The Great Central Railway has the ideal antidote to the January blues when it will have three very-special guest steam locomotives running during its much-anticipated Winter Steam Gala.

Running from Sunday, 23rd to Sunday, 26th January 2025, the Winter Steam Gala is one of the UK’s biggest railway shows.

The three guest locomotives are all of Great Western Rail origin, and Collett 0-6-0 tank No. 6995, visiting from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, heavy freight 2-8-0 No. 3850, from the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway, and new-build Grange Class replica No. 6880, Betton Grange.

6880 Betton Grange holds the distinction of being the youngest operational GWR steam engine in the country, as it was only completed earlier this year, and this will be its first appearance at a Great Central gala.

None of the original 80 Grange Class locomotives survived after they were withdrawn by British Railways, but Betton Grange has risen like a phoenix after being funded and built by dedicated enthusiasts, nearly 90 years after the first Grange Class locomotive was built at the Swindon works of the Great Western Railway.

With passenger and freight trains running all day and a special twilight train service, there will be plenty to delight enthusiasts and families alike.

Up to eight locomotives will be in steam during the weekend, with some of the Great Central Railway’s home fleet joining the guest visitors.

To complement the exciting lineup of locomotives, there will be action-packed timetables and a spectacular display of heritage railway action on the Great Central Railway’s unique award-winning double-track line.

Frequent services will operate from all the railway’s heritage stations, and with displays and, like all the railway’s gala attractions, the weekend offers an ideal escape for both railway enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy a unique experience.

Tickets for the January 2025 Steam Gala can be purchased at www.gcrailway.co.uk

During the last few months, Betton Grange has been hauling trains on the North Norfolk Railway.

“What a way to start the year! Three large guest locomotives all representing different eras of the Great Western Railway plus our handsome home fleet. We hope to welcome thousands of people to Leicestershire over the four day event providing a real boost to the local economy. Thank you to all the railways and locomotive owning groups who have allowed us to put together a once in a lifetime lineup.”

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway