Exact date steam locomotives set for Great Central Railway return after heatwave safety fears

Steam services were previously paused as a precaution due to the increased risk of wildfires

Steam locomotive services are set to return to the Great Central Railway (GCR) after a temporary pause on services in the wake of the UK’s summer of heatwaves.

GCR decided to pause its steam services from Saturday, August 15, as a precaution following an emergency alert last month, with diesel-hauled locos operating in their place.

With steam services now able to resume from Thursday, September 10, the return of the locomotives comes ahead of GCR’s annual Autumn Steam Gala, which returns with a ‘Little & Large’ theme, celebrating the remarkable variety of steam locomotives – from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful machines.

The event will feature a timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, offering visitors the chance to see an impressive selection of locomotives from different eras and industries in operation.

Three visiting locomotives are expected to join the Great Central Railway’s home fleet, subject to availability.

Among them will be GWR Saddle Tank No. 813, appearing with thanks to the Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund. Built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, the diminutive locomotive is renowned as one of the smallest engines operating on the Severn Valley Railway.

Also making the journey to the GCR will be No. 7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’, appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock.

Built by Sentinel in Shrewsbury in 1927, the locomotive showcases the innovative engineering of a company better known for its steam-powered road vehicles, providing a fascinating contrast to the larger locomotives appearing at the Gala.

LMS 16440 is due to appear thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd, subject to availability following repairs. The LMS 3F locomotive was built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow, adding another distinctive chapter to the Gala’s celebration of steam engineering.

Alongside the visiting engines, the GCR’s home fleet will be out in force throughout the event, with a programme designed to provide plenty of opportunities to see locomotives in action, including passenger, goods and double-headed workings.

Malcolm Holmes, general manager of the GCR, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome steam back to the Great Central Railway from September 10, following the temporary pause during the recent dry weather.

“The safety of our visitors, volunteers and the railway itself always come first, and we’re grateful for everyone’s understanding while we took this precautionary step.

“Now we’re looking forward to getting our steam locomotives back in action, and the Autumn Steam Gala will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their return. This year’s ‘Little & Large’ theme gives us a particularly exciting opportunity to showcase just how varied steam locomotive design could be. From the compact Sentinel ‘Ann’ and diminutive GWR 813 through to the larger members of our home fleet, there will be a fantastic contrast in size, design and engineering for visitors to enjoy.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the organisations and individuals who have made it possible for these visiting locomotives to join us. Combined with our own fleet, the intensive timetable should make this a memorable four days for enthusiasts, photographers and families alike.”