Ruddington’s Great Central Railway is buzzing with excitement today (Saturday 17th November) as rail enthusiasts from around the country flock here to an event involving not just ONE but TWO unique, restored high speed train powercars.
It’s a railtour with a difference as The 125 Group partners with The Branch Line Society and East Midlands Trains (EMT) to take a newly refurbished EMT (ex-Grand Central) six coach HST set from Derby to Ruddington and back again. They’re using the connection off the mainline at Loughborough South Junction to get here.
For this special event two EMT buffer fitted powercars including 43423 ‘Valenta’ (1972-2010) (pictured in Ruddington with the resident 125 Group’s “Project Miller” 41001 prototype below) will be used as far as Ruddington, where one EMT power car will be removed in favour of 41001. All are referred to as “Screaming Valentas” because of their Paxman Valenta Diesel engines famous for the “Valenta Scream” on starting from rest – a distinctive high-pitched whine caused by the V12 engine’s turbocharger.
The charter is raising funds for 125 Group in support of their HST Ruddington Depot Appeal. Although rail tickets sold out weeks ago, visitors to the Heritage Centre today can witness its arrival and departure. There are 125 Group and Branch Line Society sales stands and iconic industrial designer Sir Kenneth Grange is on hand to autograph your souvenirs and memorabilia. A charity raffle is also taking place.
For train buffs wishing to spot the service along the way, these are the expected timings:
Derby P6 (pick up 08:29) – Chaddesden Sidings (carriage roads 1, 3 or 4 requested) (reverse) – Pilot Line – Derby P7/service platform – Pilot Line – Loughborough South Jn (reverse) – Rushcliffe Up Platform – 50 Steps (reverse) – Ruddington Fields P1
125 Group said: “Whilst at GCR(N) a number of unusual moves are planned to include Ruddington Relief Road, Rushcliffe Up Loop in full including use of Rushcliffe bay platform, both sides of 50 Steps Loop and both main platforms at Rushcliffe Halt.”
Ruddington Fields P1 – 28 Points (reverse) – Ruddington Fields P2 (reverse) – 50 Steps (reverse) – Loughborough South Jn – Leicester Up & Dn Slow – Knighton Jn (reverse) – Leicester P1 (set down time 17:41) – Up & Dn Goods (Humberstone Road) – Toton High Level Goods – Ilkeston Jn (reverse) – Toton Centre – Derby P5 (set down 18:53)
Meantime the current total raised for the new depot in Ruddington is £39,168.68 – towards a target of £100,000. You can find out more >>HERE<<.
{Top Photo: Courtesy 125 Group © Richard Gennis 2014}
