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Written by Mike Snow - 11 Jan 2005
last update by Jason Cross - 11 Jan 2005
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Location notes
The Great Central Railway is a heritage railway running between Loughborough, to the south, and Leicester, to the north. There is an extensive double track section between Loughborough and Rothley. On top of this the Great Central has now been granted permission to run at 60mph for specific purposes such as testing locomotives and rolling stock.

During events and galas this location can be very popular. Steps will give you height over other photographers and allow more people to use the location.
Railway type and traffic
The railway runs as a steam main line, with the occasional diesel working at the weekends
See the railway’s website for more information.
Environment
Very busy dual carriageway overbridge. Traffic is constant, making this location unsuited to videoing. However, that said, it is possible to go in the field on the Birstall side of the carriageway where you can get away from the traffic.
Road directions
From the M1 Junction 21a:
Take the A46 towards Newark. After approx 3 miles, take the exit for the A6 (signposted Loughborough), and do a complete u-turn on the roundabout and head back west along the A46. After approx 1/4 mile, there is a lay-by where you can park. The location is a further walk of about 300 yards.

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GCR, Thurcaston map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a layby 200yds to the east on South side of dual carriageway.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
GCR, Thurcaston

Googly map
Streetmap links
GCR, Thurcaston general view map
GCR, Thurcaston close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
GCR, Thurcaston



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Photographic notes
Photographs can be taken from the road bridge in both directions. Southbound trains are best at around lunchtime, and northbound trains are good in the late afternoon / early evening. There is also a shot from the field on the Birstall side of the bridge where there is a very nice oak tree that can be used in shots.


General views - All photographs © Mike Snow unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 -


Fig 1 -


Disclaimer
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All information contained within this is site is © Trainspots. The images used on this site remain the property of the original photographer, as credited at the top of the page, and are used with their kind permission.

The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.

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