Rightfully
dubbed ‘Year of the Express Engine’, 2008 was an exciting
year for the Great Central Railway, as several famous names graced
Britain's only preserved double-track mainline. Two of the most notable
were ‘End of Steam’ celebrity Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell
and newly built Peppercorn A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado.Both locos feature
together with a host of other distinguished survivors from the age
of steam.
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Winter
Gala. With winter sunshine,
the cold crisp air makes for superb steam photography at the GCR's Winter
Gala. Subtitled 'A hazy shade of Oxford' due to the two visiting locos,
GWR Hall 4953 Pitchford Hall and LMS 4F 44422, highlights of which include
the engines on the TPO and Windcutter trains respectively. SR King Arthur
30777 Sir Lamiel also stars alongside GCR stable mates, Large Prairie
4141, 8F 48305 and BR 2MT 78019.
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| Return
of Oliver Cromwell. Early
May saw the return of 'End of Steam' celebrity Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell.
This chapter was shot over two weekends 3rd and 10th May, and shows 70013's
light engine movements and first revenue earning passenger service since
that fable day on 11th August 1968. Other resident motive power also features.
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| Autumn
Gala. One of the GCR's most successful Galas ever
featured four express locos. Topping the bill was new build Peppercorn
A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado, and is seen extensively, firstly around the
shed at Loughborough and then on passenger workings. Gallant supporting
rolls were played by the remaining three express types, LMS 5XP Leader
(on its first visit to the GCR), SR LN 850 Lord Nelson and BR 7P 70013
Oliver Cromwell.Many locos feature on passenger, parcel and goods trains.
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| Additional
Material. Scenes from the 2007's
Heavy Freight Extravaganza, which features three different freight sets
hauled by suitable motive power: visiting LMS Stanier Mogul 42968 and
LNWR Super D 49395 joined resident 2-8-0 designs, GCR O4 63601and LMS
8F 48305 (masquerading as 48188). |
Edited without commentary
for your enjoyment.
Running time 55minutes Approximately |
