My GCR Diesel Driving Experience With 37714: (From 2017 but previously kept unlisted):

Something a little different............ Although now a little dated too as previously unlisted & only shared with friends & family.
Heavily edited (but still quite long lol) footage of my most enjoyable day at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire (UK). Where thanks to the generosity of my wife, I was able to step back in time to my long ago BR days and take the controls of this excellent Class 37 (I prefer EE Type 3 however) for two full trips to and from Leicester North under the expert guidance of Michael Cort my Driver/Instructor for the morning.
Thanks also to our Host Fred who apart from our 'educational' visit to Loco Shed & Signal Box, it was a pleasure to reminisce with him of our BR Footplate days...... happy memories indeed!!

[@paulus842000]

I used to see this 37 go blasting through caerphilly station at the end of the 80s when I was 14 years old. ♥️

[@robmasterman]

What a fantastic treat for you and Valerie Brian, you looked very much at home there, and an experience you'll enjoy for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing this experience, and yes, I'm extremely jealous...Best wishes to you and Sylvia, she did an excellent job on the camera, without her there would be no record of this special day.

[@SYKAROST]

Many thanks & glad you enjoyed 'my experience' Bob. However my wife Sylvia is asking who is this Valerie who gets the credit lol. Yes it was very kind of them to let her share my day as usually guests ride in train but not much fun on your own. I'd never driven a 37 in my BR days as more a Brush/Sulzer man, didn't need too much instruction though. I suggested to the crew that they went to pub & we took the second trip alone but Sylvia didn't fancy the coupling at Leicester. Don't be jelous Bob, talk Mrs M into treating you sometime. Best wishes, Brian.

[@robmasterman]

Oh Dear Bryan, another one of those damn Senior moments, please pass on my sincere apologies to Sylvia...Regards...Bob

[@SYKAROST]

Haha, no worries Bob, she was quite amused actually and has been called much worse names ...... Cheers, BRIAN lol.

[@robmasterman]

Phew, thank goodness for that Brian...Regards...Bob

[@staffordian]

A cracking video Brian, and I guess it's a day you will long remember. Cheers, Rob

[@SYKAROST]

Thanks Rob, although I cannot take any credit for the onboard shots It was an interesting and much appreciated day indeed. My preference would have been D123 which I'd driven many times in mid 60's when us 'kids' were let loose on expresses but it was out of service as was the 47. The 33 was booked but no available trained crew so had to take the more photogenic 37. Will have to do it again sometime lol. Cheers, Brian.

[@domself9611]

I've just found your video,it looks absolutely brilliant! I'm 50 next year, this is something I'd love to do!!

[@SYKAROST]

Dom, the only deciding factor is the depth of your wallet..... or maybe a family whip round for your 50th. All railways do this, just depends on what traction you fancy & how long you want it to last. Just go for it, you won't regret it. Glad you enjoyed the video. Best Wishes, Brian.

[@Parsound]

Right away Marylebone Brian! Looks a piece of cake compared with steam, even time for a kip.Obviously a happy man, well done. Regards Alan

[@SYKAROST]

Yes Alan, it's quite easy when you know how lol. It was very enjoyable & thanks for looking, Regards, Brian.

[@antman09ful1]

Yes great footage which I have enjoyed Brian, it seams like you are doing more than 25 mph, I bet you enjoyed it more than when you did it for a job. Regards Mike.

[@SYKAROST]

Cheers Mike, at least you know the feeling too lol. As the line is fit for higher speed testing I was allowed 40. TBH Mike I didn't need a lot of instruction once I'd shaken off the 'rust' and it was enjoyable but no comparison with a 'Peak' or 47 at 80 back in the day!! I was just pleased that Sylvia was able to share the day and take the footage even if at times the GCR appeared as steep as the Lickey Incline!! Regards, Brian.

[@DamiensTrainsandTravels]

Really nice I drove Class 31206 at Rushden, lovely day but not as long as this line. My brother Adam like's class 37s, would love to do this on GCR. Thanks for sharing

[@SYKAROST]

Thankyou, glad you enjoyed it..... I was just recreating my past from when I worked on first generation diesels in BR days. Adam had best start saving then and I hope he achieves it one day. Cheers, Brian.

[@DamiensTrainsandTravels]

@@SYKAROST Well I was on about me doing it on GCR but sure Adam would too. Damien

[@SYKAROST]

@@DamiensTrainsandTravels Sorry, I misunderstood........ You had both better start saving then, good luck.

[@ivantomlinson3300]

I like, brush type twos loved too have a dri e

[@aaronwright1749]

Enjoyed the video i'm going to do it once locldown is over on a class 50 looked like it was a very nice experience

[@SYKAROST]

Thanks Aaron, well worth it and helps the railway out too. Hope you don't have to wait too long.

[@aaronwright1749]

@@SYKAROST Hello SYKAROST thanks for your response and i hope it wont be to long. It looked like you really enjoyed it in the video as im thinking of doing the notch 3 one.

[@SYKAROST]

​@@aaronwright1749 I did but am not entirely new to the driving seat (many years ago on the main line) so it was a trip down memory lane for me. I don't know anyone who has not enjoyed the experience so I'm sure you will have a great day when it comes.

[@aaronwright1749]

@@SYKAROST Thanks SYKAROST and lucky you bet it was nice to get in the drivers seat again after all that time. I bet after a short time you felt right at home. I'm looking forward too doing at as havent been on a footplate for over 5 plus years

[@ivantomlinson3300]

How much does it cost I like brush type twos

[@ivantomlinson3300]

Does aws work on creat central

[@georgetrains46]

It's expensive but I'm guessing it was worth the money

[@SYKAROST]

I was a fireman/2nd Man in the 60's and this was a birthday treat from my late wife to relive the memories. You can save a lot by doing it on the smaller railways but well worth it.