Loose_Grip/Pete's photos with the keyword: 2-8-0

On the first day of the 2025 Winter Gala I had a morning turn on visiting engine GWR 2884 Class 2-8-0 3850. I was checking the water level in the tender when this view presented itself. The original GWR 2-8-0s introduced in 1908 had a typically Edwardian small cab roof but even this 1940s update is hardly less Spartan especially when running backwards in the rain! Fences are maybe not the main interest here but HFF to everyone. Enjoy the weekend ahead.

Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305 taken from Bridge 345 at Kinchley Lane showing the footpath that runs down alongside the railway and then bends right towards Quorn. This is part of a pleasant circular walk through the Leicestershire countryside from Quorn & Woodhouse station. HFF to everyone. Have a great weekend.

Trains pass on the Quorn straight. We are on LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305 heading for Loughborough while BR Standard 2 2-6-0 78019 is on the Up line heading south. It had been misty in the morning but by our second trip it had cleared to reveal another grey day.

Steam is back on the GCR again and Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305 was running on this day. We were heading for Thurcaston embankment to clear up the undergrowth cut over the last two Wednesdays when it passed on the 09.20 from Loughborough. HFF to everyone & have a great weekend. A couple of fences to choose from this time.

Great Western 2884 Class 2-8-0 3802 passes the water tank at the north end of the platform at Loughborough. You may have realised that most of my fence pics have a steam engine in view.... HFF and have a safe & peaceful weekend.

By the light of the silvery moon... After our one trip and dispose afternoon turn we have put Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305 to bed on shed at Loughborough alongside 9F 92214.

We have run round, coupled up and now Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305 stands at the north end of Leicester North station prior to working back to Loughborough. The 15.00 was our only trip but, as always, it was very enjoyable

Back on the Great Central and two trains passing. British Railways 9F 2-10-0 92214 on the left is actually stationary behind the red Outer Home while visiting ex-Somerset & Dorset Railway 7F 2-8-0 53808 enters the section to Quorn & Woodhouse with a passenger train.

Fortunately a warming fire had been lit the night before so 8F 2-8-0 48624 was not stone cold although it had no pressure on the boiler. After checking round firebox and smokebox to make sure all was well, a layer of coal, a load of wood and a pile of parafin-soaked rags later saw me light her up at about 06.15.

Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48624 in the rain at Loughborough GCR.

We are running round our stock on LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48624 prior to taking the 16.15 train to Leicester North.

LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48624 waiting to depart on the 14.15 train to Leicester North.

Cleaning the frames of Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48624

Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48624 cosmetically weathered on shed at Loughborough

Great Western green and LMS black inside the GCR works.

A Sunday afternoon visit to the loco shed a week before the end of steam. Not that I knew that at the time. Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48745 by the coaling conveyor belt was withdrawn when the shed closed.

Bolton steam shed, Stanier 8F 48652, 8th June 1968. The engine is fitted with a small buffer beam snow plough. Two Drewry diesel shunters including D2234 alongside. The signals on the far left are on the Manchester to Bolton line.

Carnforth station & Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48151 prepares to depart with a steam special for the Cumbrian Coast on 21st April 2001, The classic b/w 1940s film Brief Encounter was based on a chance meeting in the refreshment room on Carnforth station & filming took place there. After many years of neglect this has reopened as a tea room not surprisingly called Brief Encounter.