Class 45 – D123 with Brake Tender Great Central Railway, Loughborough, 2nd October 2026
It’s full steam ahead for our annual Autumn Steam Gala! Running across four packed days, the Gala features an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, showcasing both our home fleet and five visiting steam locomotives.
This year’s event celebrates a fascinating variety of locomotives from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful steam locomotives. You’ll have the opportunity to see an incredible contrast of railway engineering from across different eras and industries.
What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Loughborough Central and Leicester North. If you love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit our station cafe’s to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Great Central Railway at its steamiest! With beautifully restored stations, on-site museums, behind-the-scenes access, and plenty of food and drink options, it’s a steam-filled celebration for enthusiasts, photographers, families and anyone who loves the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a heritage railway.
Whilst every effort will be made to maintain services, we do not guarantee that trains will arrive/depart at the times stated. We reserve the right to alter or suspend any train without notice. No liability for any loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted. Locomotives appear subject to availability.
Guest Locomotives
No. 1589
● Hunslet 0-6-0ST No. 1589 'Newstead'
Appearing with thanks to North Norfolk Railway and Steam Rescue Ltd. Newstead was built in 1929 by the Hunslet Engine Company to work in the coal mining industry. For over 40 years, Newstead remained forgotten, hidden behind poplar trees, until it was rescued and restored.
No. 16440
● LMS ‘Jinty’ 16440
LMS ‘Jinty’ 16440 is the 3rd guest to be announced for our Autumn Steam Gala with thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd. LMS 16440 is an LMS 3F built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Co. in Glasgow.
No. 7232
● 7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’
Appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built in Shrewsbury in 1927 by Sentinel, the locomotive represents the innovative engineering of a company best known for its steam-powered road vehicles.
No. 813
● GWR Saddle Tank 813
Appearing with thanks to Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund, GWR Saddle Tank No. 813 was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, 813 is renowned as one of the smallest loco on the SVR.
No. 9681
● GWR Pannier Tank 9681
Appearing with thanks to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group, GWR Pannier Tank No. 9681 was built at Swindon in 1949 and spent most of its BR service in Wales, working at various locations including Tondu, Aberbeeg, Barry and Cardiff, before being withdrawn in July 1965.
GCR Home Fleet
No. 73156 Type BR Standard 5MT
Designer
R. A. Riddles
Configuration
4-6-0
Full Specification
79900 Iris
Transmission
Mechanical via Wilson epicyclic gearbox and final drive on bogie axle
Engine
Two AEC 220 engines, each ~150 bhp
Max Speed ~70 mph
Full Specification
No. 68067
Type
Saddle tank
Designer
Hudswell Clarke
Configuration 0-6-0
Our intensive gala timetable maximises the amount of steam in action, combining frequent passenger services with freight operations. Expect varied locomotive workings, double-headers, plenty of train movements and a railway alive with activity from morning until evening.
windcutter freight train
Two 'Windcutter' freight trains
A gala first: two Windcutter freight rakes will be in use during the event, recreating the heavy mineral train operations for which these iconic wagons became famous and providing an unprecedented level of freight activity.
Brake Van Rides
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy the unique experience of travelling on a goods train and passing other services on our double track – something to behold! The journey will take you from Quorn and Woodhouse Station to Rothley Brook, before returning you to Quorn and Woodhouse Station. The train will enter Swithland Sidings to be passed by another train too. Additional £15 charge applies. Tickets can be bought on the day at Quorn & Woodhouse Station.
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