Grand Central Railtour Update

Grand Central HST with 43123 at Hartlepool, 08/04/2008. ©125 Group

Tickets are still available in Standard Class for ‘The Grand Farewell’ on Sunday 17th December, a very special HST railtour over unusual routes, marking the end of Inter-City 125 operation by Grand Central.

Important Update from organisers the Branch Line Society. As planning has progressed we have identified two possession issues that clash with the route as previously advertised. It will not be possible to include Norton East Jn – Ferryhill South Jn via Stillington or Rotherham Masborough to Beighton Jn. In response to this, and based on customer requests, we are in the advanced stages of adding Sheffield Down Station Siding to the specification, thanks to the kind support of Network Rail and Northern. Our revised bid also protects the Staveley Goods at Barrow Hill, with the intention being to extend the move through to Barrow Hill South Jn. A possession on the Durham Coast also means that we are now well progressed in looking to add Ryhope Grange (No1 Siding) to the itinerary on the outward trip. Further updates will be provided in due course, but we are sure that both of these additions will prove attractive for track enthusiasts!

For full details of the railtour including planned route and to buy tickets on-line or by post, go to the Branch Line Society website:  www.branchline.uk/current-fixtures.php

Please note that all bookings are being handled by the Branch Line Society, if you have any queries about itinerary or ticketing arrangements then contact the BLS via the website link above, please do not contact Grand Central or 125 Group direct. We look forward to seeing you on-board!

GCRN Meet the Fleet – Sat 19th & Sun 20th August

125 Group will be taking part in GCRN’s Meet the Fleet event at Ruddington this coming weekend, Sat 19th and Sun 20th August 2023. Why not come along and take the opportunity to see 43025 & 43044 up close including the opportunity for cab visits? Our sales stand will also be present with the first chance to grab our 2024 calendar among other items!

All the details can be found on the GCRN website here.

For members, we will also be holding our Annual General Meeting on Sat 19th at 14:00 in one of our MK3 coaches (OTF issue 143 has the agenda), we look forward to seeing you there.