NOTE: Do not be put of by the length of this video, treat it like a free DVD, put your feet up with a glass of something............ and enjoy the ride!!

The first day (Friday) of the GCR Winter Steam Gala & an opportunity that I could not decline. An early start & somewhat difficult journey got me to Loughborough just in time for the early departures which are featured in my previous video.
   • The 2015 GCR Winter Steam Gala - Loco...  

This was the precursor to the main event which was to join my friend Alan & his Fireman Granville for a most enjoyable (& fully authorised) afternoon on the footplate of the now suitably authentic liveried Stanier 8F. Whilst opinion is divided, in my opinion (& perhaps that of a good many of my generation!!)this IS an 8F in all it's solid, reliable hard working glory........ But not for long so enjoy the sight while you can.

Here is a rough guide to proceedings hence no explanatory subtitles on video:
Having taken over the Loco at 12.33 & following the run round we then depart Loughborough at 13.15 for Rothley Brook where 46521 attaches at the rear for the return working. Later 70013 brings the 'Windcutter' mineral wagons to Rothley where we attach & return to Loughborough (down loop).After taking water we run round & later depart with minerals to Rothley where 46521 takes them from us back to the down layby at Quorn, we follow Light Engine & 46521 attaches to us for the return to shed at Loughborough the working day over.... well almost!! With the days visitors heading off home & night falling those Loco's have to be 'put to bed' & in 48624's case yet another lick of water based muck to ensure she looks filthy again on her next turn of duty.

My sincere thanks to Alan & Granville for allowing me to share their 'work space' & for permitting me to share 'them' publicly and to the GCR for authorising it together with this event itself which is always looked forward to after the Christmas lull in activity.

To those 'linesider's' on Friday, my apologies if my presence on 48624 during the above runs was detrimental to your photo's/video's but it's quite fun filming you guy's & not being able to hear a single camera shutter on my video.If you look carefully you may just spot yourself so feel free to use the 'snipping tool' for a 'selfie'!! lol.

If you enjoyed this footplate ride, check out this one which has been enjoyed by over 33000 viewers....
   • GCR (46521)'Take A Ride on The Footpl...