The inaugural train was formed of a rake of eight carriages, formed (from the front) of three "blood and custard" liveried coaches, four green liveried coaches, and a special rear coach. This rear coach was a restored LNER beavertail observation car. This train departed at 10.15 am from Quorn and Woodhouse station, and ran non-stop to Leicester North station, back to Loughborough, and then to Quorn. Five trains in all ran on this first day, with all special services being restricted to those involved with the Trust, with "Tornado" running around in a non-platform passing loop at Loughborough Central. On this day, 1,000–2,000 covenantors, donors and guests travelled on the service.