Grab a ‘rare’ ‘Growler’ for haulage to aid good causes!

ENTHUSIASTS are being invited to enjoy a day tour of the Midlands behind sought-after traction this autumn – which will have the added benefit of supporting two railway related charities.

Career railwayman Alan Spencer, 74, who is no stranger to organising railtours both in the UK and in Switzerland, is behind the excursion, which is due to run on October 2.

Starting in Derby, the train is booked to run to Kingsbury Junction, then along the Hams Hall arrival line, before heading to Sutton Park and Dudley turnback siding. After a reversal, it will continue to Gloucester via Walsall, Sutton Park, Camp Hill and Bromsgrove.

Following an hour’s break in Gloucester, the train will return to Derby via the Cheltenham High Street loop, the Worcester through siding, the Lickey incline, Camp Hill, Water Orton, Nuneaton and Toton centre, before taking ‘The Old Road’ to Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Traction

Rail Operations Group’s (ROG) Class 37 No. 37510 Orion has been requested to run top and tail with a ROG Class 57. Explaining the choice of traction, Alan told the RM: “I began my railway career at Bromsgove in 1963 on steam – Class 37s were the first diesels we had in late 1964 for banking. I also know there’s a big following for Class 37s. “Apart from perhaps doing a charter in 2011 and a couple of galas, I don’t think No. 37510 has hauled a passenger train since it headed a sleeper service in 1995. It’s a popular loco to get. “Because we’re using Mk.3 stock from ROG, we need another loco to provide electric train heating – hence the Class 57. “The Class 37 will be on the front climbing the Lickey – I couldn’t have it any other way!” Proceeds from the charter will be donated to The Railway Children and The Railway Mission. Adult tickets cost £110 and £65 for children. Catering will be available on board, including Brunswick ales. Email Stuart Smith on smithstuart@btinternet. com for bookings.