By Brian Sharpe
The Great Central Railway’s winter steam gala at the end of January is always popular and the three-day spectacular generally heralds the start of the new gala season.
The 2016 event was no exception and it is reported that it was the most popular event since new-build A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado made its passenger-hauling debut on the railway in 2008.
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The Saturday was exceptionally busy and even the wet weather on Sunday did not seem to discourage visitors.
Star attractions for this year’s event were the well-travelled Southern pair of U class 2-6-0 No. 31806 from Swanage and Battle of Britain Pacific No. 34053 Sir Keith Park from the Severn Valley, which appeared alongside six of the resident fleet in an intensive service of passenger, freight and TPO trains.
Every train was operated by its rostered locomotive, with only minor delays which were quickly recovered.
The temporary speed restriction was lifted off bridge 350 at Swithland… in fact the only problem reported was that the railway ran out of beer!
Read more News and Features in Issue 239 of HR – on sale now!
Read more News and Features in Issue 240 of HR – on sale April 6!
Archive enquiries to: Jane Skayman on 01507 529423 – [email protected]
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