With the autumn steam gala season now well underway it was the turn of the Great Central Railway to host their annual steam gala and once again it's all out action across the preserved double track. The usual array of steam movements were scheduled, and on Saturday there is over 90 to be precise, though unfortunately this video doesn't capture them all. Nine steam locomotives were billed with two visiting engines on show, eight locomotives are featured in this video.
The theme for the event was a southern one, with a slight end of southern steam feel to proceedings. The two visitors were Bullied's in the form of the Battle of Britain Class 34081 'Squadron' this was backed up with the return of 34053 'Sir Keith Park', which visited a few years ago at their winter gala. The gala was also the first chance to see the recently overhauled Standard Class 5MT (73156) which hasn't been seen in steam since the 1960's !
This was temporarily running in guise as 73084 'Tintagel' Unfortunately a whole host of issues dogged it's debut return and it was only seen on a couple of runs on the Thursday and Friday. Fortunately I did manage to see it double heading on the Friday. All the operational homefleet were on display and as usual the video features plenty of passenger trains with additional goods trains, double headers and the explosive TPO'S which feature at the end of the video !
Another flawless show from the GCR, and thanks to all who were involved ! I hope you enjoy the action.
Locomotives featured
34081 'Squadron'
34053 'Sir Keith Park'
92214 'Leicester City'
78018 Standard 2MT
78019 Ivatt Class 2MT
LMS 48624
B.R 73084 Standard Class 5MT (73156)
6990 'Witherslack Hall'
