Charter Trains

Whether you are an enthusiast photographic group, a real-ale club, railway club or group of enthusiasts with specific interests, a charter train on the GCRN may be just for you.

Our railway comprises 10 miles of former main-line railway that stretches from our base at Ruddinton, south to Loughborough. The line has a "gable profile", with gradients both sides of the summit of the line at "Barnstone" Tunnel. Ruddington features ample parking, and is only 10 minutes south of the centre of Nottingham, just off the A52 and A60 trunk roads and only 20 minutes from the M1 (Jct 24 or 25).

Main Line Charter Services
If you are seeking to run a main line charter service, GCRN offers a viable destination in the East Midlands. Our connection with Network Rail at Loughborough enables services directly from the Midland Main Line. At Ruddington we have full facilities, not only to refresh and entertain passengers, but also to refresh both locomotives and hauled stock including fuelling and watering. During 2006 our new extended and permanent platform should be commissioned, supporting longer train lengths Should you wish to run a charter into GCRN, then please contact us with respect to making your visit the core of a special event at GCRN, providing your passengers with additional entertainment options. Please complete the form below if you would like more information about a charter of this type.

Enthusiasts seeking to charter special trains
With two trains of coaching stock available, we have the ability to cater for those wishing to charter a complete train for a part-day, full day or as a one-off. In 2006, we can offer locomotives from Class 25 D7629, Class 47 47765 and Class 56, 56097 to haul your train. So, if your interest is in a particular class of locomotive, or you are an enthusiast club or society wanting a day out tailored to your specific needs, we can offer a range of options designed to make your charter unique, memorable and enjoyable. Please complete the form below if you would like more information about a charter of this type.

Photographic Charters
GCRN is an ideal location for your photo charter. Our current line occupancy means that the line is available to support a range and variety of charters and flexibility that may not be found elsewhere. We can offer both passenger and freight stock, from both a modern and bygone era. We can even re-create industrial operations with our fleet of small Ruston and Simplex locomotives. We entertain both daytime and night-time charters, and can help support power and flood-lighting requirements and special facilities required to make an evening or night-time charter that bit more special. Included in our collection are both steam and diesel rail cranes, so we are able to offer the prospect of re-creating worksites and special workings as a result of derailment for example.

Our route is abound with photogenic features, including "Barnstone" tunnel, the large viaduct at Stanford on Soar (Loughborough), the windswept Gotham Moor and massive embankments and cuttings (notably East Leake) that were the trademark of the ex-Great Central route. Our on-line photographer's guide gives an overview of the line. Please complete the form below if you would like more information about a charter of this type.

We are also keen to offer visiting locomotives as features of your charter requirements. To see examples of a GCRN freight Charter, click here.

Non-enthusiast charters
Whether you simply would like to organise an event with a difference or a day out for a club or society, we can offer special trains configured to meet your needs, including catering options. So, whether you are a real ale club looking for a meet with a difference for a summer evening, or a company looking to put-on a corporate event with a difference, please contact us with your requirements. Please complete the form below if you would like more information about a charter of this type.

Costs
Detailed costings will be subject to your requirements. As the locomotives, degree of track access and services or facilities required change the financial model, please contact us with your requirements so that we may begin to price your charter.

If you would like further information, please email: info@gcrn.co.uk