This is a comprehensive list of locomotives and rolling stock based at the preserved Great Central Railway at Loughborough, Leicestershire and the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre near Ruddington.
Contents |
The Great Central can call upon a varied and powerful fleet of steam classes representing each of the United Kingdom's "Big Four" railway companies and British Rail. Some of them once worked along the original route, and others are a part of classes which did see service there.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational | ||||||
No. 1744[1] | GNR Class N2 0-6-2T |
1744 was built by the North British Locomotive Company, and was one of the many class members fitted with condensing units for work in the London Underground. Based for most of her working life at King's Cross (34A) her main duties were on suburban trains. Withdrawn in 1962 at New England depot (35A), she was purchased for preservation, first at Doncaster and then at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, where several broken tubes caused her to be moved to current home in 1975. Boiler ticket is due to expire in 2019, which is now her third since being preserved. | GNR Apple Green. | The Gresley Society. | 1921 | |
30777 Sir Lamiel[2] |
LSWR Class N15 4-6-0 |
30777 was built by North British in the later batches of N15s, which became known as "Scotch Arthurs", Based mostly in service at Nine Elms (70A). After the war she moved to Eastleigh (71A), but the Southern Region's electrification policy caused withdrawal in 1959. The NRM had earmarked her for preservation before then, and in 1978 she returned to steam, after an extensive overhaul at Hull Dairycoates (53A). A third overhaul, completed in 2006 has allowed for further operations on the national network, including the current 2011 season.[3] Boiler ticket expires in 2016. | BR Lined Green with the Late Crest. | National Railway Museum. 5305 Locomotive Association. |
1925 | |
No. 47406[4] | LMS Fowler Class 3F 0-6-0T |
47406 was built by the Vulcan Foundry. First based at Warrington (8B) and Crewe South (5B), in 1928 she started an long period of work at Carnforth (11A), which lasted for 32 years. From 1960 many more allocations were made, ending at Edge Hill (8A) in 1967. Delivered to Woodham Brothers in the summer of 1968, all mechanical parts had been sold by the time she was rescued by the Rowsley Locomotive Trust in 1983. In 1989, owner Roger Hibbert took her to Loughborough, where restoration was completed in early 2010. Boiler ticket expires in 2019. | BR Unlined Black with the Early Crest. | Private owner. | 1926 | |
No. 4953 Pitchford Hall |
GWR 4900 Class 4-6-0 |
4953 was built at Swindon, in the first batch of 80 Halls meant for mixed duties in the Western Region. First based at Bristol Bath Road (82A), she was intermittently stationed at other sheds like Taunton (83B) and Penzance (83G). In 1962 she was withdrawn from Cardiff East Dock (88B) and sent to Barry Scrapyard, like many Great Western engines. In 1984 she was transported to Tyseley Locomotive Works for restoration, and ran again in 2004. She has been based indefinitely at Loughborough since 2010, but will likely stay until her boiler ticket expires in 2015. | BR Lined Green with a GWR Crest. | John F Kennedy. | 1929 | |
No. 45305 Alderman A.E.Draper[5] |
LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 |
45305 was built by Armstrong Whitworth of Newcastle and was allocated to several depots before becoming based at Lostock Hall (10D) by 1968, one of only three steam sheds left at the end of BR steam. Withdrawn at the very end on 4 August 1968, she was sold to Draper's Scrapyard, before being saved for restoration. In preservation she has continued the Five's 'Ubiquity' by working across Britain, even going up into the Highlands in the 1980s. Since 1996 she has been based at Loughborough, where her current boiler ticket expiring in 2020. | BR Lined Black with the Late Crest. | 5305 Locomotive Association. | 1936 | |
No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell[6] |
BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 |
70013 was built by Crewe Works as an Eastern Region allocation, being based at Norwich (32A) until transfer to the LMR. Thanks to an overhaul undertaken at Crewe, she was the only member of the class operational in 1968 and was selected to haul the Fifteen Guinea Special at the end of steam. The importance of the train meant that she would join the National Collection, and in 2004 was moved to GCR for restoration to celebrate 40 years of the 1T57. Boiler ticket expires in 2018, though now performing on mainline, she is maintained annually at Loughborough prior to each season. | BR Lined Green with the Late Crest. | National Railway Museum. 5305 Locomotive Association. |
1951 | |
No. 78019[7] | BR Standard Class 2 2-6-0 |
78019 was built by Darlington Works and was allocated to Kirkby Stephen (51H), working on local and banking duties through the Lake District. After turns to Willesden (1A), Nuneaton (2B) and Crewe South (5B) she was withdrawn in 1966 and sold to Barry Scrapyard, being moved there the next year. In 1973 she was moved to the Severn Valley Railway, but restoration was never carried out there due to more pressing projects. A contract was signed to finish the restoration at the Great Central and operate there until her boiler ticket expires in 2014. | BR Lined Black with the Late Crest. | Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group. Private owner. |
1954 | |
Undergoing overhaul, restoration or repairs | ||||||
No. 63601[8] | GCR Class 8K 2-8-0 |
63601 was built at Gorton locomotive works and was based at Doncaster (36A), primarily hauling slow goods on former Great Central metals. She was withdrawn from service in 1966, as a veteran of two World Wars and three rail companies, but the role the O4s played in the early 20th century caused her to become custodian of the National Collection. An appeal was raised by Steam Railway to return her to steam, which was completed at Loughborough in 2000. Boiler ticket expired in late 2010, but work is being done to allow some running in 2012 (her centenary). | BR Unlined Black with the Late Crest. | National Railway Museum. | 1912 | |
No. 45491[9] | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 |
In 2011 she was delivered to Loughborough from Butterley for restoration, which is hoped will be completed in 2012/13. The tender has already been completed, with most of the work now concentrated on the boiler area. | BR Black. | Private owner. | 1943 | ~ |
No. 48305[10] | LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 |
Built at Crewe Works, 48305 was based for much of her career at Cricklewood (14A), operating across the Midlands. After moving between other sheds, including Crewe South (5B) and Speke Junction (8C), she was withdrawn in 1968, just before the end of steam. During the time spent at Barry she was sprayed with the words "Please don't let me die!" on the smokebox door, but was saved by Roger Hibbert in 1985 and was restored back to steam in the next 10 years. Boiler ticket is due to expire in 2016, with repairs going on constantly to improve running. | BR Unlined Black with the Early Crest. | Private owner. | 1943 | |
No. 34039 Boscastle[11] |
SR West Country Class 4-6-2 |
34039 was built at Brighton Works, and was based at Stewarts Lane TMD (73A). She was rebuilt at Eastleigh for use in Bournemouth (71B), and was withdrawn from service in 1965. She became the first motive power at Loughborough in 1973. Restoration was not completed until 1992, with many issues causing withdrawal in 2000. A group was formed in 2005 which is now working to return her to working order with a £200,000 overhaul programme.[12] The boiler is off site, while the chassis and wheels are under maintenance for completion in 2011/12. | BR Lined Green with the Late Crest. | Boscastle Locomotive Limited. | 1946 | |
No. 6990 Witherslack Hall[13] | GWR 6959 Class 4-6-0 |
Built at Swindon Works, 6990 was selected as a post-nationalisation locomotive to participate in the Locomotive Exchanges of 1948, on the former Great Central Main Line. Following the trials she was based at Old Oak Common TMD (81A) until 1966 and was then sold to Woodham Brothers Ltd. She was purchased for preservation and returned to the Great Central in 1975. After running on two boiler tickets since then she is once again up for overhaul, with the boiler now out of the frames, but the excess of locomotives shall put most of the work on hold for now. | BR Lined Green with the Late Crest. | David Clarke Railway Trust. | 1948 | |
No. 46521 Blossom[14] | LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 |
46521 was built at Swindon Works as part of a batch of Western Region Ivatt Class 2s. Because of this she was based at ex-Great Western depots, including Oswestry (89A) and Machynlleth (89C), but was withdrawn from service in 1966 and was sent to Barry scrapyard during 1967. Her first home in preservation was at the Severn Valley Railway from 1971, restored at Bridgnorth in 1974. After several years of work a complete rebuild was required, which is now being undertaken at Loughborough. The boiler was overhauled at Crewe in 2010. | BR Lined Green with the Early Crest. | Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group. Private owner. |
1953 | |
No. 73156[15] | BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0 |
73156 is the last survivor of all Doncaster-built BR standards. Allocated to Neasden depot (34E), from where she would regularly work on the ex-Great Central line. After several spells at sheds on the London Midland Region, she was withdrawn in 1967. When rescued from Barry and taken to the East Lancashire Railway, most minor parts had already been sold, but many new ones were purchased and fitted by 2003, when she was transferred to the Great Central to continue restoration, which is now progressing well. A new BR1B tender is being built off-site to replace the original. | BR Lined Black with the Late Crest. | 73156 Standard 5 Support Group. Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group. |
1956 | |
Stored or static | ||||||
No. 1631 | USATC S160 Class 2-8-0 |
1631 was one of more than 2000 identical locomotives built for use in Europe during World War II. After the war she was retained for service in Hungary as number 411.388. She was withdrawn in the 1980s and converted into a static generator before being taken to England in 1995 for storage on the East Lancashire Railway. The locomotive changed hands twice before being moved to Ruddington in 2004. A large collection of parts from two other locomotives are also stored as a source of spares, and restoration should proceed as finances allow. | ~ | Private owner. | 1942 | |
No. 567 | GCR Class 2 4-4-0[16] |
The Class 2s were a series of express locomotives built between 1887 and 1892 for use on the MSLR. When the LNER formed they became the D7s, by then they were already obsolete, and all were withdrawn between 1926 and 1939, with no preserved examples.[17] in 2011, a campaign was launced to build a new member of the class to modern engineering standards for running on the Great Central Railway. It will be a semi-new build locomotive, with a potential boiler, cylinder block and tender chassis already found, and the rest costing about £450,000.[18] | ~ | D7 (LNER) Project. | ~ | ~ |
Industrial steam locomotives became the mainstay of steam power in early British railway preservation before the Barry Scrapyard veterans were fully restored. Many have huge traction efforts despite their small sizes, making them more than capable of hauling large passenger trains.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational | ||||||
No. 63 Corby |
Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns (Ugly Class) 0-6-0ST |
Corby was built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns of Newcastle in response to the success of the first batch of seven locomotives designed to work at Stewarts & Lloyds. She was withdrawn from service in 1969 from Corby and was preserved on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. 63 worked on the K&WVR for a short time in the 1980s. After a period of being on static display she was transferred to Ruddington in 1997. Returning to steam in 2005, but then withdrawn for firebox repairs in 2007. These have recently been completed and 63 hauled her first passenger trains in more than 4 years on the GCRN's Christmas Eve Santa Specials | Lined Green. | Private owner. | 1954 |
|- |colspan=7 align="center"|Undergoing overhaul, restoration or repairs |- |Dolobran |Manning Wardle
0-6-0ST |Dolobran was built by Manning Wardle as works number 1762. She worked at Stewarts & Lloyds at Corby before the delivery of RSH 0-6-0 saddle tanks in the 1950s. After withdrawal from service in 1968 she was preserved in storage at the Kent and East Sussex Railway from 1972, and then at Woolwich before being moved to Peak Rail in Derbyshire in 2002, moving again to Ruddington in 2003 for restoration to working order. The frames are inside the main railway workshop under heavy general overhaul. Work is planned to be completed in 2012. |N/A. |Manning Wardle Locomotive Group. |1910 | |- |Rhyl |Manning Wardle
0-6-0ST |Rhyl was built by Manning Wardle as with sister No 1762 Dolobran , and like 1762 she worked at Stewarts & Lloyds from construction until being withdrawn in 1968. In 2003 No 2009 was transported to Ruddington in partially dismantled state. In late 2010 work was proceeding on heavy general overhaul with work concentrated on axlebox and hornblock machining. |N/A. |Manning Wardle Locomotive Group. |1921 | |- |Julia |Hudswell Clarke
0-6-0ST |Julia was built by Hudswell Clarke to work at the BSC Kelkham Foundry. When she was replaced by diesel traction, her next home was on static display in the Millgate Museum of transport. In 1991 she was to become the first steam locomotive to be based at the newly-formed Great Central Railway (Nottingham), and restoration to working condition continues to this day. In 2010 the frames and boiler were moved into the workshop of Ruddington Locomotive Works and a heavy general overhaul is now progressing, though no target completion date has been confirmed. |N/A. |Private owner. |1937 | |- |No. 7 Robert |Hudswell Clarke
0-6-0ST |Robert was built by Hudswell Clarke Engine Company due to manufacturing constraints at Hunslet. After construction she was delivered to the National Coal Board to work in Scotland. After continuing work for several years, she became one of the participants of the Rocket 150 Rainhill Trials re-enactment in 1980. Following the celebrations she was kept at private sites in store, until moving to Quorn & Woodhouse in 2008. Moved from the siding to the locomotive shed in 2010 after the completion of 47406, she will be restored to working order by the shed staff. |National Coal Board. |Private owner. |1953 | |- |No. 3809 |Hunslet Austerity
0-6-0ST |3809 was built at the Hunslet Engine Company for use with a National Coal Board firm in Scotland. After 33 years of industrial service she was purchased for preservation on the North Norfolk Railway and performed at the railway for the next until withdrawal for overhaul. That overhaul is being undertaken by owner David Wright at Loughborough, with the current work progressing at a good pace. The boiler is out of the frames and is having the stays removed, while the frames undergo repairs in the shed and the wheels also receive attention for completion in 2012. |BR Lined Black with the Late Crest. |Private owner. |1953 | |- |colspan=7 align="center"|Stored or static |- |No. 5 Arthur |Manning Wardle
0-6-0ST |Arthur was built at Boyne Works of Jack Lane, Leeds. She was supplied to the order of Cardiff Corporation, and at a later date transferred to the Longbridge works of Austin Motors, working there until the early 1960s. From there she spent a number of years plinthed at Newdigate Street in Birmingham before transfer to Woolwich. She was brought to Ruddington in 2003 with Dolobran and Rhyl. While the others arrived dismantled, she was the only one to remain cosmetically complete. Currently stored in the open, restoration will be tackled once other locomotives are finished. |N/A. |Manning Wardle Locomotive Group. |1921 | |- |Neepsend No. 2 |Sentinel
4wVBT |Neepsend No. 2 was a late entry into the Sentinel steam catalog. Working for the Central Electricity Generating Board, she worked at Neepsend Power Station throughout her entire working life. In 1974 she was due to be destroyed at a nearby scrapyard, but was saved and spent 18 months at the Great Central before being put on display in Swanwick museum at the Midland Railway Butterley in 1979. Now back at Loughborough since 2011 after a 35-year absence, work will start on her restoration when the owner's other locomotive, 45491 has been completed. |Maroon. |Private owner. |1946 | |- |No. 56
Ruddington |Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns (Ugly Class)
0-6-0ST |56 was built to a design developed by the makers to the specification of S&L based upon experience of the operation of Manning Wardle Locomotives and test operation of the Hunslet Austerity type for work at Corby. After withdrawal from service in 1969 56's first home in preservation was at the Kent and East Sussex Railway, operating there for a short period in the 1970s, but is now based at Ruddington with sister engine 63 Corby. After 63 was taken out of service, she was overhauled and returned to traffic in late 2008, but had to be withdrawn for firebox repairs in 2010. |Plain Black. |Private owner. |1950 | |-
With period railway scenes in mind and with the cheaper and more effective running costs they can deliver, there are a handful of ex-British Rail diesel shunters based on site. Despite normally working lightly they sometimes feature at special events on passenger and freight traffic.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational | ||||||
No. D3101[19] | British Rail Class 08 0-6-0DE |
D3101 was built at Derby Works as one of a batch of 10 air-braked shunters which were also given an English Electric 6KT engine and was allocated to the Southern Region. Based primarily at Ashford (73F) & Eastleigh (71A), in 1973 she left the Southern for use at Loughborough Midland station and its local sidings. After withdrawal she was bought by a Great Central Railway volunteer and arrived at Loughborough in December 1984. In 2010 she returned to regular shunting duties after a long restoration and now performs as shed pilot for Loughborough Central. | Black. | Private owner. | 1955 | |
No. 13180 | British Rail Class 08 0-6-0DE |
13180 was built at Derby Works as no. D3180, allocated to nearby Derby (17A), working there on pilot shunting duties until withdrawal in 1983. After a narrow escape from the cutter's torch she was purchased for preservation and was transferred to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. Until 1997 she had also spent some time at the southern section of the Great Central Railway, before moving to the heritage complex at Ruddington, where she works on shunting duties in the yard, and at diesel galas also performs on shuttle passenger trains. | BR Green with the Early Crest. | Private owner. | 1955 | |
No. 08220 | British Rail Class 08 0-6-0DE |
08220 was also built at Derby Works and operated primarily on the London Midland Region until withdrawal in the 1990s. After being taken out of service she was stored at Carnforth to provide a source of spares parts for sister engine 08678, but was only lightly stripped with most taken parts being internal mechanisms. Nonetheless she was to eventually to be moved to a private site at a farm yard near Wrenbury for static display. She arrived at Ruddington for restoration in 2008, which has included a comprehensive replacement of all the removed equipment. | BR Rail Blue. | English Electric Preservation. | 1956 | ~ |
No. D2158 Margaret-Ann |
British Rail Class 03 0-6-0DM |
D2158 was built at Swindon Works and was allocated to Norwich depot (32A) for all her commercially-working life. After withdrawal by BR in 1987 she spent 10 years in store at Whitemoor awaiting preservation, and in 1997 was moved to her new home at Peak Rail. In 2004 she was moved yet again, this time to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth, where she was given a new name and fitted with vacuum brakes. She now operates primarily at Rothley, but occasionally travels to other parts of the railway to move rolling stock or appear at special events. | BR Blue with the Late Crest. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1960 | |
No. 10119 Margaret Ethel-Thomas Alfred Naylor[20] | British Rail Class 10 0-6-0DE |
D4067 was built at Darlington Works, fitted with a Lister Blackstone engine. She was based for her British Rail service career in South Yorkshire. However in 1971 she was sold to the National Coal Board, which relocated her to Betteshanger Colliery in Kent, followed by three years spent at Nailstone from 1976. After that she was withdrawn completely from service and was purchased for private preservation at Loughborough. After several years of hard restoration work carried out her first train ran in 1986 was later named, after the parents of the owner. | BR Rail Blue. | Private owner. | 1961 | |
Undergoing overhaul, restoration or repairs | ||||||
No. D2118 | British Rail Class 03 0-6-0DM |
Built at Swindon, D2118 was first based at Swansea (87A), to replace Great Western locomotives. Within less than a decade she moved to Barrow and was withdrawn in the 1970s due to mechanical failures. She was saved from scrap by contractors in Norfolk, but was out of work again by the 1980s. After being declared redundant a third time, she was preserved at Rutland Railway Museum and Peak Rail, where she was sold off in late 2010. The new owner now intends to undertake the restoration at Ruddington, with completion of motor work planned for 2011. | BR Rail Blue. | Private owner. | 1959 | ~ |
No. 08694 | British Rail Class 08 0-6-0DE |
08694 was built at Horwich Works and was first allocated to Annesley Depot (16B), carrying pre-TOPS number D3861. In 1962 she was moved to Nottingham (16A) and lived there until the shed closed in 1967. Following the closure she spent 20 years at Crewe until purchase by now-defunct EWS in the 1980s for work at Toton (TO), and Old Oak Common (OC). After retirement in 2009, she was delivered to the Great Central in 2009 from Rotherham. Restoration is being carried out when possible, as most of the available resources are going to other locomotives. | EWS Red & Gold. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
Stored or static | ||||||
No. 07005 | British Rail Class 07 0-6-0DE |
07005 was built by the Ruston and Hornsby engine company as part of the 14-strong class of shunters. Her first home was at Eastleigh TMD (71A), working light-freight trains to and from Southampton Docks (71I). Retired in 1977 in favour of more-efficient classes, she left the area for a brief period of work in Middlesbrough, far cry from the Southern Region city port. After a lengthy amount of time spent in storage at Barrow Hill, she moved to the Battlefield Line Railway in 2002. She is currently at Swithland awaiting restoration, which will require a full motor overhaul. | BR Rail Blue. | Private owner. | 1962 |
In addition to the larger network shunters there is also a modest collection of old industrial designs in varying states of repair.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational | ||||||
No. 15097 | Simplex 0-4-0PM |
15097 (works number 1930) was built by Motor Rail Ltd and was ultimately preserved after a long career at various English foundries. She was first based at the Midland Railway – Butterley, but years of disuse caused her to be sold to Derby Industrial Museum for static display. Circa 2000 she was moved to Ruddington for full restoration and was repainted (alongside Morris) into an anachronistic BR livery to resemble LNER Class Y11 shunters, but unlike Morris she still retains a pertrol-burning engine. She is now on loan to the Beamish Museum of living history in County Durham for an undetermined period. | BR Black with the Early Crest. | Private owner. | 1919 | |
No. 15099 Morris |
Simplex 0-4-0DM |
Morris (works number 2028) was built at Motor Rail (Simplex) Works in Bedford and started out at Exeley & Sons Ltd in Shropshire from new. In 1935 her petrol engine was replaced by a modern diesel design and she was sold that year to Davy Morris Works in Loughborough, working there until withdrawal in the late 1980s. Arriving at Ruddington in 1990 she was the first motive power on site at the start of the railway's preservation, but was held in store for years at Rushcliffe Halt until restoration was carried out. After visits to other heritage railways she is back in regular service on shunting duties. | BR Black with the Early Crest. | Simplex 2028 Association. | 1920 | ~ |
Marblaegis | Ruston & Hornsby 88DS 0-4-0DM |
Marblaegis was built by Ruston & Hornsby to work at the British Gypsum foundry at Rushcliffe and East Leake, which is still part of the railway complex which makes up the Great Central's preserved northern section. In 1991 she was withdrawn from service and was chosen to remain at the railway as preserved. After 11 years spent in open storage she was towed to the heritage complex, covered in a decade of residue from the Gypsum company. A full overhaul and repaint followed and she returned to service in Summer 2003. She performs on shunting duties on some days and was repainted again in 2009. | Green. | Simplex 2028 Association. | 1946 | |
Qwag | Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0DM |
Qwag was built by Ruston and was sent immediately to work in the private sidings of Frederick Parker Ltd. In 1969 she was withdrawn and put into store until being purchased by a new group in 1972, the Quorn & Woodhouse Action Group (QWAG). Late in that year she was moved to the southern section of the Great Central Railway, becoming the first motive power on site since the railway was preserved in 1970. Numerous financial issues caused her sale into preservation and removal to Ruddington in 2004. An overhaul was completed in 2009, with a repaint into the same livery carried by Marblaegis. | Green. | Private owner. | 1954 | ~ |
No. 28 Bardon[21] |
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DM |
Bardon was built at Andrew Barclay's Caledonian Works in Kilmarnock. Originally named Duke of Edinburgh, she worked at Bardon Hill Quarries in Leicestershire for 25 years until being put out of use in 1981. After four years in active storage she was given away to the Great Central's former owning charity in 1985. Her main job was to pilot permanent way trains for the extension of the line between Rothley and Belgrave and Birstall, but upon its completion she was taken out of service once again. Today she is based at Rothley, as a shed pilot for the Railway Vehicle Preservations carriage works. | Lined Green. | Private owner. | 1956 | |
D2959 Staythorpe |
Ruston & Hornsby 165 0-4-0DE |
Staythorpe was built in Grantham and was bought by National Power for regular use as a mineral train shunter at Staythorpe Power Station in Nottinghamshire. She was taken off the hands of the station in early 1994 to assist with track-laying at Ruddington following the purchase of more resources for the heritage centre. After the completion of the project she has returned to service as a standard yard shunter and over the years has been in service in various liveries, including most recently with a fictional BR livery and number. Today she is available for hire to other railways as well as for more local jobs. | BR Green with the Late Crest. | Private owner. | 1961 | ~ |
Undergoing overhaul, restoration or repairs | ||||||
Stored or static | ||||||
No. D4279 Arthur Wright |
John Fowler 0-4-0DM |
Arthur Wright was built for use at the East Midlands Gas Board. Her first area of work was at Carr House Works in Rotherham, before moving to Derby in the 1960s. Afterwards she was sold to Albert Looms in 1970 and worked for the company until 1974, and was sold into private hands. Arriving in early 1975, she was repainted and named after the late Arthur Wright, a director for the MLST. In her earliest years of preservation she was proven to be a valuable asset to the railway, when run-round facilities were very limited. However, she is now in store at Swithland, awaiting a much-needed overhaul. | Dark blue. | Private owner. | 1952 | ~ |
Both railways have a large collection of heritage diesel locomotives and hold at least two galas each year to run them, in addition to parallel operations with the steam fleet.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational | ||||||
No. D123 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry[22] |
British Rail Class 45 1Co-Co1 |
D123 was built at Crewe Works for use in the Midlands, first allocated to Derby (17A) and based there until 1965. Toton (TO) was to be her 1973 allocation, followed by Sheffield Tinsley Depot (TI) in 1986. Withdrawn in the following year, she remained in service and was used at Mickleover Test Track until 1990. She was selected (being in better condition than several other examples) for preservation in 1991 at Hull Dairycoates, but was purchased by the 5305LA and was transferred to Loughborough in 1998. | BR Economy Green (half-yellow ends). | 5305 Locomotive Association. | 1961 | |
No. D8098[23] | British Rail Class 20 Bo-Bo |
D8098 was built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns of Newcastle (then in the custody of English Electric), and was allocated first to Eastfield TMD in Glasgow, remaining there right up until the 1980s. She was then based at Tinsley (TI) and ended up spending her last years of work in the North East, finally withdrawn in 1991. She was purchased for preservation in 1992 and arrived on site at Loughborough, starting up again later in the same year. After undergoing overhaul in 2011 she is once again available for traffic. | BR Green with the Late Crest (no-yellow ends). | Type One Locomotive Company. | 1961 | |
No. 46010[24] | British Rail Class 46 1Co-Co1 |
46010 was built at Derby and was outshopped as D147 from new. Based in the Midlands until 1971, she was then transferred to the Western Region in 1971 to replace outdated diesel-hydraulic classes. In 1981 she moved again to Gateshead, but a series of major faults caused withdrawal in 1984. Narrowly escaping scrap, she was purchased for preservation at Llangollen in 1993. After several years of service she was offered a new home at Ruddington and has been actively based there since 2009. | BR Rail Blue (full-yellow ends). | Western 46 Group. | 1962 | ~ |
No. D5401 | British Rail Class 27 Bo-Bo |
D5401 was built at Birmingham Carriage and Wagon Works of Smethwick. Originally based at Cricklewood (14A), she was re-allocated to Eastfield Depot in 1969 for push-pull trains between Glasgow and Edinburgh. In 1983 she was selected to haul the Royal Train along the West Highland Line to Fort William, and continued to sport the decor that had been put on for the occasion right up to withdrawal in 1987. In 1988 she was officially preserved and was to be based at the Northampton & Lamport Railway until 2007. | BR Green with the Late Crest (half-yellow ends). | Private owner. | 1962 | |
No. D5830[25] | British Rail Class 31 A1A-A1A |
D5380 was built at Brush Traction works and allocated to Sheffield. Through her working life she was renumbered 31297, 31463 and 31563, fitted with electric heating equipment and subsequently worked on civil engineering trains after the heating was disconnected. After ending her career at Toton TMD (TO) she was bought as a source of spares for another class 31, but proved to be in better condition and was restored instead. Today she wears the prototypical livery that was carried by scrapped sister D5579. | BR Golden Ochre with the Late Crest (half-yellow ends). | Type One Locomotive Company. | 1962 | |
No. D5185 Castell Dinas Brân[26] |
British Rail Class 25 Bo-Bo |
D5185 was built at Darlington Works, the last mainline locomotive constructed in the city before the completion of 60163 Tornado in 2008. First based at Toton (TO), she also saw service across all of Britain (sans the Southern Region), working from Crewe all the way to Edinburgh. In 1987 she became the last member of the class to haul a BR passenger train, and was soon withdrawn from service. In 2004 she moved to Loughborough for bodywork repairs from Northampton, and has remained there ever since. | BR Green with the Late Crest (half-yellow ends). | Private owner. | 1963 | |
No. 37255[27] | British Rail Class 37 Co-Co |
37255 was built by the Vulcan Foundry of Newton-Le-Willows. Very little is known about her pre-preservation career apart from the fact that she was purchased by Fragonset Railways in 2003 from EWS and subsequently moved by road to Quorn (by this time in poor condition) and is still based there today for the permanent way train, but sometimes hauls passenger trains as well. In the near future she will require repairs and a bodywork overhaul to continue service and will possibly be retained for mainline use. | DCE Grey and Yellow. | Private owner. | 1965 | |
No. 47765 Ressaldar |
British Rail Class 47 Co-Co |
47765 was built by British Railways at Crewe in 1965. After working for several decades she was put into storage in several private locations until 2005. Arriving at Rushcliffe Halt that year by low-loader, she languished for a while longer before major engine work was undertaken in 2009. In September 2009 she moved under her own power for a loaded test run and debuted in regular service at the annual October gala. Work still needs to be done on the body structure to ultimately conclude the restoration. | Rail Express Systems. | Private owner. | 1965 | ~ |
No. D1705 Sparrowhawk[28] |
British Rail Class 47 Co-Co |
D1705 was another brush-built example of Class 47, but with a major difference. Built as a prototypical Class 48 (a 47 body with a Sulzer 12LVA24-type engine), she was refitted with a standard engine in 1969. She was based for most of her working life in Sheffield and ended her career in 1991, and was then purchased for preservation by Pete Waterman for the East Lancashire Railway. Since 1996 she has been based at Loughborough and operates at special events or on days when more power is required. | BR Two-Tone Green with the Late Crest (half-yellow ends). | Type One Locomotive Company. | 1965 | |
No. D7629 | British Rail Class 25 Bo-Bo |
D7629 was built at Beyer-Peacock works in Gorton on ex. Great Central metals. After nearly 30 years in British Rail service, she was bought for preservation at the Llangollen Railway and was based there until 2002. After a spell on loan to the Great Central Railway at Loughborough, she moved to Ruddington later on and has been working there from then on. Since then she has had a few repaints, engine and bodywork repairs and works at major special events and on days when other locomotives are not available. | BR Two-Tone Green with the Late Crest (half-yellow ends). | Private owner. | 1965 | ~ |
No. 20154[29] | British Rail Class 20 Bo-Bo |
20154 was built by Vulcan (then under the control of English Electric) and had a more varied career than most members of the class, being based for spells on the London Midland, Eastern and Scottish Regions. In 1987 she was overhauled for the last time at Derby works, becoming the last one to receive such treatment. She was sold to EWS in 1999 and moved to the Churnet Valley Railway in 2000, remaining there until 2007. Now based at Ruddington, she has been restored to her 1970s condition.. | BR Green with the Late Crest (full-yellow ends). | English Electric Preservation. | 1966 | |
No. 47292 | British Rail Class 47 Co-Co |
47292 was built at Crewe Works for the Eastern Region. Following the privatisation of British Rail she was allocated to the Freightliner Group. Remaining in service up until 2003 when she was withdrawn in full working order for having no TPWS fitted. She spent 42 months in store at Basford Hall yard in Crewe before leaving by low loader for preservation at the GCRN at Ruddington in 2007. She made her debut in passenger service over the August Bank Holiday 2007 weekend, and remains in full working order. | BR Large Logo Blue (half-yellow ends). | Private owner. | 1966 | |
No. E6016[30] | British Rail Class 73 Bo-Bo |
E6016 was built by the Vulcan Foundry and started life out on the Southern Region at Eastleigh. In the 1980s she became a regular performer on the former. Gatwick Express services and worked with Dutch Civil Engineers subsidiary later on, until being chosen for preservation in 2004. She moved to the Churnet Valley Railway, and was repainted in 2006. Just months later she was moved yet again to Long Marston Sidings for two years and ended up at Ruddington in 2008, where she operates at most special events. | BR Electric Blue (half-yellow ends). | English Electric Preservation. | 1966 | |
No. 56097 | British Rail Class 56 Co-Co |
56097 was built in Doncaster for work on coal freight trains throughout England and Wales. In 2004 she was withdrawn from Cardiff Cathays Depot, two years after being purchased for preservation at Ruddington. She arrived in 2005 after undergoing a bogie repair and replacement at Brush on the way. Over the next three years work continued with the overhaul in the No. 1 shed at the heritage centre and she finally re-entered traffic in 2008. Being larger than the rest of the fleet, she rarely sees service on regular days. | Trainload Coal (half-yellow ends). | Private owner. | 1981 | ~ |
Undergoing overhaul, restoration or repairs | ||||||
No. D8007[31] | British Rail Class 20 Bo-Bo |
D8007 was built by the Vulcan Foundry in the first set of engines taken for work on the London Midland Region. After a long service career she was withdrawn in 1991 and was purchased for preservation at the Churnet Valley Railway in poor external condition, as was common among members of the class. In 2006 she was given a full cosmetic overhaul, moving to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley in the following year. Work on her bogies is being done a Crewe as part of an overhaul due for completion in 2012. | BR Green with the Late Crest (half-yellow ends). | English Electric Preservation. | 1957 | |
No. D6535 Hertfordshire Rail Tours[32] |
British Rail Class 33 Bo-Bo |
D6535 was built by Birmingham Carriage & Wagon Company and was based at Eastleigh (71A) during BR service, performing on a variety of duties including passenger service and banking assistance. After disbandment of British Railways she was sold to EWS for freight work and was put into storage at Old Oak Common (OC) after an accidental collision. By this time she had been selected to become part of the NRM and was moved to Loughborough in 2005. She is out of service due to a bufferbeam defect. | BR Rail Blue (full-yellow ends). | National Railway Museum. 5305 Locomotive Association. |
1960 | |
No. D6709[33] | British Rail Class 37 Co-Co |
D6709 was built at Vulcan for allocation to Stratford Depot (ST). In 2001 after the disbandment of British Rail she was sold by English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) to Direct Rail Services and worked under them for two years. She was moved to the Churnet Valley Railway in 2003, work began on her traction generator. In 2007 she moved to Ruddington via Rushcliffe Halt, shortly after the Class 20s at the centre. Work is progressing to return her to traffic in 2012, with an in-built steam boiler. | BR Green with the Late Crest (no-yellow ends). | English Electric Preservation. | 1961 | ~ |
Stored or static | ||||||
No. 25265 Harlech Castle[34] |
British Rail Class 25 Bo-Bo |
25265 was built at Derby Works and started working in the Midlands, being given her run-in trials around Toton. Continuing the classes' reputation for "getting everywhere", she moved to Scotland and regularly travelled as far as Inverness until 1968. From then on she was based at several depots in the Midlands, before being withdrawn from Crewe in 1987. First preserved at Peak Rail and then the Battlefield Line Railway, in 1995 and was moved to Loughborough in 1999. She is presently out of action awaiting motor repairs. | BR Rail Blue (full-yellow ends). | Private owner. | 1966 |
Though many are still undergoing long-term restoration, the economic benefits of multiple unit trains has been able to be utilised as an easy option for early morning services where a steam locomotive is unavailable.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational | ||||||
Nos. 50321 51427 |
British Rail Class 101 DMCL DMBS |
Both units run frequently year-round to back up the steam and diesel services. Their lined green livery has earned them the affectionate title of Green Goddess among staff and supporters. | BR Lined Green. | Renaissance Railcars. | 1958/59 | |
Undergoing overhaul, restoration or repairs | ||||||
No. E53645 W53926 |
British Rail Class 108 DMCL DMBS |
Undergoing open-air restoration at Ruddington, where work (currently focused on external bodywork) could be completed by 2012/13. | BR Blue and Grey. | Nottingham (GC) DMU Group. | 1958/1959 | |
No. W79976 | British Railways AC Cars Railbus | Arrived in 2006 and has been Languishing outside of the shed at Loughborough ever since. However, in 2009, the Mountsorrel Railway Project, decided to take up the restoration on their own conditions, as they are otherwise lacking a locomotive to run on the railway when it is completed.[35] | BR Lined Green. | David Clarke Railway Trust. | 1958 | |
No. M51616 M51622 M59276 |
British Rail Class 127 DMBS DMS TSLRB |
M51622 is at loughbrough receving overhaul. M59276 is a Class 120the sole survivor, which we hope to return to traffic in the future. M51616 (which also carries the name "Alf Benny") was started up again in Mid 2011, after months of struggling and hard work both power cars can move under their own power; they will hopefully return to traffic mid-2012. A page has been set up charting the progress of the unit's restoration, with regular updates, anc can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GCR-127-DMU/207867915925626. | BR Lined Green. | Red Triangle Society. | 1959 | |
Stored or static | ||||||
No. E50193 E50203 |
British Rail Class 101 DMBS | Stored out of action in Swithland Sidings. With Green Goddess in better condition, the wait to return to service could be pushed back even further. | BR Blue and Grey. | Renaissance Railcars. | 1957 | ~ |
No. E50266 | British Rail Class 101 DMCL | Operated for a short period with the other 101 units, but eventually fell out of favour. However in 2010, the front end was repaired & awaits repainting | WD Camouflage Green. | Renaissance Railcars. | 1957 | |
No. W51138 W51151 W59501 |
British Rail Class 116 DMBS DMS TCL |
Awaiting a major overhaul, after running for a period in the mid-Noughties, and work could begin when the 108 unit is completed. W59501 is a Class 117 unit. | BR Lined Green. | Pressed Steel Heritage Ltd. | 1958/1960 | |
No. E59575 | British Rail Class 111 TSLRB | Awaiting restoration, but is owned by the same group custodian of the 101 units, so may be restored to match one of the sets. | N/A. | Renaissance Railcars. | 1960 |
Whole sets of coaches are in use on a daily basis, from rare LNER postal vehicles and observation cars to the far more common BR Mk1s.
The BR Mark 1 entered service in 1951 as a standardisation of passenger stock on all regions. They were built using the best elements of the four railway companies stock creating a very sophisticated design. One of the largest groups preserved is used every operating day at the Great Central Railway as they fit in well with the 1950s-style atmosphere. Those examples which aren't in storage or under work are compiled into four uniformal rakes, each with brake and catering facilities.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 1012 | Mark 1 RSO | Awaiting restoration, however this is quite unlikely because its Ruddington base is currently being cleared out of any stock without any historic value or economic use. Before being taken out of service, it served as a cinema vehicle. | N/A. | Private Owner. | 1951 | ~ |
No. 975046 | Mark 1 BSK | Awaiting the restart of overhaul, which (if completed) should be a major conversion. | Departmental. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1951 | |
No. ADE321047 | Mark 1 Unclassed RFO | Kept in storage after arriving in 2010; fate undecided. | N/A. (Graffitied) |
BR Standard Coach Group. | 1951 | ~ |
No. W15207 | Mark 1 CK | In storage at the Rothley Carriage & Wagon department, gutted of most fixtures & interior pieces. | BR Lined Maroon. | BR Standard Coach Group. | 1953 | |
No. W15208 | Mark 1 CK | Bought by a new rolling stock owner's trust in 2010, alongside W15207. Both are in too poor a condition to be restored viably, so will most be disposed of to provide extras for other vehicles. | BR Lined Maroon. | BR Standard Coach Group. | 1953 | ~ |
No. W24421 | Mark 1 SK | Undergoing restoration at Rothley, with most attention currently going towards the corridor ends. It has also undergone interior repairs to serve as staff accommodation over weekend events. | BR Chocolate and Cream. | BR Standard Coach Group. | 1953 | ~ |
No. 3013[36] | Mark 1 FO | Arrived in 2011 under contract work for the East Somerset Railway, in fairly poor external condition. | BR Blue and Grey. | Private owner. | 1954 | ~ |
No. 3042[37] | Mark 1 FO | Renovated in 2010 as part of a £215,000 project to create a new Pullman train. It carries the logo of the project sponsors Cromwell Tools.[38] | Pullman Umber & Cream. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1954 | |
No. E21031[39] | Mark 1 BCK | Awaiting major bodywork repairs; interior also damaged by water-logging around the time of arrival. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1954 | ~ |
No. 24778[40] | Mark 1 SK | Arrived in late 2010 & is now undergoing overhaul, most work has been going towards the bottom-end & windows. | BR Chocolate and Cream. | BR Standard Coach Group. | 1954 | |
No. E34393[41] | Mark 1 BSK | Based outside the carriage & wagon works at Rothley, but unlikely to be restored until higher-priority carriages are restored. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1954 | |
No. E43043[42] | Suburban Mark 1 CL | Stored at Swithland, awaiting overhaul. | N/A. | Private owner. | 1954 | ~ |
No. 3172TL | Mark 1 BCK | Originally numbered 21138, this coach was used in Ireland as a steam heat boiler for diesel services. It still serves this function, but it requires repairs before returning into paying accommodation. | Irish Rail Orange & Black. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1955 | |
No. 3178TLA | Mark 1 BSK | Here, like the aforementioned 3172TL, for train heating purposes. However, it's in need of cosmetic attention. | Irish Rail Orange & Black. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1955 | |
No. 34606 | Mark 1 BSK | Part of a 4-coach maintenance equipment train delivered, but still not being used extensively. Carries a livery given later on during departmental service. | Departmental Yellow & Black. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1955 | ~ |
No. E34738 | Mark 1 BSK | Stored out of working order, originally the subject of a possible wheelchair-users conversion. | BR Blue and Grey. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1955 | ~ |
No. E3079 | Mark 1 FO | Operational. Originally it was planned to partner it with 3042 in the Pullman train,[43] but this never happened as 3092 was used instead. Now used as part of the main dining rake. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1956 | ~ |
No. SC4207 | Mark 1 TSO | Undergoing overhaul at Ruddington. | N/A. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1956 | |
No. E4630 | Mark 1 TSO | Removed from regular service in 2011, when E4857 could be used take its place. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1956 | |
No. E9316 | Mark 1 BSO | I service after a quick overhaul & repaint in early 2011, and is the only wheelchair-accessible vehicle currently available. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1956 | |
No. E15960 | Mark 1 CK | Awaiting overhaul, but considering the need for the availability of high-capacity stock, it seems likely that this will be an early candidate for work. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1956 | |
No. 34989 | Mark 1 BSK | On site for unknown reasons, but part of a 4-coach re-railing maintenance set. | Departmental Yellow & Black. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1956 | ~ |
No. 34990 | Mark 1 BSK | On site for unknown reasons, but part of a 4-coach re-railing maintenance set. | Departmental Yellow & Black. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1956 | ~ |
No. W80438 | Mark 1 POS | Available for mail-drop recreations at major special events year-round, such as seasonal steam events. Originally SK 25139, but heavily rebuilt into its current state. | Royal Mail (1960s). | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. Private owner. |
1956 | |
No. ADB975638 | Mark 1 BSK | Arrived in 2010, but the exact purpose of this is unknown. | N/A. | BR Standard Coach Group. | 1956 | |
No. M1811 | Mark 1 RMB | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1957 | ~ |
No. E4662 | Mark 1 TSO | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1957 | ~ |
No. 1899 (4758) |
Mark 1 TSO | Rebuilt as a Bar Car, and returned to service in 2010 as part of the Cromwell Tools Pullman.[44] | Pullman Umber & Cream. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1957 | ~ |
No. E4788 | Mark 1 SO | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1957 | ~ |
No. S25312 | Mark 1 SK | Operational. | BR Green. | Private owner. | 1957 | ~ |
No. E25366 | Mark 1 SK | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1957 | |
No. 81343 | Mark 1 BG | Part of the Cromwell Tools Pullman, due to be refurbished at some point to become a miniature exhibition coach.[45] | Pullman Umber & Cream. | Private owner. | 1957 | ~ |
No. S81382 | Mark 1 BG | Operational, but used seldom on passenger trains. | BR Green. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1957 | |
No. 94407 NBA | Mark 1 BG | Originally 81223 but since converted, and is likely to be removed along with any vehicles deemed unnecessary. | Departmental. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1957 | |
No. 21184 | Mark 1 BCK | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1958 | |
No. 21202 | Mark 1 BCK | Arrived in 2010, but is one of the few coaches from that era not owned by BR Standard Coach Group. | N/A. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1958 | ~ |
No. E86129 | Mark 1 GUV | In use as the storage van for the DMU group. Outshopped in full livery at the beginning of 2011, allowing for use on photographic specials and at santa special events. | BR Lined Maroon. | Nottingham (Great Central) DMU Group. | 1958 | ~ |
No. 86168 | Mark 1 GUV | Kept at Loughborough when not in use. Also numbered at times 93168 and 96187 | Maroon. | Renaissance Railcars. | 1958 | |
No. 94606[46] | Mark 1 CCT | Based at Rothley, but planned to be removed once RVP's storage facilities expand enough not to need it. | Maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. | 1958 | ~ |
No. 94707[47] | Mark 1 CCT | Operational, as the only example of its type bearing the livery it carries. | Tartan Arrow. | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. | 1958 | |
No. 1525[48] | Mark 1 RKB | Restored as the kitchen vehicle for the Cromwell Tools Pullman in Ramparts of Derby in 2010.[49] | Pullman Umber & Cream. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1959 | |
No. 3092[50] | Mark 1 FO | Freshly overhauled in 2010 for the Cromwell Tools Pullman Set. | Pullman Umber & Cream. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. S4830[51] | Mark 1 TSO | Awaiting major overhaul after stripping of disposable components. | BR Green. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1959 | ~ |
No. E4857[52] | Mark 1 TSO | Operational after being overhauled & repainted in 2011. | BR Blood and Custard. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. E16070[53] | Mark 1 CK | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. W80301[54] | Mark 1 POS | Available for mail-drop recreations at major special events year-round, such as seasonal steam events. | Royal Mail (1960s). | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. | 1959 | |
No. 80401[55] | Mark 1 POT | Arrived February 2011 from the Gloucstershire Warwickshire Railway. Recently repaired and now part of the 1960s TPO set, though has yet to be repainted. | Royal Mail. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. 86709[56] | Mark 1 GUV | Stored. | Maroon. | Private owner. | 1959 | ~ |
No. 86830[57] | Mark 1 GUV | Operational. | Maroon. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. E93565[58] | Mark 1 GUV | Operational. | BR Rail Blue. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1959 | |
No. E93579[59] | Mark 1 GUV | Operational. | Maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. | 1959 | ~ |
No. E94286[60] | Mark 1 CCT | Operational in the Summer months when lineside fires present a hazard, and thus fitted out with hose pipes to fulfill this function. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. 96190[61] | Mark 1 GUV | Undergoing conversion to serve as a maintenance vehicle for the locomotives of the 5305LA. | Maroon. | Private owner. | 1959 | |
No. SC1100[62] | Mark 1 RE | Formerly part of the National Collection, the prototype griddle buffet car has been based her since 2009. While originally intended for use with the Cromwell Tools Pullman,[63] another car was sourced and coverted in its place. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1960 | |
No. E1526[64] | Mark 1 RKB | Operational as the kitchen car for the main dining rake. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1960 | |
No. S1852[65] | Mark 1 RMB | Operational. | BR Green. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1960 | |
No. M1962[66] | Mark 1 RU | Awaiting the restart of a major refurbishment for passenger use, but has already been given minor treatment for volunteer catering and dining at special events. | BR Blue and Grey. | Private owner. | 1960 | |
No. 94709[67] | Mark 1 CCT | Stored. | Maroon. | Private owner. | 1960 | |
No. 96194[68] | Mark 1 GUV | Stored. | InterCity Executive (Grafittied). | Private owner. | 1960 | |
No. E1654[69] | Mark 1 RBR | Undergoing major restoration. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1961 | |
No. E1695[70] | Mark 1 RBR | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1961 | ~ |
No. 1898 (25788)[71] |
Mark 1 SK | In 2010, this coach was purchased from the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway in Scotland, so it could be re-built into a suitable bar for the new Pullman train. | Pullman Umber & Cream. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1961 | |
No. S4914[72] | Mark 1 TSO | Operational. | BR Green. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1961 | |
No. E13313[73] | Mark 1 FK | Awaiting overhaul. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1961 | ~ |
No. M16168[74] | Mark 1 CK | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1961 | ~ |
No. 16190[75] | Mark 1 CK | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1961 | |
No. E21242[76] | Mark 1 BCK | Operational. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1961 | ~ |
No. W25711[77] | Mark 1 SK | In the final stages of restoration. | BR Chocolate and Cream. | Private owner. | 1961 | |
No. E4922[78] | Mark 1 TSO | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1962 | |
No. E4948[79] | Mark 1 TSO | Operational. | BR Blood and Custard. | Private owner. | 1962 | |
No. E4982[80] | Mark 1 TSO | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1962 | |
No. 14021[81] | Mark 1 BFK | Awaiting restoration. | BR Lined Maroon. | Private owner. | 1962 | ~ |
No. E3126[82] | Mark 1 FO | Operational. | BR Blood and Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1963 | |
No. E14023[83] | Mark 1 BFK | Operational. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd. | 1963 | |
No. S14026[84] | Mark 1 BFK | Operational. | BR Green. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1963 | |
No. W80458[85] | Mark 1 BPOT | Available for mail-drop recreations at major special events year-round, such as seasonal steam events. | Royal Mail (1960s). | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. Private owner. |
1967 | |
No. W80349[86] | Mark 1 POS | Available for mail-drop recreations at major special events year-round, such as seasonal steam events. | Royal Mail (1960s). | Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd. | 1968 | ~ |
More modern BR stock isn’t really at home on a railway with period recreation in mind, but many have found work behind the scenes of the heritage operations. However, the Northern section intends to create a full vacuum-braked Mk2 set to replicate another lost era in British Rail history, taking less-efficient vehicles out of rotation as better examples are brought in.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. E9385 Balmacara[87] |
Mark 2 BSO | Stored out of use at Swithland, unlikely to be restored for passenger trains. | BR Blue & Grey. | Private owner. | 1966 | ~ |
No. E9389[88] | Mark 2 BSO(T) | Operational and used regularly on NTHC steam services. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Plc. | 1966 | |
No. M17055[89] | Mark 2 BFK | Brought to Loughborough in 2010 for use as a support coach for 45305. Work should be completed at some point in 2012. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. 5305 Locomotive Association. |
1966 | |
No. 35512[90] | Mark 2 BFK | Operational. | BR Blue & Grey. | Private owner. | 1967 | ~ |
No. E14064[91] | Mark 2a BFK | Restored as a support coach in 2010 to join 30777 on the mainline. Will remain with the 5305LA locomotives for 2011. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. 5305 Locomotive Association. |
1967 | |
No. 5365 Deborah[92] |
Mark 2a TSO | Awaiting a repaint and refurbishment. | BR Blue & Grey. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Plc. | 1968 | ~ |
No. 5376[93] | Mark 2a TSO | Awaiting a repaint and refurbishment. | BR Blue & Grey. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Plc. | 1968 | ~ |
No. E14099[94] | Mark 2a BFK | Restored as a support coach in early 2010 for use with 5305LA locomotives. Currently with 70013 on the national network for the 2011 mainline season. | BR Lined Maroon. | Great Central Railway Plc. 5305 Locomotive Association. |
1968 | ~ |
No. E5497[95] | Mark 2b TSO | Operational. | BR Blue & Grey. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Plc. | 1971 | |
No. E3377[96] | Mark 2f FO | Converted into a first class buffet vehicle and works with the Mk2 set at diesel galas, but seldom otherwise gets any use. | BR Blue & Grey. | Ruddington Railway On-Train Catering. | 1973 | |
No. 10558[97] | Mark 3 SLEP | Stored at the rear of the Loughborough locomotive shed, volunteer sleeping accommodation. | InterCity Executive. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1981 | |
No. 10602[98] | Mark 3 SLEP | Based at Ruddington, fitted with a makeshift Gymnasium and heritage volunteer accommodation. | InterCity Executive. | Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Plc. | 1983 | ~ |
When the Great Central Railway was formed it was billed under the slogan "Rapid travel in luxury", and it was right to do this because it was able to boast the very latest and best in express passenger travel. Today the GCR Rolling Stock Trust based at Ruddington are the owners of the single largest collection of ex-GCR stock in the world.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 1663[99] | Robinson Clerestory BCL | Only the body survives though being the oldest surviving Great Central carriage this is unsurprising. The body is mounted on the underframe of an ex. LMS BG, which has now become its permanent rolling chassis.[100] | N/A. | GCR Rolling Stock Trust. | 1903 | |
No. 5~~[101] | Robinson Suburban BT | Body survives in good hands but it will require a new underframe and serious restoration work to return to service. | N/A. | GCR Rolling Stock Trust. | 1905 | ~ |
No. 793[102] | Robinson Suburban T | At present the only Great Central coach on the south section. In store at Swithland Sidings with a cosmetically-restored body, which should prevent further deterioration. | GCR chocolate & cream. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1905 | ~ |
No. 799[103] | Robinson Suburban T | Awaiting major restoration which will require a lot of new bodywork to be manufactured. | N/A. | GCR Rolling Stock Trust. | 1905 | ~ |
No. 228[104] | Barnum TO | In store inside the main shed building until the new GCR carriage shed has been built. It will be converted into a first class bar car in due course. | N/A. | GCR Rolling Stock Trust. | 1910 | |
No. 664[105] | Barnum TO | Undercover in shed no. 5 and will be restored when more accommodation has been built. It is intended to convert it into a dining car. | Varnished teak. | GCR Rolling Stock Trust. | 1910 | ~ |
No. 666[106] | Barnum TO | Sheeted up as protection from the elements. It will be restored when more accommodation has been built and 664 has been completed. It is intended to convert it into a dining car. | N/A. | National Railway Museum. | 1910 | |
No. 695[107] | Barnum BTO | Awaiting restoration, which is planned to incorporate a kitchen where the brake end used to be, so it will compliment the rest of the Barnum set. | N/A. | GCR Rolling Stock Trust. | 1911 | ~ |
The GCR Plc does not generally rely on LMS stock for passenger trains, but has instead found other uses for what is available.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. M31255[108] | Stanier Period III BG | Grounded body at the back of Loughborough Central MPD, where it works as a fundraiser for various railway charities. | Green undercoat. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1941 | |
No. M31370[109] | BR-built Stanier Period III BG | Grounded just outside Loughborough Central for general storage. | Green undercoat. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1949 | |
No. 999503 Arrowvale Belle[110] |
BR-built INSP | Brought out to the Great Central from EWS like M999504 for passenger use. Fitted for special trains with its own fine dining and guard's compartment. | LMS Lined Maroon. | EWS. | 1959 | |
No. M999504[111] | BR-built INSP | On loan to the LSLG since 2004 for use on both standard and special trains. Currently on loan to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. | BR Lined Maroon. | Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group. EWS. |
1959 | ~ |
RVP Ltd owns and cares for one of the most impressive collections of Gresley Teak-panelled vehicles in the United Kingdom. They intend to return a full rake of varnished teak coaches to service in the coming years.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 18033[112] | Gresley CK | Stored out in the open barely protected against the elements at Rothley. This carriage holds the distinction of being the only survivor from the original LNER Flying Scotsman express train, so will most likely return to service in this form. Until a space in the shed is available, work continues to cosmetically maintain the overall wooden structure. | N/A. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1924 | |
No. 62565[113] | Gresley BTK | Currently undergoing restoration, though with most of the work focused on Buffet 24278, it could be a long wait for a return to service. | Varnished teak. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1927 | ~ |
No. 1222[114] | Gresley RF | Presently stored round the back of Swithland Sidings for future restoration into varnished teak. | N/A. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. Private owner. |
1929 | ~ |
No. E70268E[115] | Gresley POT | E70268E started out as a BGP, but was converted during commercial service and is now part of RVP's two-coach mail set. It is now awaiting an overhaul and further interior refurbishment, though still sees public displays during major events annually. | Deep maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1931 | |
No. 4149[116] | Gresley BGP | Delivered from the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in 2009 to replace steel-bodied BGP 70442E (which has since been scrapped). To be restored when more of the passenger vehicles are completed, but has undergone vacuum-tube repairs in early 2011. | Maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1936 | ~ |
No. 23981[117] | Gresley TTO | Since the completion of 24278 in 2011, a new campaign was launched to raise £35,000 for restoration[118], and work will begin when enough of the money has been raised. | N/A. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1936 | |
No. 24080[119] | Gresley RB | Stored outside in the Rothley carriage & wagon department for restoration. As two other RB vehicles are currently preserved at the Great Central, the owner has decided to convert it into a RF in the standard teak condition. | N/A. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. Private owner. |
1936 | |
No. E1719E[120] | Gresley OBS | Operational in almost-daily service to first class ticket holders. The quality of the restoration earned RVP and its members the Heritage Railway Association award 2007. Due for an overhaul in 2011, as the body is getting a little worn out. | BR Lined Maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. Private owner. |
1937 | |
No. E1729E[121] | Gresley OBS | Undergoing restoration at Barrow Hill into 1937 condition, which is due to be completed in 2012, though the scope of its service after restoration remains uncertain. | N/A. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. Private owner. |
1937 | ~ |
No. 24278[122] | Gresley RB | Re-launched into service on July 23rd 2011, 24278 became fully operational at the 2011 Autumn Steam Railway Gala. | Varnished teak. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1937 | |
No. E9124E[123] | Gresley RB | Sold by RVP in 2005, making it the only LNER coach outside of RVP's ownership. In 2006 it was involved with the crash that also damaged 45305, though remained in service until October 2007. Has been out of service since then awaiting repairs. | BR Blood & Custard. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1937 | |
No. E70294E[124] | Gresley POS | Operational as the only one of its type with working postal equipment, allowing use on demonstration mail drops. Work still needs to be done to conclude the restoration, but is otherwise an immaculate piece of vehicle preservation. | Deep maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1937 | |
No. 57451[125] | Gresley BTK | Awaiting light restoration, but as the body's condition is very good, more attention will need to be paid to the less complete coaches before starting on this one. | Varnished teak. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1940 | |
No. 4050[126] | Gresley BGP | Operational as a guard's van on the odd passenger train, but was removed from service in 2011 to re-varnish the bodywork, allowing it to match up better with 24278. | Varnished teak. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1940 | |
No. E70654E[127] | BR-built Thompson BZ | In 2011 it was repainted into a deeper maroon to match the LNER postal vehicles and was fitted out as a shop to raise funds for the owning charity. | Lined maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. | 1950 | |
No. E96202E[128] | BR-built Gresley CCT | Originally built in 1928 as a CL, but is considered a new vehicle due to the heavy modifications made. Currently out of service for the foreseeable future. | Maroon. | Railway Vehicle Preservations. Private owner. |
1959 | ~ |
Some of the stock is completely unique to the railway.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 793 | GCR Robinson T | Awaiting restoration. | GCR Chocolate & Cream. | Main Line Steam Trust Ltd. | 1905 | ~ |
No. 547 | NSB Konductorvagn | Underframe only, may yet be used on another body. | N/A. | Private owner. | 1912 | ~ |
No. 2118 | NER RFO | Awaiting restoration. | N/A. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1922 | ~ |
No. E87674 | Blue Spot FVY | Operational. | White. | Private owner. | 1960 | ~ |
No. 889006 | Ferry CCT | Undergoing restoration. | N/A. | Great Central Railway Plc. | 1961 | ~ |
Most heritage railways in the U.K. use parcels and miscellaneous vans for storage purposes, and the Great Central Railway is no exception.
Number & Name | Description | History & Current Status | Livery | Owner(s) | Date | Photograph |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. S1334 | Bulleid PMVY | Grounded body used for storage at Loughborough Central. | N/A. | Private owner. | 1939 | |
No. S1375 | Bulleid PMVY | Grounded body used for storage at Loughborough Central. | N/A. | Thomson B1 Locomotive Society. | 1939 | |
No. S1706S | Bulleid PMVY | Operational, used on the Permanent Way train. | SR Olive Green. | Private owner. | 1943 |