INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR

RCD’s Overview

[Note this railway has not operated trains for some period of time, but remains listed as there are realistic prospects of services re-commencing in the future]

The Great Central Railway (Nottingham) (‘GCRN’) operates a transport centre and a heritage railway based at Ruddington, five miles south of Nottingham. The trackbed of the railway extends nearly 10 miles from Ruddington (50 Steps Bridge) to a point close to the former junction with the Midland main line at Loughborough, the freehold of which is owned by East Midlands Railway Trust (‘EMRT’). Formerly distinct organisations, in early 2023 changes were implemented to facilitate a majority shareholding by EMRT in GCRN which has facilitated significant capitalisation of GCRN. The extent of services on the heritage line had been curtailed to operate over only 3 miles from its base at Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt, as poor condition of the line further south prevented continuing traffic. However no trains currently operate even on this section. It is hoped that the recent changes will facilitate the re-introduction of heritage railway services from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt and beyond as soon as possible, as well as freight services which had until recently operated over a significant part the line. There are realistic plans to link with the heritage line with its larger neighbour at Loughborough to create an 18-mile railway. The Transport Heritage Centre at the Ruddington site is also home to a miniature railway, a model railway, and a regular display of a collection of historic buses.

The support group is the 'LNER (GC) Heritage Trust' (see 'Information on the Suport Group' below).

Happening This Month on the Railway

• Go to 'Homepage' and click into 'Railway Club Calendar'

Key Facts (where and when)

Extent of Railway (where to where):

In the recent past, trains have run from Ruddington Fields station to Rushcliffe Halt

Principal Visitor Centre:

Ruddington Fields Station (NG11 6JS)

Period of Operation*

- No services running at present

- Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is open on weekends throughout the year

Key Facts (what you’ll see)

Services usually steam or diesel?

None at present

Type of Steam / Diesel Locomotives Used:

N/A

Length of Line:

3 miles in operation in recent past (10 miles in ownership of EMRT)

Number of Stations:

2 stations (no trains currently serving)

Prices:

Not currently advertised                                                                    

Time to allow for Visit:

1 hour

Museum:

Yes, the Transport Heritage Centre at Ruddington Fields station site

Shop/Cafe:

Yes/Yes

Picnic/Play areas:

Yes

Preservation Established:

1989

Car Park Facilities:

At Ruddington Fields station

Key Facts (Galas/Events/Dining)

Dining Trains:

- None currently advertised                                                                               

Event Trains:

- None currently advertised                                                           

Principal Galas:

- None currently advertised

Contacts

Email:                                                                  Use website contact box www.gcrn.co.uk/contact/visitor_enquiry

Website:                                                             www.gcrn.co.uk

Social Media:                                                   On Twitter @GCRNottingham

INFORMATION FOR THE ENTHUSIAST

Brief History of the Railway and its Preservation  

When the section of the Great Central Railway between Nottingham, Leicester and Rugby closed in 1969, a section between Loughborough and Ruddington (5 miles south of Nottingham) remained open to serve Ruddington Ministry of Defence depot and also gypsum traffic to East Leake. When the MoD depot at Ruddington was closed, just over 2.5 miles of track from Ruddington to East Leake became available, and it was thought the whole section to Loughborough may become available if British Gypsum ceased to use its East Leake facility. The GCR Northern Development Association was formed with the aim of reconnecting the then two GCR sections of railway once again. Nottinghamshire County Council stepped in and bought the entire MoD site with the intent of creating a Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre to encompass all forms of local transport including railways. The Council then agreed to lease 12 acres of the site to the GCR Northern Development Association for re-creation of a railway site. The freight operation from Loughborough Jct to East Leake in fact continued, however following privatisation Network Rail became willing to sell the line provided that continuing freight use to East Leake would be facilitated by it. The freehold of the line was ultimately sold to EMRT subject to these conditions, and railway operation rights were granted to GCRN. In recent times concerns as to the condition of railway infrastructure, under the maintenance obligations of the GCRN, had curtailed its operations to about 3 miles of railway from Ruddington Fields to Rushcliffe Halt. Organisational changes between EMRT and GCRN implemented in early 2023 were designed in part to improve such infrastructure and to facilitate the re-instatement of former heritage and freight operations over the railway.

Principal Aspiration

To reintroduce heritage railway services, with regular operations over the full extent of the railway, and ultimately to ‘bridge the gap’ and link with the Great Central Railway PLC.

Diesel Locomotives:

(1) BR Class 03 03113

(2) BR Class 08 - 08784

(3) BR Class 08 - 08220

(4) BR Class 20 - 20154

(5) BR Class 31 - 31210

(5) BR Class 37 - 37009

INFORMATION ON THE SUPPORT GROUP

Name of Support Group:

LNER (GC) Heritage Trust

Annual membership fee:

Adult: £20. Senior: £18 Junior £10. Family: £35

How to Join:                                                      Go to https://lnergctrust.org/membership

What They Say About Volunteering:

You don't have to be a railway professional to be part of it.  Our team is made up of all sorts of people, each with a pair of boots and the enthusiasm to build something remarkable. Volunteering with us is straightforward and flexible, with small teams that make room for individuals. You can learn new skills, and apply old ones across a wide range of disciplines. As well as being a great hobby, our work gives something back to the community through free events, opportunities, and enhancing the local area.

How to Volunteer:                                               Go to www.gcrn.co.uk/volunteering

How to Donate:                                                    Via the support group at www.lnergctrust.org/campaigns

WHY JOIN:  Help the railway reintroduce its heritage services, and ultimately extend to East Leake and ‘bridge the gap’ to Loughborough

INFORMATION ON OTHER SOCIETIES WITH RELATED INTEREST

Those interested in this railway may also be interested in the following railway societies also listed on this

website:

Traditional Railway Societies:

- Great Central Railway Society

- Leicester Railway Society

Model Railway Clubs:

- Nottingham Model Railway Society

- Bingham Model Railway Club