Two steam titans will arrive on the Great Central Railway in Nottinghamshire in May. Flying Scotsman will be joined on her visit by new build superstar Tornado. Both are expected to arrive on the line in the middle of May, using the connection from the Midland Main Line. During the two week visit they take turns operating trains along the entire nine miles from Ruddington’s transport heritage centre and appearing on static display.
Andy Fillingham of Great Central Railway (Nottingham) said, “This is going to be an extraordinary moment for the northern section of the GCR. As we revive the line, our visitors will be able to see not one, but two incredible locomotives up close and ride behind them. These couple of weeks are going to be all about showcasing the potential of the line, the main line connection, new and reinvigorated facilities for servicing visiting locomotives and of course, the Reunification project which will bring the northern and southern sections of the GCR back together.”
The event has been organised by Fox and Edwards. Olly Edwards, Director & General Manager of Fox & Edwards Events, said “We’re thrilled to be bringing two LNER-designed locomotives to Great Central Railway, Nottingham. We are already preparing for a fantastic month with lots of visitors.”
The centrepiece event featuring Tornado comes on May 16th and 17th when the locomotive will operate over the full length of GCR(N). A model railway exhibition is taking place during that weekend too. Completing the celebration, Flying Scotsman will be on display with visits to the footplate.
Flying Scotsman will run between May 23rd and 31st with Tornado on display for visitors as an added attraction. Tickets are selling quickly. More details are available here.
A special dinner to raise funds for the Reunification will take place at Ruddington on May 28th with both locomotives on display.
Andy concluded, “We grateful to everyone who has helped make this great meeting of locomotives possible including their owners and operators.”