Tornado is visiting the Great Central Railway and, by popular demand, will be operating one further weekend before moving away from Ruddington!
Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Without them, the trains don't run, the stations don't open, and the heritage we love doesn't get preserved. Could you be part of the team?
Get in TouchGreat Central Railway Nottingham is a volunteer-powered heritage railway. Every running day — every steam locomotive in steam, every station that opens its doors, every carriage that's been restored and maintained — is made possible by people who give their time freely because they love what this railway stands for.
Whether you've got a passion for railways, a skill you'd like to share, or simply want to do something rewarding with your free time, there's a place for you here. We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, with any level of experience.
You don't need to know anything about railways to get started — we'll train you, support you, and introduce you to a community of people who'll become great friends.
There's far more to running a heritage railway than driving the trains. Here are just some of the areas where volunteers make a difference at GCRN — and if you have a skill or interest that isn't listed, we'd still love to hear from you.
All volunteers join as members of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line (FoGCML), giving you access to member benefits across both GCRN and GCR Loughborough. After qualifying, you'll become a Working Friend with even more perks.
Working Friends enjoy free travel on our standard passenger services throughout the year — a great way to experience the railway from a different perspective on your days off.
Tea, coffee and discounts on food are on us while you're volunteering. It's a small thing, but it makes a long day on the railway a lot more comfortable.
Enjoy discounts on dining trains, driver experiences and other special events as part of your Friends membership — great if you want to treat family or friends to something special.
If you're interested in volunteering at GCRN, the best first step is to get in touch. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're interested in, and we'll take it from there.
There's no obligation and no experience necessary — just a willingness to get stuck in and be part of something genuinely special.
