Introducing the Great Central Railway Reunification

Welcome to a new series on the unification of two heritage railways that were once part of the Great Central Railway. The project has been titled Reunification, Bridging the gap.
We're starting on the established Great Central Heritage Railway at Quorn and Woodhouse station. We'll be jumping on a steam hauled service to the railways flagship Loughborough station.
We'll be having a look around Loughborough station and site and telling you a little about the series of joining together this railway and the GCR Nottingham. There are 500 meters of missing railway that is currently being reinstate to join a total of 18 miles of heritage railway.
Great Central Mainline was built as the London Extension of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire railway. Opening in 1899, it was designed to be as straight as possible with as little gradient as possible. Speed was the aim and express trains travelled between London Marylebone, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Manchester. It was the last UK mainline to be built before HS1 over a century later. It thrived initially, however with a lack of upkeep, neglect and dwindling usage, it was mothballed during the great railway rationalisation of Dr Beeching in the 1960s - known as the Beeching Axe.
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[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

Love that period of station buildings, real care and attention to their construction and surroundings, unlike the concrete monstrosities we see today passing for architecture. Loughborough station reminds me of the old Snow Hill Edwardian station in Birmingham, now replaced with a concrete carbuncle.

[@WobblyRunner]

They knew how to make a good looking building back then, didnt they. It's good that a handful have been saved. It makes me think about these things differently when visiting parts of the line where everything has been flattened.

[@michaelmiller641]

I'm old enough to remember steam trains at Marylebone station, and thundering through harrow on the hill!

[@WobblyRunner]

That must have been some sight!

[@richardperry5538]

A lovely video....and a lovely tribute to your Mum ❤️‍🩹

[@WobblyRunner]

Many thanks :)

[@wideyxyz2271]

I used to live near the Great Central Waggon and Carriage works in Dukinfield, and I remember as a kid seeing a steam engine in the yard at the Globe lane entrance. They often left the gates open off the road. I'm not sure what loco it was, I have a sneaky feeling it was a black five, and it was in a very sorry state with rust and steam leaking all over the place. This would be around 1968 right at the end of the steam era, and I was 4 years old. The waggon works is still there, although a lot of it has changed and the brick work has been clad over. Another feature I remember was a huge 3 legged lattice work crane in the corner of the yard that was used for moving things around, Unfortunately that has long gone.

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks for your comment. I just looked up Dunkinfield after reading that I wasn't aware of the old works. Fascinating history. I do remember going to Guide Bridge when very young and the station being a lot more grand than it is today.

[@Carolb66]

Ah lovely period piece here Paul. The attention to detail of the stations is astounding all credit to the volunteers /staff at the railway & stations. Loughborough is a beautiful example the wood panelling walls at the entrance was stunning. Beautiful memory & photo with your mum so glad the bench in the exact spot was still there. The steam train footage was great especially of one going under the bridge puffing away! Looking forward to the next one Paul, thank you! ❤😊👍

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Carol. Nice one. You're right. When you get upclose and start looking at the little details you appreciate the love and pride put into everything.

[@stephendavies6949]

A lovely moment you finding the spot where you & your mum sat. I visited the GCR frequently when I loved in Derby. I actually drove 2 locos there, one of which was an 8F, the other being the Robinson 04. I hope they can "bridge the gap" in time for me to ride the whole length of the line whilst I'm still here.

[@WobblyRunner]

Fingers crossed for you Stephen. I bet the 8F was a beast to drive. It looked so effortless.

[@stephendavies6949]

@WobblyRunner Yeah. Frightened the life out of me. It was about 20 years ago, and our speed was definitely in excess of 25mph! It was great fun, especially with a few coaches in tow.

[@WobblyRunner]

@stephendavies6949 what a terrific experience

[@stephendavies6949]

@@WobblyRunner I recall thinking the Robinson 04 seemed a much more civilised loco, despite it being decades older than the 8F.

[@michaelthomas6138]

@@WobblyRunnerthe bench in the place where you sat in the picture has the only original Loughborough bench from the original station I have been told by someone there at the beginning of the preservation. I volunteer at Loughborough as one of the Duty Station Masters.

[@Adamscandal-ij9gy]

Brilliant Paul and a lovely emotional family connection too (it's Adam btw)

[@WobblyRunner]

Hiya Adam. Nice one cheers 👍😃

[@BegudMaximan-zp2tc]

Once all joined up will be a fabulous journey. Ruddington in the North, to Leicester North in the south. Well on it's way to achieving a long time dream. Good now, even better when completed, making it the number one! Like going back in time to a bygone era! Quite amazing any of it ever survived at all, considering the attitude prevailent in the early 1960s towards railway operations in the UK.

[@WobblyRunner]

Im looking forward to it. I really hope to see the old Ruddington station one day back in service too.

[@BegudMaximan-zp2tc]

@@WobblyRunner yeah we all are 👍

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

That was fantastic viewing, they really do look after those Stations on that section of the GCR, it's like stepping back in time. Looking forward to the rest of the series👍

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Jim. I hope they can get East Leake into a similar setup

[@willswheels283]

Another great vid buddy, I love anything on the GCR, I hope the reunification happens sooner rather than later, will be awesome to travel from the outskirts of Nottingham to the outskirts of Leicester via that line. The Diesels are more my era as well, the last regular steam services ended a good decade before I was born but it’s nice to see and hear them all the same. Sorry you lost your mum as well mate, even though it was 10 yrs ago.

[@WobblyRunner]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍😊 Me too. It's a great story to follow isn't it.

[@davebuckley1760]

As always a considered, detailed, affectionate look at our lost history

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Dave

[@peterstudley1804]

Really, really good stuff, born in 81 then , you're making me feel old , I left school in 86 . Nice photo of you and mum. Your videos are excellent, look forward to seeing the re- unification parts , never been to GCR , but feel I know it .thanks again.

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Peter, glad you're enjoying them. I missed 1981 by a single day. I just crept in under 1980 :)

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

@@peterstudley1804 Wow yeh I feel same im 65 now n forgotten only memories

[@NiceCakeMix]

Very nice video and a nice photo of you and your mother too. I would like to see these 2 railways join up as it would be a nice ride

[@WobblyRunner]

Thank you 👍 I'm looking forward to seeing the Reunification progress.

[@chrischapman7514]

What a brilliant video my favourite preserved railway be great to see it joined up again go there quite alot.Even driven a Deltic on there.

[@WobblyRunner]

Wow, driven a Deltic? Great stuff. What an experience.

[@chrischapman7514]

@@WobblyRunner Driver experiance day Paul was brilliant.

[@kennethsimms1128]

Just discovered your excellent videos Paul. Recognised you too when I'm at the Great Central Volunteering. Loved the poignant moment with your late Mother at Loughborough too. Must have evoked fond memories too. I'm very much looking forward to Part 2.

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks for much. Keep up the great work. The railway is always so beautifully presented and staff & volunteers so friendly

[@gaz11h]

Love visiting Great Central railway and remember back when the were starting out on the 70's as MLST main line steam trust when it was just the station at Loughborough at that time there was a fence under the bridge at Loughborough station I can't remember seeing any lines beyond the fence so wether it was just railbeds I'm not sure but I do remember the miniature railway that ran alongside the track now long gone

[@WobblyRunner]

Wow some great memory there Gaz. That would have made a great railway restoration series back then

[@robinkey4499]

I'VE BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR 50 YEARS AT GCR WHERE I LIVE MY HOUSE BACK ON TO MSLR

[@WobblyRunner]

Nice one Robin. That's some great service you've given there.

[@McMieke]

Such lovely buildings. It’s criminal that so many were just knocked over. Thanx for sharing.

[@scottc1589]

Paul, a very enjoyable video. Last night I stopped at 10:45 and checked out what had been filmed there. When I saw a movie with John Thaw in it that my wife and I had never watched - Goodnight Mr. Tom - we decided to check it out. John Thaw was his usual brilliant self, and it was great seeing the GCHR - especially the stations - in the flick. Thanks for all your effort! 🚂

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Scott. That is really spooky. I've got Goodnight Mr Tom on my Sky recordings. But I have no idea how or why it is there. I assumed the wife had recorded it.

[@scottc1589]

@@WobblyRunner That's pretty funny. For me, it's one of the advantages of being married, as when I find something unexpected or out of place in my life, I'll wonder if my better half has had a hand in it. Not that it's a bad thing, but it's often the explanation.

[@WobblyRunner]

Translated in my house as "I spend most of my time looking for things " 😃

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Been following this closely for the last few years as they renovated the bridges, replaced the one over MML etc. I just hope the proposed viaduct is a bit less modern in appearance than the initial artists impression to fit in with the rest of the line. I liked the engineering brick cladding of the preformed concrete on the Midland bridge. Other than that, I can't wait to see it happen. Lovely pic with your mum!

[@WobblyRunner]

Great stuff. It's a terrific story isnt it. Was great to finally go and actually see it in person. There is a new update on the new viaduct out this week I see. Still looks a little modern, but I suppose it is better than nothing for the time being :)

[@boblovell5789]

Admire your work ethic. If your Mum is looking down, and I'm sure she is, she would be pretty impressed as we all are. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Bob. Nice words :)

[@TheGrimStoic]

Thank you for the very nice video. (The opening music is vaguely american)

[@johnlaw3323]

Great video many thanks for making and sharing. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks very much John. Glad you're enjoying them.

[@DJ_K666]

If you get the chance, the dining train is excellent. Our model railway club (Daventry MRC) does it at Christmas.

[@WobblyRunner]

Good shout. I've never got round to doing a dining train. I'd love to do the fish and chip one on the NYMR. That probably sums up my level of elegance 😊

[@DJ_K666]

​@WobblyRunner Heh that'd be a good one. As long as the chips are done in beef dripping like the chippy in Braunston.

[@daystatesniper01]

Nice video and lovely photo of you and your mum , looking forward to the rest of these cheers

[@WobblyRunner]

Many thanks! Part 2 should be out later this week.

[@davidahugill99]

Great video Paul ………visited the GCR in the 70s , I’m well overdue for another visit ! Remember our shed bashes round the Leicester and Rugby areas in the 1960s when all the coal mines were working and steam trains everywhere . Born 1946 so ww2 had only just finished……the younger ones need to know the folly of war and the causes ……..Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again . Best wishes , Dave H Carnforth

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks very much Dave. Back when shed were interesting :)

[@stephenbamber7408]

Thanks

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks ever so much Stephen

[@declanjoyce8640]

Lovely...cheers!

[@mikeslipper1779]

Fine and interesting commentary...

[@maestromanification]

Interesting video Paul, only been there once. I love that mechanical colourlight at quorn. Shame it has concrete sleepers on down line

[@WobblyRunner]

Ooooh I didn't even notice the different sleepers. I suppose they're readily available over the last 20 years.

[@johannesfeigl5309]

Lovely videothak you for posting enjoyedevery second!😊

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks very much Johannes

[@ThePhosphater]

very enjoyable video

[@WobblyRunner]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andypandy9013]

There are more than two Heritage Railways in the East Midlands. Take The Battlefield Line for example. 🙂

[@WobblyRunner]

There is indeed. I've covered many of them. But this series is just about the GCR Mainline that Im covering.

[@amr1919ms]

Hello: No hablo Inglés: lo he comprendido por traducción automática. Yo deseo la reunificacion del GCR y me alegraré cuando se haga realidad. Best Regards from Spain, Europe.

[@WobblyRunner]

Hola. Gracias por mirar y ponerse en contacto. Me alegra que lo hayas disfrutado. Esperemos que la reunificación avance pronto. Cuidarse.

[@amr1919ms]

@@WobblyRunner Hi Wobbly y todos: Gracias por su respuesta: Me gusta mucho el ferrocarril británico antiguo y el gran trabajo que ustedes hacen, por ejemplo en Quorn. En España hubo mucho material Británico por ejemplo Cravens en el ferrocarril de vía 1000 mm Olot-Girona. Best Regards.

[@andrewcutts3197]

You forgot Shackerstone, also in Leicestershire. And yes, I know it’s not the Great Central.

[@WobblyRunner]

I do need to visit the Battlefield line.

[@tre243t]

Errr - there are around 10 heritage railways in the East Mids off the top off my head! Battlefield Line Peak Rail GCR GCR (N)) Ecclesbourne Midland Railway Centre Northampton & Lamport Crich Tramway Museum (Trams) Barrow Hill Roundhouse Nene Valley Railway

[@WobblyRunner]

There sure are. I've videos on some of those ones. This series is just about the GCR mainline.

[@themackeler5011]

Which is the best place to go and park the car for trips up and down the line please, great vidioes as normal.

[@WobblyRunner]

Thank you 😊 I always seem to find quorn easy to park at. Loughborough seems a bit chaotic around the station. I thing there's a bit of road parking at Leicester North too.

[@themackeler5011]

@@WobblyRunner thanks I will be going soon for a visit years since I have been , really liked your High Peak trail which I cycled some last year and cromford canal keep them coming I find them very interesting.

[@meiriongwril9696]

*separated

[@WobblyRunner]

Oh dear. If only I hadnt just published that into to all the videos 😖

[@johnburns4017]

Can't you get your eye seen to?

[@WobblyRunner]

Thank you

[@PaddingtonbearNZ]

Please pan a bit slower🙂

[@DoctorSpinola]

I started watching this and switched off due to the pathetic obsession with World War II. For God's sake grow up.

[@WobblyRunner]

Lovely. What obsession with the World War? Other than the station being themed on it.

[@Greggs30806]

I think the only one here that needs to grow up is yourself mate. He literally only mentioned world war 2 once and you're getting mad over it, grow up 😂

[@Greggs30806]

​@@WobblyRunnerDon't worry about him, I don't understand his beef with your "obsession with WW2" but that's his problem is not yours. Great video btw can't wait for part two 👍

[@WobblyRunner]

😊

[@WobblyRunner]

@Greggs30806 Cheers . Glad you enjoyed it. Next one should be along by Friday :)

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

Touching n Nice of u n mum reminds me of my parents bringing me on trains sad too where hv yrs Gone!!🚂🛤️

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks very much. Plenty of reasons to be thankful for all the great places and experiences growing up :)

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

Thanks Highlighter