- A full day with legendary British Railways Pacific Oliver Cromwell working the GCR's superb van train, Wednesday 10th October 2018
A full day with legendary British Railways Pacific Oliver Cromwell working the GCR's superb van train, Wednesday 10th October 2018
A full day of classic steam photography at the Great Central Railway featuring the legendary British Railways Pacific No.70013 Oliver Cromwell at the head of the line's superbly authentic 1950s/1960s van train.
£80.00
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About this event
We are delighted to be able to offer the second of two days of double track steam action featuring the mighty British Railways Pacific No.70013 Oliver Cromwell, today at the head of the Great Central Railway's fine rake of 1950s/1960s vans.
The Railway's van train
really looks 'the business' following repainting and there is now a train of
more than adequate length to pair with former main line locomotives (steam and
diesel!) on double track. The splendid appearance of this rake is in no small
measure thanks to the many of you who kindly supported the repaints
financially, so it is an appropriate time to thank you - on behalf of both
TimeLine Events and the Great Central Railway - for your generous and very much
appreciated contributions.
Due to its part in the
final weeks of British Railways main line steam in 1968, Oliver Cromwell achieved
a somewhat iconic status amongst enthusiasts who gathered on 11th August 1968
to witness the last rites (or so they thought) of steam on the national network.
The Riddles-designed Pacific was one of four locomotives which hauled the
Fifteen Guinea Special, the final steam rail tour under British Railways
auspices, with 70013 hauling the Manchester to Liverpool leg of this
trip.
On the day following the
special, the locomotive moved under its own steam to Norwich and from there on
to Diss where it was transported onwards by road the short distance to Alan
Bloom's Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens where, as part of the National
Collection, it was preserved. The locomotive was maintained in working order
until the 1980s, after which it was on static display at Bressingham. In 2004,
moves began to return 70013 to working order in time for the fortieth
anniversary of the end of British Railways steam. Since 2008, the loco has
regularly performed on main line specials but is now close to the end of its
boiler ticket.
Our day will start at
Loughborough station at 07.30am where we will gather for our customary but very
important safety briefing. Oliver Cromwell will
face South for our charter. As we are using non-passenger stock, we will travel
to the various locations by car. We recommend car sharing to as great an extent
as possible to minimise the number of cars for which we have to find parking
space. We will make sure everyone has a place in a car before we leave
Loughborough, hopefully with someone who knows the way!
With Oliver Cromwell now
entering the last few months of its boiler certificate, opportunities to
charter the locomotive are few and far between. We are grateful to have been
offered these Autumnal dates with 70013 and hope that many of you will wish to
join us as another steam legend enters its twilight months in traffic.
Event
Cost £80.00 per person.
EVENT REQUIREMENTS
Camera
Lenses- suggest bringing lens lengths between 16-200mm
Spare batteries
Memory cards
Photography Knowledge:
Basic to Advanced
Fitness Level:
Low - Medium
Other
Appropriate outdoor clothing and walking footwear