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Despite the rain I have had my "Steam Fix" today - but first I found my brake van in a siding - looking forlorn!
Then I had a ride in a train hauled by this
and I enjoyed a "Great Central breakfast" on the train, before getting on another train pulled by this.....
On the way we met this coming the other way "Sir Lamiel"
And pottering around was this "Jinty" tank engine.
Then I had a ride in a train hauled by this
and I enjoyed a "Great Central breakfast" on the train, before getting on another train pulled by this.....
On the way we met this coming the other way "Sir Lamiel"
And pottering around was this "Jinty" tank engine.
More GCR news!
Friday 12th February 2016 - Work commences on site!
Cutting the turf ceremony
bridgeturfcutting
Nicky Morgan and Bill Ford. Photograph by Graham Wignall.
(From an article by Tom Clements - Editor of GCRs "RailMail" weekly newsletter).
After three years of planning and fundraising, contractors have now commenced work on the bridge. The ceremony (which took place at the start of the many railway construction projects) was carried out by Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough.
"This is a very exciting moment," said Bill Ford, Managing Director of the Great Central Railway. "We have cherished this vision for decades, so to finally make a start on the ground is very important for us. So many people around the world and in the local community have donated money which has given the project life. Today’s start of work is a tribute to their faith. We know they'll be watching as the work progresses!"
Nicky Morgan was joined by local school children who have been studying railway and bridge design as part of a STEM curriculum project (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). She said "I am delighted to be asked to formally inaugurate the building work for the reunification of the Great Central Railway. Joining the two halves of the Great Central will place Loughborough at the centre point of an 18 mile heritage line, attracting more visitors and bringing new jobs and investment to Loughborough as well as the wider East Midlands economy."
“This moment marks the first page of a whole new chapter in the story of both the GCR & GCRN and for everyone who has been involved in reunification project over the years. To finally see something that for years was nothing more than a vision, finally becoming a reality is testament to everyone who has helped in any way, however large or small by donating money, time or expertise to get us to where we are today” said Phil Stanway Director GCRN.
The project was originally to be managed by Network Rail as part of the electrification of the Midland Main Line. However, following the 'pausing' and 'restarting' of the electrification, the Great Central will now drive the project forward itself, with Network Rail providing support.
More than one million pounds was raised towards the work after a public appeal. Meanwhile a further one million pounds has been granted by the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership towards other elements of the scheme.
Besides the bridge, reconnecting the two railways involves reinstating an embankment and repairing other bridges which have survived. The GCR is preparing to submit a planning application for these works which will proceed as funding permits.
Friday 12th February 2016 - Work commences on site!
Cutting the turf ceremony
bridgeturfcutting
Nicky Morgan and Bill Ford. Photograph by Graham Wignall.
(From an article by Tom Clements - Editor of GCRs "RailMail" weekly newsletter).
After three years of planning and fundraising, contractors have now commenced work on the bridge. The ceremony (which took place at the start of the many railway construction projects) was carried out by Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough.
"This is a very exciting moment," said Bill Ford, Managing Director of the Great Central Railway. "We have cherished this vision for decades, so to finally make a start on the ground is very important for us. So many people around the world and in the local community have donated money which has given the project life. Today’s start of work is a tribute to their faith. We know they'll be watching as the work progresses!"
Nicky Morgan was joined by local school children who have been studying railway and bridge design as part of a STEM curriculum project (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). She said "I am delighted to be asked to formally inaugurate the building work for the reunification of the Great Central Railway. Joining the two halves of the Great Central will place Loughborough at the centre point of an 18 mile heritage line, attracting more visitors and bringing new jobs and investment to Loughborough as well as the wider East Midlands economy."
“This moment marks the first page of a whole new chapter in the story of both the GCR & GCRN and for everyone who has been involved in reunification project over the years. To finally see something that for years was nothing more than a vision, finally becoming a reality is testament to everyone who has helped in any way, however large or small by donating money, time or expertise to get us to where we are today” said Phil Stanway Director GCRN.
The project was originally to be managed by Network Rail as part of the electrification of the Midland Main Line. However, following the 'pausing' and 'restarting' of the electrification, the Great Central will now drive the project forward itself, with Network Rail providing support.
More than one million pounds was raised towards the work after a public appeal. Meanwhile a further one million pounds has been granted by the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership towards other elements of the scheme.
Besides the bridge, reconnecting the two railways involves reinstating an embankment and repairing other bridges which have survived. The GCR is preparing to submit a planning application for these works which will proceed as funding permits.
In the latest issue of Mainline magazine (168) there are details of more Gap/Bridge progress.
The bridge over the MML will be built by the GCR, subject to full NR approval. Then it will become NR property with GCR right of way. But that means NR have full responsibility for future maintenance and replacement.
There is a Severn Trent Water Combined Sewer Overflow which needs diversion , but there are several options and STW needs to select the best one.
The main Fibre-optic cable, that runs under the link route, is to be diverted away from the work so the canal bridge can be repaired.
Work on the North abutment is due to start ......now!....?
The bridge over the MML will be built by the GCR, subject to full NR approval. Then it will become NR property with GCR right of way. But that means NR have full responsibility for future maintenance and replacement.
There is a Severn Trent Water Combined Sewer Overflow which needs diversion , but there are several options and STW needs to select the best one.
The main Fibre-optic cable, that runs under the link route, is to be diverted away from the work so the canal bridge can be repaired.
Work on the North abutment is due to start ......now!....?
After a long delay whilst the needed paperwork/legal/securities etc has been progressed, there is now more work on site with an excavator shifting hardcore around so that heavier machinery can be brought to the site for piling and concreting to take place.
Here is a picture taken today.
Here is a picture taken today.
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