Recent content by Flying Phil

It is good news indeed for 35025. I have some pictures of it being slowly restored at the GCR (2004) and it has been a convoluted path ever since!

The GCR was running with the BR Std 2 yesterday.

There were steam services on the GCR on Wednesday, hauled by the BR Std 5.

In other news from the GCR - about Boscastle What we want to see again...

I was told that this "Windcutter" 16T mineral wagon had gone to Leeds to have its tyres/wheels turned. Probably the first such wagon in over 30 years?

Saturday was busier at Loughborough probably due to the GCR AGM being held at Quorn. It was good to see the Std 5 hauling the Windcutters for the "Goods Experience".

There is a new video update about the reunification project. This confirms the ground investigation is all correct and presents no problem. The latest environmental survey has been done again with no significant issues raised. The Factory Flyover and Urban Viaduct detailed specification and...

Tulyer on test yesterday with 8 1/2 coaches.

Seen in the sunshine at Lbro yesterday.

There is good news re the "Gap" project, that the ground investigations have confirmed that there are no significant problems along the route with good ground rock 15 - 20m below the alluvial deposits.

I really enjoyed the GCR 50 event in 2023...seeing - and hearing, a 50 wagon freight train was special. The GCR can operate a very intensive timetable, fully utilising the double track and Mountsorrel Branch line during Galas.

I think there used to be a separate GCR(N) thread but as the two organisations are getting much closer together, recent posts about GCR(N) have been on this one thread...which is good.

There is a GCR Diesel Gala event coming up April 24 - 26th, so plenty of opportunity to show how a Heritage Railway is selling Diesel traction.

The GCR (and others) offer Freight Train "experiences" which involve travel in brake vans, but there are bench seats inside. Most people enjoy standing outside though for the 30 min trips. Our Windcutter volunteers had such a ride a few weeks ago to thank them for their hard work in restoring...

At the end of Feb there was a Brake Van ride organised for the Windcutter restoration team of volunteers. This had the rake of 16T mineral wagons hauled by the 9F. We all enjoyed seeing our wagons in operation, even though the weather was a classic mix of wind, rain, sunshine and a rainbow!