Major push to get Barnum No.228 back on the rails for the anniversary of the line’s closure some 50 years ago…..
The external varnished Teak finish we are aiming for ~ photo above
“The right Project at the Right time…. “
In the words of Robin Jones, Editor of Heritage Railway following the Appeal launch for £50,000 to enable the GCR ‘Barnum’ 64-seat 1910-built carriage currently under restoration to be back on the rails in time for the 50 years since the line closure in 1965.
“I was honoured to attend a VIP reception held by the Great Central Railway Rolling Stock Trust at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, Ruddington at which a new appeal for funds and volunteer resources was launched with a view to having one of the Group’s three Edwardian classic Barnum coaches restored and running within three years. The group has been the custodian of the trio for a considerable number of years, ensuring that they remain safe from the scrapman. Having successfully completed – to exhibition standard – our 1889 built 6-wheeler No.946, the Barnums time to shine has come.
Carriage No. 228 – an empty carcase as used in the Hull Docks Engineering department
The Barnums are particularly special, in that they have a dedicated local relevance to the GCR main line and its modern-day manifestations. Given this is the centenary of Britain’s railway company’s grouping into the Big Four of January 1, 1923, which marked the next big step in rail travel, the Great Central Railway Rolling Stock Trust is looking to support the restoration of their three ‘Barnums’, both through public donations and local grant aid. Hopefully through skills training and education schemes, we wish to enhance awareness of history on our doorstep.
Original GCR Barnums in Service – An impressive rake we aim to re-create
C/O: J Quick note: original GCR Promo pic, discovered by John Quick – our Archivist.
Our pre-Grouping coaches have survived in second-hand (and third-hand!) use, from engineers’ support vehicles to bungalows and farm buildings and have been retrieved for restoration. These are priceless windows into our past, whether you are a rail fan or not. It is very apt that we progress our restoration efforts. The results will underline how current rail travel expectations have been based on past innovation.
One of the first of the three Barnums, no.228 – a 64-seat Open Tourist Third, is being restored. Whilst from an external view, little appears to have changed yet. However, much of the ‘hidden” elements are now racing ahead. I cannot have been but extremely impressed with the craftsmanship and attention to historical detail that was in evidence or being planned. The methods employed will be used as the blueprint to tackle the other two. Not only will a Barnum train, maybe hauled by Robinson 04 2-8-0 no.63601 after its second heritage-era overhaul, become a byword for preservation excellence and a tourist magnet, but also an invaluable educational resource.
I eagerly look forward to the day I can ride in a Barnum carriage over all those bridges into Loughborough.”
A GCR outline Elevation and Plan – emphasising their ‘clean-cut elegance’ – a hint of the clarity of what later became the ART DECO style.
How can you help?
Only with your support can we be ready for the big GGCR Loughborough Re-connection! Detailed planning, together with associated costs – of materials and where necessary of outside skills – have been identified and in some cases have already been implemented. Given the current financial climate, costs must be rigorously managed and controlled. We have processes on place to achieve those ends. Assistance with regular donations are warmly welcomed! Our planned inaugural day will identify and thank our many supporters.
Choose and sponsor your very own seat!
Join our Barnum Seat Restoration Club and reserve your seat for the Inaugural Day – for £100, or sponsor for £1000, or a pair for £1800, or, go big, a Family of Four for £4000 featuring fully upholstered seating and own table. Your name will be there for all to admire and you will smile through the landscape windows… a unique view of the Greater Great Central.
How you could be travelling in 2025 across the GGCR between Leicester and Nottingham. Edwardian dress optional!
To find out more, visit our donations page.
Recent Comments