11–12th October Autumn Gala

As the good weather continues (will it ever stop!), we though we would take advantage and make a trip to Loughborough for the Great Central's Autumn Gala. We have visited the GC once or twice before and I have always been impressed by its unique "main line" experience. In fact I can never understand why we don't visit more often (the last time was back in 2000). The event featured six locomotives, four steam; LNER 04 63601, LMS Black Five 45305, GWR Manor 7821 Ditcheat Manor and Large Prairie 4141, two diesels; Class 45 D123 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry and Class 20 D8098. Passenger trains left Loughborough every 45 minutes with demonstration trains between most public services. These were either the TPO (Traveling Post Office) or a goods train. Full marks have to go to 45305 with the 10.20 TPO train as she roared up to, and raced trough Quorn station going bloody fast! Faaantastic! (See photo below: D3021011-011.tif)

Loco: D123 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry
Location: Quorn

Loco: D123 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry
Location: Leicester North