Great Central Railway 10th May 2008.
My visit to the double track main line of the Great Central Railway a week earlier to see 70013 back in service had been very worthwhile. So much so that I took the first opportunity to go back: with the prospect of a very busy Saturday of steam action from ex SR King Arthur class 4-6-0 30777, "Sir Lamiel", 70013, "Oliver Cromwell" and standard "2" 2-6-0 78019. next

10 May. The first of those locos in service was Standard Class 2 78019. Seen here as the 2-6-0 shunts out from the loco shed prior to working the 10.15 from Loughborough. next 10 May. next 10 May. next 10 May. But as with the previous weekend the "star of the show" was newly restored Britannia Class pacific 70013, "Oliver Cromwell". Here entering Quorn and Woodhouse on the 11.15 after a re-dedication ceremory at Loughborough. next 10 May. As a SR man through and through a close second to the Britannia during the day was 30777 "Sir Lamiel", photographed from Woodhouse bridge working the 12.15 from Loughborough. next 10 May. Staying at Woodhouse Bridge in weather that was warm but a bit hazy at times saw 70013 working the 13.15 to Leicester North. next 10 May. next 10 May. The day continued with "Sir Lamiel" working well on the 14.15 ex Loughborough. next 10 May. next 10 May. "Oliver Comwell" on the 15.15, still hauling the 8 coach train that had formed the consist for the NRM etc party following the morning's re-dedication at Lougborough. next 10 May. next 10 May. Typically the only full sun for 30777 was as the loco returned tender first at Woodhouse Bridge on the 15.00 from Leicester North. next 10 May. After working the 10.15 from Loughborough the Standard Class 2 had worked up and down the line on driving experience trips. And then headed the 16.35 from Loughborough here at Rushey Lane Bridge. next 10 May. 70013's day had not ended with the 15.15 from Loughborough. She was booked on some evening staff trains, starting with an 18.00 departure. Allowing a closer look as she waited to shunt back onto the stock at Lougborough. next 10 May. next

10 May. next

10 May. The sun was hiding behind clouds as the Britannia worked past Rushey Lane Bridge on the 18.00 from Loughborough, but that did nothing to spoil a superb day of "main line" steam action. next 10 May. top  2008 Photos continued  Index