Tornado on the Great Central Railway

Tornado, Britain's newest steam main line locomotive has been visiting the Great Central Railway, Loughborough. Allely's conveyed the locomotive from Hants. and the engine arrived at Quorn Station on 16th March. Now let me just explain. Normally the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust frown about conveyance of the locomotive by low loader, but this was a gesture of thanks to the GCR because that is where the bulk of the steam and speed trials were conducted. The GCR is a preserved railway that has permission to run specials at higher speed not normally permitted. I understand that 60mph is allowed but faster rates have been known.

Quorn station is the only facility on the line where access is excellent for low loaders.

We were on the line recently and witnessed Tornado performing a postal drop at speed, blink and you will have missed it.

The locomotive leaves the GCR after Monday 5th April

Vintage Commercial Show, Malvern

On Saturday 27th March the Vintage Commercial show was held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.

Only a one day show, previously held at Donnington, it was a great success, coupled with an H.J. Pugh auction of vintage commercials and memorabilia, made for a lovely day out.

Although wet to start off with, it brightened up and continued with viewing some exhibits placed outside.

Next year, I understand it will be held at Malvern again, but scheduled for two days.

Anybody that is interested in vintage commercials, spare and accessories, next year you must visit.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Birmingham

On Sunday 14th March, the Birmingham St. Patrick's Day Parade was held, in cold but bright weather.

This is the third largest in the world and a fantastic spectacle and carnival atmosphere. Not only did they have a selection of vintage tractors, there were cars, buses, commercials, marching bands, pipe bands, dancing troupes etc etc etc. It is estimated that some 100,000 spectators lined the route. Thanks to the organisers, I was allowed a press permit in order to gain full access and join the parade to take photographs. This is just a small selection published here.

Plans are already underway for next year and they would like 150 tractors and some steam engines.

Steam Tests

The last update was 9th March and one or two things have taken place since then.

Last week many of us assembled at S.E. Davis's yard for the annual pre season boiler and safety checks and test on several engines. Darren Wardell did some preparatory work on 'Jessica'. his Fowler road roller prior to the tests, as did Dave Smith and Mark Jones with their respective engines. After assembling for the pre test meeting on the Friday evening, the teams got to work during the morning before Alan Prout arrived to inspect and approve.

All engines finally had their seal of approval for the next year, so we can now look forward to a good rally season.

Mark Jone's engine, Fowler ploughing engine, 'Linkey' still requires some attention. Chris Beale and and Mark did some early work, and last weekend the first of the rear wheels was dressed in its new rubber coat. This has yet to be finished before the other side is attempted. Some welding underneath the tender needs to be addressed and the injector has a terminal split in it and Mark has that now at home in his workshop.

Next weekend 3rd April we all assemble again together with some vintage tractors for a pre season run, commencing from S.E. Davis's yard.

Tractor World, Malvern

On the weekend of 6th and 7th March, Kelsey Publishing held its annual Tractor World Event at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.

The North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club have for many years been represented at this event and have in recent years exhibited a display on a vintage theme.

Finally, after several attempts, we won the coveted Best Club Stand award. In previous years we have been either second or third, but this was the big one.

The team consisting of me, Jon Boyce, Tes and Ron Turner, The Snape family from Sambourne, Dennis Williams, Pete Summers, Gwen Whitehouse, Harold Heard and Maurice Allely all contributed to this excellent display.

Well done and thanks you to all those who took part.

Great Central Railway

The Great Central Railway.

Well that is what it was always known as. opened in 1899, it ran from Sheffield all the way through to London Marylebone station. It was further intended to run the line to Paris under the then proposed Channel Tunnel.

Needless to say that did not happen, pity, we had some wonderful railway engineers many years ago with somewhat grandiose ideas, but they were right of course. The line was finally closed in the late 1960's.

What we have now is a preserved double line from Loughborough to Leicester North. A fantastic and wonderful railway and well worthy of a visit or two. I have become a devoted 'Friend of the Great Central', a fully payed up member.

The canopy at Lougborough station is due for restoration at a estimated cost of £500,000. It is a grade II listed construction now some 110 years old. Money is coming in but more donations are required.

The station at Quorn and Woodhouse has been fantastically restored to a 1940's theme.

However the next station at Rothley is truly Edwardian with gas lights, coal fires and oil lamps etc.

Tornado on the Great Central Railway

Having just spend the day recently on the Great Central Railway again, this time it was the Ivor The Engine Weekend. A good day was had by all.
Tornado returns this month, believe me check out the dates on the GCR website and get there early. I will be there on Sunday 28Th March.
I understand the locomotive will be delivered to the GCR Quorn station by low loader on March 17Th. I will be there to watch the proceedings.