A day of trials and frustrations behind the camera, did not take away from another fantastic 'Winter Steam Gala' at the Great Central Railway. The return of the winter gala at the GCR came as welcome news, after its absence in 2021, with it being held this year over the weekend of Friday 28th - Sunday 30th of January.
Appearing courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd, 34072 "257 Squadron" would be one of the star guests for the event, visiting from the Swanage Railway. It's presence completes an exchange, after GCR resident 2MT - 78018 spent the 2021 running season on the Dorset branch line. Also visiting for the event, would be 4MT Tank - 80080, courtesy of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust.
The gala would see 8 steam locomotives in service during the event, operating a variety of passenger workings - including a two coach suburban set. In amongst the passenger runs, a range of demonstration freight services were also present on the railway. Bolstering the steam traction, a resident DMU could also be seen in service.
Locomotives:
BR(S) 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34072 "257 Squadron"
BR(W) 6959 'Modified Hall' Class - 6990 "Witherslack Hall"
BR Standard Class 2MT - 78018
BR Standard Class 5MT - 73156
Ex-LMS 8F Class - 48305
BR Standard Class 9F - 92214 "City of Leicester"
BR Standard Class 4MT Tank - 80080
BR Class 101 DMU - E51427+E59575+E50321
BR(M) Class 2MT - 46521
Footnote: The camera suffered numerous issues over the course of the day, not least the lack of focus which can be seen at 17:13. Ultimately frustrating, but still, on to the next one.
All footage filmed on Saturday the 29th of January 2022.
28 янв 2022
