VolkerRail training exercise straightens out Great Central Mainline in Nottinghamshire
Long sections of the former Great Central Main Line in Nottinghamshire have been tamped in a training exercise.
The nine mile heritage line which is once again connected to the Midland Main Line at Loughborough is preparing to reopen for passenger trains.
In early September trains returned to the branch line connecting the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre to the main line. Following work to repair Bridge 302A, approximately halfway between Ruddington and the small station Rushcliffe Halt, our Beaver plain line tamper was able to travel over the whole route.
Andy Fillingham of Great Central Railway (Nottingham) said: "VolkerRail needed a location to train some tamper operators and we had a line which needed some fettling. It was a win win situation and we’d like to thank the team who spent three days in September, working over several long stretches of the main line towards Loughborough.
"It’s a real boost as we prepare to run our first passenger trains over the main line in a number of years. It’s another step in the revival of the northern section of the GCR, as we prepare to reconnect to the Leicestershire section of the line.”
A test train has now been run as far as Rushcliffe Halt.
Mark Jackson, plant director at VolkerRail said: “Sometimes we’re able to enjoy opportunities for genuine mutual benefit and this is a great example. We’re currently introducing a third Beaver tamper to the UK, so building our team of competent operators is a current focus area.
"With some exceptional teamwork and positive communication, we were able to coordinate VolkerRail’s requirement for practical training with the track quality improvement that the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) have been planning. Many thanks to everyone from each team that has helped to make this happen.”
A diesel multiple unit service is expected to run between the Nottingham Transport Heritage Station and Rushcliffe Halt as part of a family Christmas event. Plans are in hand for steam services to follow in due course.
