|
|
Aug 26, 2022 21:53:38 GMT
|
Hi PHUQ It certainly is never ending! We still have 2 non-runners at Quorn and 3 at Swithland. When we thought of 30@30 we knew it was ambitious but thought that 4 or 5 wagons would not need too much work. Wrong! And we had another covid lock down....but we still have another three months and have done 4 wagons this year with another just awaiting wheelset swapping. We could "borrow" a 16T and a "Tippler" from the Quorn wagon group and get 2 rakes of 13 wagons with two brake vans which would give us 30 and operationally, at Loughborough a total of 28 wagons including brake vans is believed to be as long as can be run around. So certainly "A lengthy train" of 16T mineral wagons will be running.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept 9, 2022 21:15:29 GMT
|
And we are now in the process of annual inspection of the running fleet to assess their "Fitness to Run" for another 12 months, so the newly painted "Jocko" has been going back and forth to Swithland.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept 20, 2022 15:03:10 GMT
|
Well we now have another 11 wagons through their FtR and on the way to Swithland. And our latest restoration is nearly finished as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept 25, 2022 15:23:18 GMT
|
We are looking forward to the Autumn Gala (Sept 29th - Oct 2nd) when we will see our Windcutter wagons in action, together with other freight trains. Our latest restoration, B 570618, was not quite finished by the end of Friday but we will be working during the week to complete the last few details. We will also have our Information/Sales Stand outside Rothley shed on the Saturday and Sunday. Please pop along and chat to some of the team and see our display.
|
|
|
|
PHUQ
Part of things
Posts: 859
|
|
Sept 26, 2022 11:45:50 GMT
|
I'm at the Gauge 1 75th anniversary event at Bicester with the 5" gauge stuff unfortunately. I must make the pilgrimage up there next year though. B570618 looking smart!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept 27, 2022 8:21:21 GMT
|
A shame that you cannot make it this time PHUQ. But the last Hurrah Gala in November should be good, as we are trying to run two Windcutter rakes, that combine in the afternoon, to give that "Lengthy Train"...Whether we make it 30@30 we will have to wait and see!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept 28, 2022 7:18:58 GMT
|
News from the GCR website
The A60 bridge replacement starts this weekend! "Temporary road closures are will be in place on the A60 Nottingham Road between the junction of Station Boulevard, Loughborough, and the junction of Loughborough Road, Cotes, from 01st October 2022 to allow Volker Laser, on behalf of the GCR to safely undertake works to replace the rail overbridge.
The existing 120 year old structure is life expired and has been struck many times by over height lorries. Replacing it with a twin track structure, will allow freight trains from the national rail network to use the line again as well as paving the way for heritage trains to run between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire as part of the Reunification project".
|
|
|
|
Badger
Part of things
Posts: 250
|
|
Sept 28, 2022 20:40:23 GMT
|
I've not been able to visit the GCR yet but am following the reunification with interest. It would have been nice to come up for the Autumn Gala but timings preclude it unfortunately!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept 30, 2022 6:26:07 GMT
|
I have just been e mailed this...."the A60 bridge, there are two excavators on the track bed removing the ballast, so its begun!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There is a change at the A60 bridge...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More changes...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The timetables for the "Last Hurrah Gala" are now available on the GCR website. It is good to see that there will be a variety of authentic motive power to haul our 25+ "Lengthy Train" of 16T mineral wagons. (9F, 8F, Std 5, and Std 2). A sight and sound not to be missed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 10, 2022 21:38:43 GMT
|
The A60 bridge now has pre-cast concrete caps on the two abutments - 44 tons each! The bridge decks are due to be put in place in 10 days time (19/20th).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 16, 2022 22:17:31 GMT
|
This weekend should see the new bridge decks being put on the abutments. It is also the "Last Hurrah Gala" on the GCR with an intensive timetable - including that "lengthy train" of Windcutter 16T minerals operating mid day on Sat and Sunday. In a few years time it will be fantastic to see them going North over the new bridges!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 17, 2022 13:41:04 GMT
|
After last minute problems with vacuum brake release valves two more wagons now ready for the weekend!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 19, 2022 19:54:04 GMT
|
Work is progressing well at the A 60 bridge. There is a large crane there, and one of the bridge decks is on site ready to be lifted in place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 20, 2022 20:13:00 GMT
|
At the A 60 bridge tonight (Sunday) I was told that the two decks and two anti-collision beams were now in place. The big crane is being dismantled. There is some grouting to be done and other finishing work over the next couple of days, then it is ready for ballast and track!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 25, 2022 13:46:59 GMT
|
Here is a better picture of the new A60 bridge taken today.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our "Lengthy train" of 16T mineral wagons passing through Quorn Station...with 10 more wagons behind! Our next wagon for restoration is the cosmetically painted "Black one" which needs a new floor etc etc!
|
|
|
|
PHUQ
Part of things
Posts: 859
|
|
|
Great stuff! Did the brake van get a run out too?
|
|
|
|
|