GCR Firing Course? Completed it mate! That's it then folks! Today I was officially passed out as a fireman on the Great Central Railway having completed both the practical and theoretical elements of the firing course. I am so grateful to everyone at the GCR that was involved in helping me reach the grade and I look forward to more turns out on the footplate as and when required. Today I arrived at the GCRs base of Loughborough station at 12:00, ready to take some theory tests: one on route knowledge and one on rules. As I wandered through the shed area, the bulk of 9F No92214 was standing cold on No1 road under blue skies...
Having signed in and read the notices, I noted that our crew were rostered to 8F No48305 which was currently out working the service train. I was booked on with a driver and a fireman for today's turn but was later told that, should I pass my firing practical, I would be out solo as the fireman on the night diner this evening. No pressure then! Theory tests passed (that was a relief), we changed into our overalls ready to take over the engine in readiness to haul the 16:00 passenger train. The weather was stunning and was, if anything, too warm! The up inner home signals at Swithland are seen below in the on position as we are held to allow the Mountsorrel service to clear the Rothley section before continuing on towards Leicester North...
Returning to Loughborough with the passenger train, we uncoupled the locomotive and ran round. The train was then shunted into the up through siding and the stock stabled as it wouldn't be required until tomorrow. The 8F was then returned to No1 road pit on the shed apron for a partial disposal. The partial part of the term denotes that we're trying to do jobs now that will otherwise need doing late at night when the engine returns after the diner job. I cleaned the fire before checking the smokebox and ashpan, both of which are emptied at this point when required. The big 2-8-0 was then left to simmer on the shed for a while until we were required...
Once the partial disposal work was completed, driver and assessor Ken shook my hand and said that I had completed the firing course and would be out solo this evening. What a great feeling. I'm very grateful to Ken and the other instructors for their time and effort in putting on the firing course. It was a valuable experience that I wish I'd had access to years ago. It's so much more relaxing being taught this stuff in a classroom setting rather than having to teach yourself. The system has its own curriculum which can take either a person who has some experience or a complete beginner from cleaner to fireman through its various classes and teachings. I'd heartily recommend this way of learning to any railway. I'm lucky to have had my previous experience from Tyseley which I've built on at the GCR. Tyseley gave me a real shot in the arm when I crewed with them and I thankfully moved away from the bad habits I'd learnt in a previous existence. Building on the experiences from Tyseley, with the support of the GCR instructors, has resulted in me achieving this grade and I'm so thankful to all involved. Here, 1943-built No48305 stands at the head of the 19:00 diner...
The diners at the GCR are very popular and provide a lucrative and welcome income to the railway. There are various different trains which operate throughout the month but this one: the Charnwood Forester: runs on Saturday evenings and performs two round trips of the line. Also out this evening was the Fish & Chip special which on this occasion was hauled by the Class 37 diesel. (The railway is trying to encourage diesel fans onto the catered trains by running the occasional service with this traction). Our train left Loughborough a few minutes down but we were soon cruising along on the old 8F. Our first stop was Swithland viaduct where we paused for ten minutes or so so that the diners could survey the views across the reservoir...
The clear blue skies tonight certainly provided some picturesque views from the cab. The reservoir was incredibly calm as 48305 simmered above...
The 8F steamed beautifully throughout the evening and was no trouble. Here she awaits departure from Loughborough with our second round trip...
On the final run back from Leicester the locomotive paused once again, this time on the down line at the beautiful Rothley station. These short breaks ensure that everyone has time to leisurely enjoy their four course meal without being rushed...
And that, as they say, is that. The GCR firing course has been completed. Once again (I can't say it enough) thank you to everyone that helped me achieve the grade. I look forward to future outings on the footplate at the railway as and when they come along. I must thank Ken for his company this evening and Ashley for coming out with me as fireman on the first trip. What a pleasure to pass my firing ticket on board the mighty 8F as well. What a fine machine (even if it's not GWR!). Cheers all, Sam...
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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