Return of 70013, "Oliver Cromwell". GCR, 4th May 2008

My first photographic visit to the Great Central Railway, and quite rightly as it is the UK's only double track preserved line, the results appears here, on the main line section of my web site! Especially as the two locos I particularly went there to see are both scheduled to be main line performers. The locos were King Arthur class 30777, "Sir Lamiel", and just restored "Star of the Show", Britannia class pacific 70013, "Oliver Cromwell".    next

4 May. Like many I was at the GCR to see 70013 on her first weekend of working since restoration, but it was good to see King Arthur class 4-6-0, 30777, "Sir Lamiel", working. Here at Rushey Lane Bridge on the 10.00 ex Loughborough.   next 4 May.   next 4 May. But the loco I really wanted to see was "The Brit", 70013, "Oliver Cromwell", a class I remembered hauling the Golden Arrow. With that wonderful two cylinder noise she hurried towards Rushey Lane Bridge on the 11.55.   next 4 May. Sadly the weather didn't join in the fun, but the grey overcast skies did nothing to damp down the pleasure of seeing a Britannia working again. next 4 May. With excellent company, (it was a very popular location), and a frequent train service I stayed in the Rushey Bridge area all day, soon to see 30777 again, on the 13.00 ex Loughborough. next 4 May. It wasn't long before "Ollie" was back, now on the 14.15 from Loughborough.   next 4 May. It is well know that my belief is that steam loco numbers should be five digits long and start with a "3", (certain standard class locos excepted of course). So no doubt 34141 will have a complete number plate back soon! next 4 May. The expected rain drizzle arrived in time for 70013's last trip of the day, on the 16.35. Coinciding with the return of 30777 to Loughborough on a driving experience working. next 4 May. A final look at this superbly restored steam locomotive. top  2008 Photos continued  Index