RE-RELEASE DUE 24 JANUARY 2008

The preserved section of the former Great Central Railway main line between Loughborough and the northern outskirts of Leicester is unique amongst heritage railways, with part of its length having a double track formation. It has taken thirty years to achieve what can be seen on a visit to the line today. This programme charts the development of the line from humble beginnings when simple open days were held in 1973, through to the main line atmosphere that can be enjoyed once again in the 21st century.

Archive cine film and modern video footage is used to tell the story and rekindle memories of those early pioneering days, following the line’s progress as it gradually increased in length. Motive power ranges from early industrial locomotives that were initially used through to the big main line engines that are a familiar sight today. Diesel power is also included amongst a vast array of traction seen in full action sequences on a wide variety of train formations.

The range of locomotives that has seen action on the Great Central over the years is actually quite breathtaking and on this video you will see Norwegian Railways 2-6-0 King Haakon VII, former GCR 4-4-0 No. 506 Butler Henderson, BR 8P No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester, Black 5 No. 5231, GNR Stirling Single No. 1, B1 Nos. 61264 & 1306 Mayflower, N2 No. 4744, GWR 2-8-0T No. 5224 and No. 6990 Witherslack Hall to name just a handful!
A journey down memory lane, as well as a good record of the work carried out over the entire preserved section to date, this programme is a must for anyone interested in preserved railways and the Great Central Railway (Loughborough) in particular..