Super Sprinter railcars to feature at Leicestershire gala

Among the attractions announced by the Great Central Railway for its Spring Diesel Gala at the end of April are the recently-arrived British Rail Class 153 Super Sprinter single-coach railcars.

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The Class 153s, numbers 153308 and 153371, are the latest additions to the railway's training and testing department.

Other locomotives appearing include:

British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotive No. 31108, built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962.
Deltic No. 55009 Alycidon, which is owned by the Deltic Preservation Society and has featured at numerous heritage railways in the last 40 years, and on the main line since 2012
Class 37 Nos. D6700 built by English Electric in 1961, and 37714, built in 1961.
Class 33 No. D6535, built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company in 1960.
Class 50 No. 50017 Royal Oak, built by English Electric in 1968.
BR Derby Lightweight Railcar Iris.

Deltic No. 55009 *Alycidon*. // Credit: Great Central Railway

An intensive timetable is planned for all three days of the Gala, which will be held from Friday, 26 to Sunday, 28 April.

There will be three different trains operating along the full line to Leicester, local services to Rothley via Rothley Brook.

A variety of locomotives will make full use of the double-track line.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, passengers can enjoy hot food, although that must be ordered in advance.

Sunday excursions to Mountsorrel

An added attraction on Sunday, will be excursions along the branch line to Mountsorrel.

Heavy Tractor Group's class 37 37714 *Cardiff Canton* on the Great Central Railway // Credit: Mat Yardley

When trains arrive at Leicester North, there will be a chance for guests to have a photograph taken in the cab of their favourite Diesel Loco.

Another attraction for the weekend will be the chance to drive a Class 08 shunter

At Loughborough there will be trade stands from the HTTG Group, Deltic Preservation Society, and the 5305 group.

Derby Lightweight *Iris* // Credit: Great Central Railway

Throughout the weekend, the Griddle Car, which will operate in the set marked ‘A' on the timetable, will serve delicious meals, including a famous Great Central Breakfast every morning.

A Lounge Car will be included in the set marked ‘B' on the timetable, which will have a selection of real ales, ciders, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, as well as cold food and snacks

The Refreshment Room as Loughborough Station, Butler Henderson Cafe at Quorn, and the Ellis Tearoom at Rothley will all be open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

At Loughborough Central, a selection of ales from local breweries will be served in the bar located in the End Waiting Room, and farm bred burgers from Woodhouse Farm will be available on the BBQ on the platform.

Further information about the Spring Diesel Gala can be found by clicking here to visit the Great Central Railway website.