'Snowdrift Film Star's Spirited Departure' from Rothley - 2.5.2021
10.50am on Sunday 2nd May 2021, sees BR Standard Class 2MT
2-6-0 No 78018 make a 'Spirited Departure' from Rothley, Great Central Railway (GCR), Leicestershire on the return journey of the Quorn to Quorn service, following GCR's resumption of weekend passenger services after the recent easing of COVID restrictions.
The train had early stopped at Rothley Station to return the single line token. Passengers neither boarded or alighted from the train.
Built in 1954, this engine when based at Kirkby Stephen working trains from Tebay to Barnard Castle on the Stainmore Railway, became famous by getting stuck in a snow drift during February 1955, which resulted in the film 'Snowdrift at Bleath Gill'
Thereafter it was transferred to various other depots before its withdrawal on 12th November 1966 after only 12 years. In November 1978 it was rescued from Barry Scrapyard before being sold to its present owners the Darlington Railway Preservation Society in 1981. After undergoing substantial and loving restoration it made a welcome return to service during GCR's 2016 Autumn Gala.
Recently the engine has received a nameplate - Borough of Darlington - which only appears on this side - due to lack of available space on its other side.
'Snowdrift Film Star's Spirited Departure' from Rothley - 2.5.2021
10.50am on Sunday 2nd May 2021, sees BR Standard Class 2MT
2-6-0 No 78018 make a 'Spirited Departure' from Rothley, Great Central Railway (GCR), Leicestershire on the return journey of the Quorn to Quorn service, following GCR's resumption of weekend passenger services after the recent easing of COVID restrictions.
The train had early stopped at Rothley Station to return the single line token. Passengers neither boarded or alighted from the train.
Built in 1954, this engine when based at Kirkby Stephen working trains from Tebay to Barnard Castle on the Stainmore Railway, became famous by getting stuck in a snow drift during February 1955, which resulted in the film 'Snowdrift at Bleath Gill'
Thereafter it was transferred to various other depots before its withdrawal on 12th November 1966 after only 12 years. In November 1978 it was rescued from Barry Scrapyard before being sold to its present owners the Darlington Railway Preservation Society in 1981. After undergoing substantial and loving restoration it made a welcome return to service during GCR's 2016 Autumn Gala.
Recently the engine has received a nameplate - Borough of Darlington - which only appears on this side - due to lack of available space on its other side.