First steam move was Robinson O4 that was photographed approaching Quorn station.

Stanier 8F 48305 was running as sister loco 48773. It is seen running light engine towards Quorn in order to pick up the rake of windcutter wagons from the sidings.

The 9.15 passenger train was hauled by Britannia Class 4-6-2 no 70013 Oliver Cromwell. The rear carriage was the Beavertail Observation Car.

48305 (as 48773) departs Quorn with the windcutter set heading towards Loughborough.

No sooner had 48305 disappeared then the Standard 2 no. 78019 passed with a mixed freight train.

30777 Sir Lamiel hurries towards Quorn with the 10am from Loughborough

63601 is seen returning from Rothley Brook with the mixed freight

The star guest loco LNER Q6 no 63395 passes with a typical train of coal wagons.

63601 passes with the mixed freight

Back at Quorn and 78019 departs the station with the windcutter train.

The stage was set at Quorn station and the crowds were gathering for the first TPO (Travelling Post Office) run.

Britannia Class no 70013 Oliver Cromwell made a simply awesome sight and sound as it accelerates towards Quorn with the TPO.

After a drive to Kinchley lane and after Mike battled his way through the masses of parked cars we see 78019 passing with the 11.30 from Loughborough

The next train from Leicester North was the 11.30am hauled by Stanier 8F no. 48305. I'd be interested to know what the wreath and 1Z74 indicate. Was it to commemorate one of the final runs by 48773 back in 1968? Having just taken a look at the Stanier 8F Loc Society website I can see that 48773 hauled the LCGB 'Farewell to Steam' railtour on 4th August 1968. In fact the background image on their website from 1968 is almost identical to my photo....

Back at Kinchley Lane and 63395 passes with the windcutter set and thankfully the wind wasn't too strong to spoil the shot.

30777 Sir Lamiel passes Rabbit Bridge towards Swithland with the 12.15pm from Loughborough

I've included this shot of Cromwell simply to display the fact that the nameplate had been removed from this side of the loco to reveal the handpainted version from 1968.

48305 (as 48773) heads the mixed freight towards Swithland viaduct

Back at Kinchley Lane bridge Britannia Class loco no 70013 Oliver Cromwell hauls the 1pm from Loughborough

A crop zoom shot to show the historic hand painted name on the smoke deflectors.

The crowds at Kinchley lane were enormous with cars parked everywhere.

Back at Woodthorpe 48773 brings the parcels train back from Rothley Brook.

John Kennedy's GWR Prairie tank loco no 4141 has been well cleaned up in this shot as it hauls the 1.35 from Loughborough on the approach to Woodthorpe bridge

63395 passes Woodthorpe caravan park with the 1.50 freight.

King Arthur 4-6-0 no 30777 Sir Lamiel at Woodthorpe with the 2.15 from Loughborough

Standard 2 no 78019 brings the parcels train under the A6 bridge as it exits Loughborough.

48773 takes the mixed freight at the A6 bridge

70013 Oliver Cromwell approaches the A6 bridge with the 3pm from Loughborough with Driver Richard Todd keeping a lookout.

Brian Burrows and I risked a lot for this shot. With an easterly wind the smoke could have ruined the shot but we both appear to have succeeded in capturing the Robinson O4 no 63601 at Woodthorpe. Checkout Brians version via the links.

Back at Quorn now and 48773 brings the mineral wagons back from Rothley Brook. They were then to be shunted into the adjacent siding. I decided to make my escape and cross the tracks.

A close up of 48773 with the yellow stripe applied as in the last few years of its mainline use in the 60's to identify that it was banned from travelling under the wires south of Crewe. The star (I think) indicates that the wheels have been balanced for higher speed passenger work. I'm sure somebody will tell me if I'm wrong.

This is what i feared would happen if I'd stayed put. As 63395 departed Quorn with the 3.45 - its ONLY passenger working of the day - the shunter brings the 8F back into the sidings with the mineral wagons and effectively spoiled the shot for quite a few photographers.

63395 gets away from Quorn with a flourish and provided an excellent example of its passenger hauling capabilities.

Meanwhile the windcutter set has been put to bd in the sidings.

A portrait of 48773.

Another study of 48773 at Quorn while the loco awaits its return to Loughborough.

70013 Oliver Cromwell departs Quorn with Richard Todd again keeping a lookout.

The early evening TPO run on the approach to Quorn hauled by 30777 Sir Lamiel.

48773 now passes light engine en route to Loughborough.

78019 departs Quorn with the 4.30 from Loughborough

Meanwhile at Quorn Mike insisted on me taking a shot of Thomas. He wouldn't pose for me though!

Back at Loughborough and 63395 is seen in company with the Beavertail observation carriage

Serious progress has been achieved in the sheds at loughborough in the fitting of the new side tanks to Fairburn tank loco no 42085.

42085 alongside 63395 at Loughborough.

A diesel makes a move at the steam gala and brings 4141 into the shed.

GWR Prairie tank loco no 4141

Disposal duties underway with the char being removed from the smokebox.

A general view inside the shed with 4141, 42085, 63395, 45305 and N2 no 69523

Britannia Pacific 4-6-2 70013 Oliver Cromwell stands at Loughborough and awaits departure with the evening dining train