The end of the GCRs main season (although the railway never actually ceases to operate as such) is signalled by the annual Last Hurrah gala which traditionally takes place towards the end of November. I was lucky enough to bag a third man turn for this one, on the morning shift with John and Andy aboard 78018. Our sign on was a very early 05:15 and I'll admit that I find it much harder to get out of the door at that time these days than I used to! I met up with Andy at the engine, having signed in and read the notices. He kindly allowed me to prepare the engine from the fireman's perspective this morning. Having checked the smokebox and firebox, I cleared the grate of the warming fire before lighting the new one. Smoke first thing is quite normal...
78018 stands on No2 road at the shed having just been lit up...
We had two trips to do today, of which one was fired by myself. The first train was a full line passenger to Leicester North and back, with the second being a local out to Rothley and then a return to Lougborough with the Minerals train. Here, 78018 feathers at Rothley carriage sidings on our second run, waiting time for our light engine trip to Swithland bang road to fetch the Mineral wagons...
It was refreshing to see plenty of people out and about today for the Last Hurrah, which featured five locomotives in steam plus 'Iris' the visiting lightweight railcar and a couple of diesel locos. The star of the show was undoubtedly 78018s sister 78019. No19 was released into service this morning following some running in after a lengthy overhaul. I managed to capture this shot of the Darlington built pair as fresh out of the box 78019 passes us by at Rothley. Both are a credit to the GCR and their owning groups...
After the above shot was taken we were released from the siding and sent bang road (on the up) to Swithland to collect the Minerals train. Once we'd taken this back to Loughborough we were relieved by 78018s afternoon crew. I must thank John and Andy for another very pleasant morning at the GCR. It's always enjoyable...
Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.
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