'UK's youngest' steam locomotive set to debut at Great Central Railway

Dylan Hayward

13 November 2024 at 10:15 am·2-min read

The 'youngest steam engine in the country', Great Western ‘Grange’ Class Number 6880 — -Credit: (Image: James Johnson)

Railway enthusiasts are in for a winter treat as Great Central Railway (GCR) has announced two major events. A 'special' gala this weekend will round off 2024's events before the heritage line welcomes what it describes as Britain's newest steam locomotive in the New Year.

'The Last Hurrah' gala will run this Saturday (November 16) and Sunday (November 17), with steam and diesel locomotives taking to the tracks throughout the weekend. The railway's 'Iris' Derby Lightweight Single Railcar will also operate during the two-day event, alongside a mix of heritage steam and diesel traction.

Free heritage transport adds to the event's attractions. A shuttle bus will connect Loughborough Midland station with Loughborough Central, while heritage bus tours will depart Quorn station at 12.45pm and 2.15pm on Saturday only.

The British Railways Class 2 2-6-0 No. 78019 will operate this weekend -Credit:John Smith

The 'Last Hurrah' event will also feature British Railways Class 2 locomotives No. 78018 and 78019, BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0 No. 73156 and GWR Modified Hall 4-6-0 No. 6990 'Witherslack Hall'. Special freight operations include vans trains and tanks trains throughout the weekend.

The second event welcomes 2025 in style at the GCR as it hosts its Winter Steam Gala. Running from Thursday, January 23 to Sunday, January 26, it will feature what general manager Malcolm Holmes describes as "the youngest steam engine in the country."

Great Western 'Grange' Class Number 6880 'Betton Grange', which was completed in 2024, will make its first appearance at the railway. This locomotive represents the first of its class built since 1936, as all 80 original 'Grange' locomotives were scrapped in the 1960s.

Mr Holmes said: "After a fantastic year of events, it's wonderful to be wrapping up the gala season with The Last Hurrah – a true celebration of steam power. The fact that we are also able to kick off 2025 by welcoming Betton Grange to the railway, is incredibly exciting."

More information, including event timetables and ticket information can be found on the Great Central Railway website.

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