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THE TANKS STRIKE BACK AT THE GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY
Posted on 09/04/09
newsdesk
After the year of the Express Engines at the Great Central Railway its time for the tanks to strike back! The award winning heritage line is staging a line up of smaller engines on its rails over Easter.
Two tank engines are visiting - one from Norfolk, the other from Yorkshire. Neither have been to the railway before so enthusiasts are in for a treat. Meanwhile, a stalwart of GCR services in recent years, a Great Western tank engine is retiring from active duty and will make its last appearances over Easter.
The line is also encouraging families to get out and about in the Leicestershire countryside with a walking festival. There are eight walks to choose from. Each has a short quiz to enjoy as part of the walk, to test knowledge and observational skills. There are first class restaurant car tickets up for grabs for one lucky family.
"Weve genuinely got something for everyone this weekend, said commercial manager Alan Brassey. "With walks from Loughborough, Quorn and Rothley stations, there is no excuse for not getting out into the county with the family. Walk one way and our tank engines will take you home again. Anyone completing a walk even gets complimentary refreshments from our tea rooms.
The walking festival runs from Good Friday to Easter Tuesday inclusive.
Full details about the treasure hunt walks and the tank engine gala are on the Great Central Railway website. A special intensive train timetable is in operation for Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
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Voted number 12 on the list of the 50 greatest railway journeys in the world the Great Central Railway is the UKs only double track, main line heritage railway. Its the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other just as it was when steam ruled the rails. The preserved railway has been operating for over 36 years, and is manned by around 700 volunteers and a small team of permanent staff. Preservation of this section of the Great Central Railway began in 1969. The route was originally part of a main line from Sheffield to London. The 8 mile preserved section between Loughborough and Leicester is fully operational and the 4 stations reflect a different period of the railways110 year history.
Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and daily in the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide 4 or 6 course meals, whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester or childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Train Experience. We also run a number of family events, including Days Out with Thomas the Tank Engine, Bonfire Night and Santa Specials.
The railway has won a number of awards including independent railway of the year, and a gold award for the East Midlands best visitor experience and is a quality assured visitor attraction as designated by Enjoy England.
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