[RWHB1]

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY TO HOST APRIL REUNIFICATION WEEKEND

At a joint event on Saturday, 5, and Sunday, April 6, the two halves
of the Great Central Railway (GCR) will show visitors the progress
made towards reconnecting the two sections.

The two halves are in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. During the
Reunification Open Weekend, the Great Central Railway’s fleet of
vintage locomotives will run on both halves.

Tickets and a vintage Rail Replacement Bus Service will enable
visitors to cross the ‘missing’ section of the track to the other
half.

Visitors will hear the latest updates on the reconnection project, for
which the GCR submitted its planning application last year. Railway
journalist Tom Ingall will be delivering Reunification Talks.

In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to take a guided tour
of the trackbed, departing from the Loco Shed at 12pm on each day, and
to see computer animations that show how the final link-up will be
achieved. There will also be a locomotive driving experience at
Loughborough. The B1 steam engine, diesel locos, Class 47, and the
iconic 9F will be available for footplate visits.

Station and Loco Shed Tours will also feature during the weekend. Fire
engines and traction engines will be on display at Rushcliffe Halt and
Quorn, and miniature and model railways will be in action at
Ruddington and Rothley. Photograph and archive exhibitions will
showcase the history and future of the Great Central Railway.

One ticket will cover admission to all sites, including travel,
although there are additional charges for some activities. Children
will be admitted for one pound each when visiting with a full payng
adult.

Several million pounds have already been raised to restore the track,
and work has already been completed on rebuilding three major bridges.
Supporters have raised a further two and half million pounds, which
will be spent on progressing the reunification project forward.

Further work will include a viaduct to carry trains north from the
heritage Loughborough Central station to the northeast corner of the
town, where it will meet the tracks of the northern section.

More information and tickets are available from the GCR’s website.

> “We’re working ever more closely with our colleagues at the GCR
> in Nottinghamshire, holding joint events and sharing volunteers.
> Work is already underway to rebuild the short section of railway
> between us, but this special weekend will give everyone a taste of
> that exciting future right now. You can board a train at
> Loughborough, experience the line in Leicestershire, then catch a
> bus to connect with trains at the Nottingham Transport Heritage
> Centre. This project has attracted interest worldwide, and we look
> forward to welcoming everyone keen to learn more.”
> Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway