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It will be a cavalcade of memories at the Great Central Railway this weekend (17th / 18th May) as a special gala event recreates the sights and sounds of four decades ago. Star of the show will be BR Standard 7, “Oliver Cromwell” which hauled Britain’s last steam train back in 1968.
Thousands of visitors are expected to visit the award winning Leicestershire line for an engine line up featuring steam and diesel trains. Oliver Cromwell might be the pride of the fleet but it isn’t the only national collection engine on parade. Southern Giant, “Sir Lamiel”, another priceless treasure from the York museum will also be pulling trains.
“I’m really excited about this line up,” said general manager Robert Crew. “Oliver Cromwell is delighting crowds since its return to service two weekends ago. Many people have told us that they’ve been waiting since 1968 to see it in action again. Putting it out with some other big engines will make for an evocative combination from the end of steam era when diesels where taking over.”
Meanwhile the Loughborough line can reveal visitors have travelled from Canada and Costa Rica just to witness Oliver Cromwell in action.
The railway has arranged the event at short notice. It marks the conclusion of the first phase of celebrations for Oliver Cromwell’s return. The engine will soon head off to York to appear at the National Railway Museum in a 1968 themed show, before returning to Loughborough in June.
Also pulling trains alongside Sir Lamiel and Oliver Cromwell will be BR Standard 2 no. 78019, Class 25 diesel D5815, Class 47 diesel D1705 and Class 45 diesel D123.
There will be a busy service of passenger and freight trains on the GCR’s unique double track network. Oliver Cromwell will be hauling its first freight trains since the 1960s during the weekend. Passengers will receive a complimentary booklet about the engine (while stocks last) and can raise a glass of the specially brewed “Cromwell’s return” to mark the occasion.
“It’s great to be bringing people from all over the world to Leicestershire, particularly after all the hard work that has gone into restoring the engine. Our staff and volunteers can be proud of what they’ve achieved and for putting Loughborough on the map. We hope people will travel from all over the country for the gala event this weekend,” concluded Robert.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Details on the above and all forthcoming events can be found on the Great Central Railway's extensive website: www.greatcentralrailway.com Additional information can also be obtained from the Booking Office, Loughborough Central Station, (Daily 9.00 - 5.30) on 01509 230726
Voted number 12 on the list of the 50 greatest railway journeys in the world the Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails. The preserved railway has been operating for over 30 years, and is manned by around 700 volunteers and a small team of permanent staff. Originally a main line from Sheffield to London, the 8 mile preserved section between Loughborough and Leicester is fully operational and the 4 stations reflect a different period of the railways109 year history. Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and daily in the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide 4 or 6 course meals, whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester or childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Train Experience. We also run a number of family events, including “Days Out with Thomas the Tank Engine”, Bonfire Night and Santa Specials. The railway has won a number of awards including “independent railway of the year”, and a gold award for the East Midlands best visitor experience and is a quality assured visitor attraction as designated by Enjoy England.
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