today. I think a bit more thought could have been given to the placement of some of the exhibits… The Hymek (which I was particularly looking forward to) and a were Deltic hardly visible. Why were they even there if there was no space to show them? I think there was space to show them but for some reason they were stuffed out of the way. Some nice units inside halls (yes, yes I know if they were all outside there might not have been enough room). Specially painted HST power car pretty much unphotographable. 69 and the two ‘special’ 50s not great - one side of them unphotographable due to the catering stalls. Again I get it - the organisers aren’t catering just to photographers. But I was left with the slight disappointment that the positioning of some of the locos could have been a little better for us photographers. Why don’t event organisers seem to include someone with such a background in their team to advise, and maybe keep a few more visitors happier? Ride on the 345 went well. Surprisingly I also enjoyed browsing the heritage etc in one of the halls, and the model railways, as well as the full size exhibits.

I must admit that by lunchtime it was getting a little too crowded for my liking. I’d arrived at 07:15 (its not what you know…) and got most pics I wanted quickly with very few people around, so I left at 14:00. Back early-doors tomorrow for another crack at the nut, then I’ll be on an indoor stand for most of the day. And Sunday. By then I think I’ll be Great Gathering’ed out.

 

[43055]

Alright, back from the event. It was mainly positive for me, only a couple of slight negatives from myself.
A: The fact some trains were behind barriers, especially the made in Derby section
B: Why did they block a GA 755 with their stall?
Other than that, a fantastic day! Covered nearly everything except all the steamies.

I think I might have to update the list when I have the time, Every EMR seems to be a no-show.

158847 was on Etches Park with another 158 as I left Derby earlier.

It was a great show with lots to see which we had around 5 hours from when we got in. We attempted to get the 0908 from Tutbury but was full upon arrival so decided to get the bus instead. If anyone gets the 2/2A from Derby it maybe better getting of at the following stop to be closer to the back of the queue to get in. No issues on return to Derby station which does have barriers for queueing if required and getting the train home which was strengthened to 4 cars.

 

[RealTrains07]

I think I might have to update the list when I have the time, Every EMR seems to be a no-show.

Yeah it was quite frustrating the amount of rolling stock that didnt show up today.

I completely understand needing the units for service but for emr considering how the announcements about their exhibits were done and the lack of communication afterwards. Why did they bother promising 4 units if they knew those trains were never going to be available (222005 especially with the state its in)

Other than that, it was a brillant event, had a great day!

I do feel for the organisers though, i heard that they were moving the locos around the site until 4am. Their dedication is beyond commendable

 

[Trainman40083]

I was seriously of the mind that this would end up being a s***-show with far too many exhibits to fit in the space available and likely all of them buffer-to-buffer. Pictures taken yesterday furthered my concern. And today I was proven wrong - most items had been spaced out and arguably there was room for a few more. Possibly that space would have been eaten up by the EMR no-shows and the inbound 730 and 37 this evening.

As an aside: how difficult can it be to get a 222 that is supposedly non-operational right now, and a 158 that doesn’t seem to have been used since it was refurbed, from Etches Park to Litchurch Lane (maybe an excuse for the absence of the 170 if they’re short of units)? Very difficult it seems. So sad it was the locals that let the side down.

Anyway, mostly positive today. I think a bit more thought could have been given to the placement of some of the exhibits… The Hymek (which I was particularly looking forward to) and a were Deltic hardly visible. Why were they even there if there was no space to show them? I think there was space to show them but for some reason they were stuffed out of the way. Some nice units inside halls (yes, yes I know if they were all outside there might not have been enough room). Specially painted HST power car pretty much unphotographable. 69 and the two ‘special’ 50s not great - one side of them unphotographable due to the catering stalls. Again I get it - the organisers aren’t catering just to photographers. But I was left with the slight disappointment that the positioning of some of the locos could have been a little better for us photographers. Why don’t event organisers seem to include someone with such a background in their team to advise, and maybe keep a few more visitors happier? Ride on the 345 went well. Surprisingly I also enjoyed browsing the heritage etc in one of the halls, and the model railways, as well as the full size exhibits.

I must admit that by lunchtime it was getting a little too crowded for my liking. I’d arrived at 07:15 (its not what you know…) and got most pics I wanted quickly with very few people around, so I left at 14:00. Back early-doors tomorrow for another crack at the nut, then I’ll be on an indoor stand for most of the day. And Sunday. By then I think I’ll be Great Gathering’ed out.

I understood that 222005 had been stripped out.... probably getting ready to go to Lumo.

 

[RealTrains07]

37611 + 730202...

If that is going to the gathering then I do wonder why it couldn't have left Old Dalby yesterday?

 

[birchesgreen]

I arrived at 12 and got everything. I would advise:

1. Don’t do the test track - it’s not worth it.
2. Bring your own lunch

I went to the chip van, i recommend it

 

[Trainman40083]

If that is going to the gathering then I do wonder why it couldn't have left Old Dalby yesterday?

Given the delays getting other trains in, maybe they decided it wasn't worth it. On. ITV news this evening, you could see a 7302** over near the test track