SteamingNorth.com ... (Click on a picture to open that album and then on a picture to enlarge it...........Pictures copyright of Author

16/04/2016 - Small Engines Weekend on the East Lancashire Railway and always a variety of traction employed on this Gala.
Steam included 0-6-0 "Beatrice" from the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway.
L & Y 0-6-0 12322
MSC No32 Gothenberg
Diesels / Electrics - Class 73 -73001
Clayton Class 17`s - D9531 "Ernest" & D9537 "Eric" failed on saturday
MSC Shunter - 4002 * failed on saturday
03 Shunters D2084 & D2062
08 Shunter 08721
09 Shunter 09024
A very interesting event and something different to photograph. Just two gripps - cancellation of the 11.45 shuttle with MSC 4002 which failed and the Clayton double header didnt happen with a failure of D9537. Other than that, I had a lovely day out and went home just before the heavy hail showers mid afternoon cold but happy.
17/04/2016 - Returned to Burrs country park for an hour hoping to see the Clayton double header and MSC4002 but found out about the failures then left for the Ribble Steam Railway Gala for their final runnings (- see notable workings)

22 files, last one added on Apr 17, 2016
Album viewed 280 times

15/03/2016 - Tuesday, cold, dull, misty and light drizzle were the order of the day and a week after trying to see 60103 "Flying Scotsman" at the National Railway Museum . I arrived at Moorgates with minutes to spare after traffic hold ups on my 3 hour journey. A move onto Darnhome to catch the steam / diesel - top and tail service and the first returning Scotsman service. A walk round to Water Ark to catch the 2nd Scotsman service and returning light engined banker - BR Std 4 - 76079. A drive then to Levisham Station to catch the 3rd running, but stopped off just in time to catch the returning steam / diesel service at Moorgates again. LMS Black 5 - 45428 "Eric Treacy" and Diesel type 37 - 37264 pulling this top and tail service. Late runnings started to occur with the last service 30 minutes late and a cancellation of the last DMU running. Enjoyable day out but tired with the journey

17 files, last one added on Mar 15, 2016
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11/03/2016 (Friday) and first day of a 3 day event on the East Lancashire Railway. An early start at Burrs Country Park to photograph the first service to Rawtenstall stopping on the railway till the end of services and then onto the evening photo shoot at Buckley Well engine shed.
Engines running included - SR Bullied pacific - 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells"
LMS Crab - 2-6-0 - 13065
LMS Black 5 - 4-6-0 - 44871
BR Std tank - 80080
MSC 0-6-0 Tank - N0.32 "Gottenburg"
The weather started off fairly misty in the morning and by lunch, the sun had broke through and turned into a nice sunnny day and staying fine for the evening photo shoot.
Its a pity that 46229 "Duchess of Sutherland" couldn`t get there due to movement problems - but still a great gala and very enjoyable day out.
Big thank you to Jonathan Valentine for organising an excellent evening photo shoot at Buckley Wells.

42 files, last one added on Mar 12, 2016
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08/03/2016 - Tuesday - A day out for me to the NRM to see 60103 "Flying Scotsman" before it moved to the NYMR for their Gala. What a disappointment to find that it had been moved outside and mostly hidden away, being prepared for its journey in two days time.
If fact, the whole experience was a bit of a let down compared with visits in the past with alot of the exhibits having been moved out to Shildon or in other places or Heritage lines. and parts of the Great Hall looking like a large Cafe.
Probably the last visit for a while until things improve ... or when Scotsman returns and its easy to see it. Looks like a visit to the NYMR next week.

38 files, last one added on Mar 08, 2016
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Saturday - 27/02/2016 - Only a couple of hours free for me to visit in the afternoon due to other commitments.
Only 5 engines in steam for this Gala due to failures, let downs and generally bad luck! It was worth going just to see the coal tanks 1054 and No.85 double heading up the line.
Engines running - USA US ATC S160 "Big Jim"- 5828
LNWR Webb Coal Tank 0-6-2 -1054
Fowler goods 0-6-0 - 43924
Newly restored and painted Taff Vale Railway Class O2 0-6-2T No. 85
plus "Nunlow"
The lack of engines didnt mean a lack of action as there was plenty going on with nearly full trains. Pity I could only attend for a couple of hours

8 files, last one added on Feb 27, 2016
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Friday 29/01/2016 - 1st day of a 3 day event and 5 engines in steam running regular passenger services and a mineral train.
Both guest engines in steam today - SR 4-6-2 Pacific - 34053 "Sir Keith Park" from the SVR and SR 2-6-0 "U" class - 31806 from the Bluebell Railway with 3 of the GCR home fleet - LMS 8F - 48624, LMS Ivatt class 2 45621 and GWR - 6990 "Witherslack Hall"
A little windy. mild for the time of the year and everything running to the timetable with well loaded trains
Saturday 30/1/2016 - The Gala really swung into action with more of the GCR fleet taking part - SR 4-6-0 -King Arthur class No.777 - "Sir Lamiel". LMS 4-6-0 Black 5 - 45305, BR 2-10-0 - 9F - 92214 in 92220 Evening Star guise and LMS 0-6-0 Jinty - 47406 plus all yesterdays engines plus the addition of a freight train and the Royal Mail postal set. Colder than Friday but not as windy and yet again, everything running to timetable
Sunday - 31/01/2016 - After the wind, then the cold, it was now time for the rain - a heavy drizzle which it did until lunch so it was a trip along the line and a visit to the sheds was called for.
Parking and starting from Quorn, a trip behind "Sir Lamiel" to Leicester North and then back to Loughborough seemed the best course of action. A few snaps at Loughborough station and around the sheds followed and then talking with friends on the station stalls past the time till after dinner when I headed back to Quorn behind a packed local service pulled by the Ivatt 2. My Intention then was to go line side again but the action was busy and I spent the rest of the afternoon photographing from the parking field, station and around by the TPO catching equipment.
I had a fab weekend - only leaving when the light failed - Well done for keeping to ( and in front slightly on the goods services) on the time tables. Fault less gala - weather excepting !!

72 files, last one added on Feb 01, 2016
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Saturday 9th January - A very wet start and over an hours delay before the first train of the day ran. Black 5 45407 failed and Class 31 Diesel 31466 was replaced behind 60103 "Flying Scotsman" for air braking assistance. A first stop off at Summerseat foot crossing started the day off to capture 60103 "Flying Scotsman" tender first and the next service featuring LMS Crab 10365 then travelling up to Spring Side farm crossing to catch 60103 returning and 34092 "City of Wells" on the third turn. A trip to Burrs then followed for 60103 on its 2nd run and the returning Crab before continuing onto Ramsbottom for 60103 southbound and the departing Crab again to Rawtenstall. By this time, I threw the timetable away as it was about 90 mins down by 14.30 and went home.By the end of the day,I believe services were down by over two hours and the last service cancelled.
Sunday 10/01/2016.- Another wet start at Rawtenstall after overnight sleet, hail and rain. This stopped as 60103 arrived with Black 5 - 45407 repaired and back in action for air brake support, 30 minutes late. A visit to Townsend Fold followed with plans to walk along the river bank for more photos, but the bank and footpath had been washed away with the recent floods and I returned and went to Ewood Bridge. A visit then to Irewell Vale was curtailed by LCC tarmacing the road and was impossible to park nearby. So I headed along the old railway track via Stubbins and Lumb for Viaduct shots and on towards Irewell Vale for 60103 before back tracking and returning home. Trains by this time were 45 minutes down and a pleasant day out.
Saturday 16/01/2016 - A total contrast in weather with a frosty start at Burrs Country park to capture the first few run pasts which were all running to timetable, before returning home for a shift at work in the afternoon.
This time 60103 was on its own on the outward journey with 31466 for carriage heating at the back. (pity it was inside on its return.) 34092 "City of Wells" was next down this side of the track and then 60103 returned boiler first with 31466 tucked inside. 13065 was on the next turn down the line and then time to leave before the snow started in the mid afternoon.
Sunday - 17/01/2016 - Snowing overnight and also working in the morning meant it was after lunch before I arrived at Roch Viaduct to catch 60103 crossing. Late running meant I caught 45407 on a service train returning from Heywood first before 60103 came along 20 minutes late. Onto Ramsbottom after to catch 13065 on a dining train and 34092 returning to Bury from Rawtenstall. Onward then to Irewell vale to catch 60103 both ways and by the end, an hour late and with fast fading light I then returned home.
Ive had a couple of great weeks - thanks Ian Riley & Co. NRM and the ELR.

54 files, last one added on Jan 17, 2016
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08/01/2016 -An excellent first display of 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on a testing run from Bury-Bolton Street to Heywood with LMS Black 5 - 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" tucked inside. Most pictures show the two engines turning around at Heywood station and setting off back to Bury.
A failure of a air pump on "Flying Scotsman" meant that Black 5 45407 was needed for brake support of the coaching stock. Hopefully this will be fixed very soon.

36 files, last one added on Jan 08, 2016
Album viewed 460 times

04/01/2015 - East Lancs Railway - LMS 2-6-0 Hughes Fowler "Crab" on the 14.30 from Bury to Rawtenstall at Burrs Country Park.
07/01/2015 - Gresley A4 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" on 5Z60 movement from York to Crewe via Hellifield and Carnforth
24/01/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Black 5 - 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" on the "Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express" pictured at Ais Gill and Hellifield Green
07/02/2015 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" on the "Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express" captured at Scout Green on the WCML and Ais Gill on the S & C.
14/02/2015 - Black 5`s 44871 & 45407 on 5Z53 - A move from Bury to Blackburn for the "Tin Bath" - caught at Fowler Lane, Leyland and Blackburn station.
15/02/2015 - Black 5`s 44871 & 45407 on "The Tin Bath" caught south of Farington curve junction passing Flag Lane and Robinwood Viaduct, Lydgate.
25/03/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" with a running of "The Pendle Dalesman." Steam from Preston to Carlisle and captured at Barrow and Helwith Bridge
28/03/2015 - 45690 "Leander" running south on the WCML at Leyland with "The Salopian"
28/03/2013 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in charge of the returning "Winter Cumbrian Mountain express" coming off Whalley Viaduct at the Billington foot crossing.
From 03/04/2015 to 08/05/2015 - NO mainline steam in this area due to operational restrictions by WCRC.
03/05/2015 - 2 hours on the GCR featuring Black 5 45305 & LMS 8F - 48624 plus BR Std 2 - 78019 at Woodthorpe
19/05/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45690 "Leander" in charge of the returning Dalesman at Helwith Bridge and Hellifield.
26/05/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" in charge of the Dalesman from York to Carlisle, captured on the outward journey crossing Ribblehead Viaduct.
27/05/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" at Langho station on the outward leg of the 1st "Fellsman" of the season
30/05/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" & BR Pacific 70000 "Britannia" in a procession over Shap - see separate album
03/06/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" running with "The Fellsman" at Newsholme heading for Hellifield and returning, approaching Wilpshire Tunnel.
06/06/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" powering out of Langho with a returning "Cumbrian Mountain Express"
10/06/2015 - LMS Black 5 - 45231 "Sherwood Forester" as a late replacement on "The Fellsman" returning at Wilpshire and Brock
16/06/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" running with "The Dalesman" at Hellifield and exiting Blea Moor tunnel
17/06/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45690 "Leander" on "The Fellsman" racing through Whalley station on the outward leg to Carlisle and returning at Billington.
23/06/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45690 "Leander" heads back towards Hellifield with a returning "Dalesman" caught between Selside and Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
24/06/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" approaching Clitheroe on "The Fellsman" heading for Hellifield and returning near Wilpshire Tunnel
01/07/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" returns with "The Fellsman" nearing Wilpshire.
08/07/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in charge of the returning "Fellsman" Wilpshire and at Barrow.
11/07/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in charge of a late running "Cumbria Mountain Express" at Langho station
15/07/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in charge of "The Fellsman" again caught heading north at the Spread Eagle crossing at Barrow.
18/07/2015 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" dashes south along the WCML approaching Bilsborrow with a returning CME to Liverpool and Crewe.
21/07/2015 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" approaching Selside with a running of "The Dalesman"
22/07/2015 - Midweek running on the GCR - LMS Jinty - 47406 & Ivatt Class 2 - 46521 both at Woodthorpe.
25/07/2015 - Southern Pacific - 34092 "Wells" running on the East Lancs Railway courtesy of the K&WVR.
05/08/2015 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" returning with "The Fellsman" on the climb up from Houghton Bottoms.
12/08/2015 - LMS Black 5 - 45231 "Sherwood Forester" in charge of "The Fellsman" coming off Whalley Viaduct & returning at Barrow.
15/08/2015 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland on "The Cumbria Mountain Express" passes the foot crossing at the Spread Eagle, Barrow. heading for Clitheroe and onto Hellifield.
19/08/2015 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in charge of "The Fellsman" again caught in silhouette crossing Whalley Arches heading for Hellifield and returning at Wilpshire station.
23/08/2015 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in charge of a Sunday running - "The Waverley" steam from Hellifield to carlisle and return seen at Helwith Bridge.
26/08/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" - returns with the last "Fellsman" of the season seen leaving Clitheroe at Standen Hey foot crossing.
18/09/2015 - GWR Castle 5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" heads north along the WCML leaving Leyland heading to Carnforth on 5Z42
30/09/2015 - 34067 "Tangmere" plus support coach on 5M43 Southall Wcr to Carnforth Steamtown approaching Flag Lane at Farington
11/10/2015 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee class`s 45690 "Leander" pilots 45699 "Galatea" over Copy Pit heading for Carnforth Steamtown from York on 5Z49
24/10/2015 - A very "Brief Encounter" with LMS Jubilee class 45699 "Galitea" approaching Langho station in the rain heading for Chester from Carnforth via Hellifield
30/10/2015 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" on time with 5Z42 York N.R.M. to Carnforth Steamtown chuffing through Cononley.
31/10/2015 - 44871 pilots 45407 with 5Z43 Carnforth Steamtown to Blackburn - empty coaching stock for the "Tin Bath on 01/11/2015 at Houghton
21/12/2015 - 46100 "Royal Scot" heads north out of Leyland towards Carnforth on 5Z61 running 20 mins late
22/12/2015 - Loaded test run of LMS 4-6-0 46100 "Royal Scot" approaching Billington foot crossing plus Wilpshire and Ramsgreave station.

107 files, last one added on Dec 22, 2015
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18/10/2015 - Sunday and a cloudy, dull but mild sort of day. A strange sort of gathering of engines and stock for this steam gala made it quite different from others I have been too here. Guest engines and stock visiting included a Ex-GWR Pannier Tank 6430 with Autocoaches 167 and 163
SR Bullied 4-6-2 Pacific - 34092 "Wells"
Plus home fleet - Hughes Fowler 2-6-0 LMS Crab 13065
BR Class 4MT standard Steam Locomotive 2-6-4T - 80080
L & Y Aspinal 0-6-0 - No 12322
plus 0-6-0 Austerities WD132"Sapper" & WD75005"Swiftsure"
& Manchester Ship Canal 0-6-0 Short tank No32 (Gothenberg)
A very interesting timetable produced runnings of the Autotrain between Bury and Heywood & Bury and Ramsbottom, whilst the Austerities put in some sterling performances running along all parts of the line, sometimes double headed or banking, whilst the rest of the engines concentrated on the sections between Bury and Rawtenstall double heading and banking included in some of the runs.
I was passing Ewood Bridge as the first services to Rawtenstall was approaching and then carried on to Summerseat, then Burrs before leaving to catch the Autotrain on Roch Viaduct and then finishing off a busy day at Ramsbottom.
I very well put together gala, but we still got the slight delays - usual now on the ELR. I was also missing the sight of a couple of Black 5`s as well which were away in scotland but still a very enjoyable gaia and day out.

31 files, last one added on Oct 18, 2015
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09/10/2015 - Friday - A mild and cloudy day, and day one of a three day event using the home fleet of the K & W V Railway. Guest Engine - GWR 4936 "Kinlet Hall" failed to appear being deemed out of gauge by Network Rail in this area and Bullied Pacific "Wells" unable to return to home due to a bridge restriction in Keighley being to heavy to cross. So it was down to their home fleet to fill the extensive timetable set for the weekend.
Engines running - BR Std Class 5 4-6-0 - 75078
Fowler goods 0-6-0 - 43924
WD 8F -2-8-0 - 90733 as weathered WD 90711
USA US ATC S160 "Big Jim"- 5828
Taff Valley Coal Tank - 1054
Arriving around 12-00 pm, I expected a dull gala - but far from it, the extensive timetable, the loco movements around Keighley with the double heading and banking plus the friendly staff and also the rather full trains made it quite an enjoyable afternoon out. Nice to see also the turntable in use turning the Coal tank as well. Glad I turned up and just a pity I managed to miss 45699 running through Keighley heading for York

18 files, last one added on Oct 10, 2015
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03 & 04/10/2015 - days 3 & 4 of a 4 day gala on the Great Central Railway running an extensive timetable of passenger and various freight trains.
This years gala was composed with engines from their home fleet with newly restored engine - 6990 "Witherslack Hall" being the star of the gala with visiting Peckett 0-4-0 "Teddy" from Chasewater Railway.
Plus homefleet engines included BR 2-10-0 9F - 92214
LMS 8F - 2-8-0 - 48624
LMS Black 5 - 4-6-0 - 45305
SR 4-6-0 King Arthur class 777 "Sir Lamiel"
LMS Ivatt Class 2 - 2-6-0 46521
and LMS 0-6-0 "Jinty" - 47406
plus a DMU unit and a replacement Type 25 Diesel on Saturday
Saturday 3rd was cloudy and spent linesiding at Woodthorpe in the morning and Kinchley Lane in the afternoon
Sunday 4th started at Quorn before a trip to Loughborough and a look around the engine sheds before travelling the length of the line to Leicester and then returning to Quorn for more pictures from around the station perimeter, leaving mid afternoon for family commitments.
Whilst the timetable was excellent and kept too, this gala didn`t seem to attract the crowds as with previous Galas. Maybe the lack of big name guest engines and no traveling post office trains this gala kept steam buffs away. Still, in my opinion, a must be seen gala for steam train movements and I am glad I didnt miss it !!

72 files, last one added on Oct 05, 2015
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20/09/2015 - Sunday and an early start down the M6 towards the Severn Valley Railway for their Autumn Steam Gala hoping to catch the newly running LMS 4-6-0 46100 "Royal Scot" after its rebuild, last seen by me in 2009 at SSS2 Gala in Llangollen. An hourly timetable was in place for this event and although seemed slack for the line, talking into account the visitors expected meant everything ran to the timetable.
Steam engines running - LMS 4-6-0 46100 "Royal Scot
BR Pacific 4-6-2 70000 "Britannia"
LMS Class 2 Ivatt 2-6-0 46521 from the GCR.
SR Merchant Navy Pacifics 34027 "Taw Valley" & 34053 "Sir Keith Park"
LMS Class 4 Ivatt 4-6-0 - 43106
GWR Goods 28xx class 2-8-0 - 2857
GWR 4500 class Tank 2-6-2T - 4566
GWR 1450 plus Autocoach - (not seen by myself)
Arriving at Bewdley as the fog started to lift, I just managed to capture 34027 heading tender first towards Kidderminster and 70000 working the opposite direction. The sun broke through for a few minutes giving just enough time to photograph 46100 before it disappeared for the rest of the day for me. A drive to Eddrington station for brews cake etc and a couple of hours rest before going to Hampton Loade station for the rest of the afternoon before heading back home. All in all, an enjoyable day out but disappointed 46100 went back to the sheds having only two runs each way - one too early for me and most people to see. Anyway another couple of new cops for me to underline in my Ian Allen ABC. ;)

21 files, last one added on Sep 21, 2015
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13/09/2015 - Sunday and another visit to "The Ribble Steam Railway" at the west end of the old Preston Docks. Four engines in steam today - Bagnalls "Courageous" and "Princess" recreating Preston Docks of the past. Newly restored ex Corby Steelworks Hawthorn Leslie 3931/1938 "Linda" and Andrew Barclay 2261/1949 'No. 6.'
I arrived early in time to catch the running of the freight along the line with Princess and "No.6." then on to the station later for a trip along the line.
Upon returning to the station, a visit around the museum and a very interesting tour around inside the prototype Deltic being stabled there for the next month before being returned to NRM at Shilden.
A few more pictures followed lineside before heading home mid afternoon and another nice little outing at this little railway. A first for me also - A Lamb Balti pie!! - very nice and highly recommended !
14/09/2015 - A return to catch the Prototype Deltic being "Top & Tailed" by "Courageous" and "Princess" down to Strand Road. It would have been the first time in 60 years since it had returned to its place of manufacture at the English Electric works which was at Strand Road.
I arrived early and after a short while, managed to photograph it on the swing bridge before driving down to the Strand Rd crossing, where it paused for approximately 5 minutes to allow photographs before returning back to the Ribble Steam Railway Museum catching it again on the swing bridge.

49 files, last one added on Sep 14, 2015
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!9/07/2015 - Sunday and a welcomed return to the Middleton Railway.
This summer they will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Hunslet Engine Company, the world famous producer of locomotives and other engineering products.
With this in mind, an impressive collection of Hunslet Steam and Diesel locomotives had gathered on two sites to celebrate this anniversary milestone. The first site being at Moor lane - The Middleton Railway and the other - a temporary 200 ft 20" gauge track at Jack Lane, the former site of The Hunslet factory and now Schneider Electric who where sponsoring the event.
Guest Engines running -" Beatrice" Hunslet Austerity No. 2705 of 1945 from The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway
NCB No. 66 Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 3890 of 1964 From The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
East Fife Area No. 19 Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 3818 of 1954 from the Bo`ness and Kinneil Railway
20" gauge - "Irish Mail" Dinorwic Quarry No. 823 of 1903 from West Lancs Light Railway running at Jack Lane
20" gauge - "Trangkil No.4" No. 3902 of 1971 from the Statfold Barn Railway running at Jack Lane
LMS Diesel shunter 7051 - 1697 0f 1932
Hunslet 0-4-0 diesel shunter nicknamed "Sweet Pea" on Drive for a fiver.
A look around the workshops was also included with a chance to photograph some of the other locomotives not being used in the gala.
A large model railway took up a large space of the museum and a vintage bus served the public carrying them on a free bus service.
A very nice enjoyable day out !

37 files, last one added on Jul 19, 2015
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03/07/2015 - Friday - Day 0ne of a three day Diesel event on the East Lancs Railway and a trip to the dark side for me spending the day at Burrs Country Park on a warm sunny day
04/07/2015 - Saturday - Spent the afternoon in the sun at Irewell Vale.
Guest traction included
Class 31 - 31601 DCR ‘Devon Diesel Society’
Class 47 - 47643 Scotrail
Class 20 - 20020 BR Blue - running later in the afternoon and on the "BeerEx"after I left for home and on Saturday
Class 26 - 26038 BR Blue ‘Tom Clift’
Class 37 - 37025 BR Large Logo ‘Inverness TMD’
Class 73 - 73001 - Failed with brake problems on Friday but running Saturday
plus
37109 , 31466, 40145 (D335), D7076, 37418 with D9537, D9531 50015, running at other times during the event.
Made a nice change for me and a couple of relaxing days in the sun.

34 files, last one added on Jul 04, 2015
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Saturday 30/05/2015 .... and two steam trains timed within 10 minutes of each over going over Shap in the same direction on various steam tours.. I had to be there!
First tour was LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" on "The Cumbrian Coast Express" from London with steam from Carnforth-Shap-Sellafield-Carnforth by-passing Carlisle.
Second tour was BR Pacific 70000 "Britannia" on "The Cumbrian Fells Express" from Bristol, with steam from Crewe-Shap-Appleby-Hellifield-Crewe.
First stop off of the day was at Fowler Lane opposite Leyland Motors to catch the north Bound Cumbrian Fells express with 70000 in charge. A very interesting 30 minutes wait caught a double class 66 on the Tesco Model going north, 950001 test train going south and class 90 -90019 in charge of the stock for the Cumbrian Coast Express, Before 70000 "Britannia came racing through.
A drive up the M6 as far as Tebay and then onto Scout Green to catch the steamers heading north. Another 30 minute wait here for 45699 which was running 11 minutes late. The timetables showed a 10 minute gap between the two services and as 45699 disappeared in the north direction, 70000 appeared in the other direction under the direction of double yellow signals, spoiling any attempt at a speed record on the race to Shap Summit.
70000 worked hard passing into the distance to be followed by a convoy of 4 x class 66`s
The next location was at Armthwaite on the S & C to catch Britannia now running 20 minutes late before a scheduled stop at Appleby. A great location occupied by the "ELR Gricers fan club" - they could have had a coach trip for the quantity of them!
Onward then to Ais Gill and another 45 minutes wait to catch 70000 running on time. I was hoping to catch it leaving Hellfield later, but too much slow traffic meant I could not make it in time and finished off going home after a good day out in the northern fells.

16 files, last one added on May 30, 2015
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Saturday 23/05/2015 - The first day of three and a trip along the line from Rawtenstall to Bury and back in the afternoon to soak up some of the 1940`s atmosphere along the line.
Three engines in steam pulling train along the line -
Hughes Fowler 2-6-0 LMS Crab 13065
BR Class 4MT standard Steam Locomotive 2-6-4T - 80080
L & Y Aspinal 0-6-0 - No 12322
plus 0-4-0 Peckett "May" running around Bolton street station.
This was another work day for me taking a client along for a ride. - he loves trains and his day out.
Catching the 14.00 from Rawtenstall to Bury after listening to the Umpha band and talking with the troops, we travelled in the parcels van talking with some ladies from Blackpool and Southport with vintage prams. We listened to the entertainment at Bury for an hour or so before catching the train back with the intention of getting off at Ramsbottom, but we ran out of time with so much to see and do.
Excellent as always

23 files, last one added on May 25, 2015
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19/04/2015 - Sunday, and a afternoon trip along the line from Ramsbottom to Heywood, stopping off at Bury on the return before proceeding onto Ramsbottom after a 30 minute stop over.
A mixed traffic weekend giving the smaller engines of the ELR fleet and guest engines a chance to get a run out..... and for some, all the way to Rawtenstall.
Guest engines running were 0-6-0 "Bellerophon" built in 1879 from the Foxfield railway
and Diesel 73001 (E6001) , from the Dean Forest railway.
Diesels also running - class 14 Diesels D9531 & D9537
Class 03 shunter D2072
Class 08 shunter 08164
Class 09 shunter 09024
plus Motorail Simplex 4wDM No9009.
Other steam engines included 0-6-0 Austerity tank engines - Hunslet 3153 (WD132) "Sapper"
Hunslet 2857 (WD 75008) Swiftsure"
Aspinal L & Y 0-6-0 12322.
Just an afternoon run along the line, but I didnt manage to see everything running due to the great variety on show but I did enjoy the trip immensely.

17 files, last one added on Apr 19, 2015
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21/03/2015 - Saturday and a lovely sunny afternoon for a couple of rides along this short stretch of line next to the old Preston Docks and a look around the museum, taking a client from work..
Four locomotives for the gala
- Andrew Barclay 1147/1908 'John Howe'
- Andrew Barclay 2261/1949 'No. 6
- Bagnall 2680/1942 'Courageous'
- GWR 0-6-2T - 5643.
No. 6 had already done its trips in the morning and was only able to see the other 3 in the brief stay.
Always a good afternoon out and also very friendly volunteers as well.

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