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

17/04/2021 - First Steam Gala of the year for me due to Covid 19 restrictions and a beautiful first day of a 4 day event on the Severn Valley Railway starting on a Thursday. Lots of restrictions present for traveling on the trains but as I went lineside, they presented no problems to myself. I dont know the line that well for photographic locations so I decided to head for Eardington and managed to find a parking spot on the nature reserve opposite this location.
Guest engine was the new build GWR 4-6-0 "Saint Class " 2999 "Lady of Legend" plus other engines running -
GWR 4-6-0 "Hall" class - 6960 "Raveningham Hall"
GWR 2-8-0 goods engine 28xx Class - 2857
GWR Pannier Tank - 0-6-0 - 7714
GWR 0-6-0 Saddle Tank 813
SR Pacific - 34027 "Taw Valley"
LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 Mogel 43106
A really enjoyable Gala in nice spring weather and worth the 250 mile round trip.
(2999 failed late Saturday and was being replaced by 75014)

35 files, last one added on Apr 17, 2021
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18/01/2020 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" on the 14.50 service off Bury, leaving Ramsbottom at Great Eaves Road.
25/01/2020 - 35018 "British India Line" pulls the first steam rail tour of the year on a "Winter Cumbrian" Mountain Express from Manchester to Carlisle via S & C, approaching Langho station.
04/02/2020 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" captured on 5M50,- a loaded test run at Wennington, Settle Junction & Hellifield on a Carnforth circuit
08/02/2020 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" rushes across Whalley Arches with a returning Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express
12/02/2020 - LMS Jubilee "Galatea" now in BR Green guise as 45562 "Alberta" at Hellifield and Langcliffe on a running of "The Pendle Dalesman from Carnforth via Hellifield to Carlisle.
15/02/2020 - 46100 Royal Scot" with the "Pennine Peaks & Valleys Explorer" from Crewe to Carnforth and around the Little North Western route to Hellifield and onto Blackburn and back to Crewe.
22/02/2020 - LMS Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas"at Gargrave, Hellifield & Settle Juct. on a society special along the K&WVR from Oxenhope and then continuing up the S & C to Carlisle and return.
29/02/2020 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" in 45562 "Alberta" guise runs into Huncoat Station on a running of "The Cotton Mills Express"
07/03/2020 - Probably its last main line run for quite a while, Gresley A4 Class pacific - 60009 "Union of South Africa" coasting through Barrow upon Soar station on the down slow line with a running of "The Yorkshireman" from Ealing to York.
09/03/2020 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45212 with support coach running from Carnforth to Southall on 5Z59 on the up fast at Flag lane, south of Preston running on time.
14/03/2020 - LMS Stanier jubilee - Galatea in 45562 "Alberta" guise crosses Denthead Viaduct on a diverted Cumbrian Coast express - now Cumbrian Mountain express at Denthead. Hellifield and Langho.
NO STEAM GALAS OR MAINLINE STEAM EXCURSIONS DUE TO CORONA VIRUS - COVID- 19 DURING THIS PERIOD.
15/07/2020 - BR Pacific - 70000 "Britannia" with a running of "The Fellsman" captured at Billington and Helwith Bridge and returning at Wilpshire & Ramsgreave Station.
24/07/2020 - LNER Class A1 60163 "Tornado" rolling through Hellifield Station and to a halt past the end of the station running on 5Z63 York to Carnforth movement.
29/07/2020 - "Galberta" - LMS Jubilee 45699 Galatea in 45562 "Alberta" guise running through Gargrave Station, Hellifield & Gargrave on 5Z20 - Carnforth to York movement for SSE tours.
04/08/2020 - 35018 "British India Line" on a "Dalesman" (Diesal) from York heading for Carlisle at waiting at Hellifield and also running past at Stainforth
08/08/2020 - Stanier Royal Scot class 4-6-0 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coasting downhill towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale at Railway Cottages, Selside and leaving Hellifield with a running of the Cumbian Mountain Express
11/08/2020 - 34018 "British India Lines" joined its Dalesman load at Preston due to Flooding at Wennington and seen arriving at Hellifield 44 mins late and also running through Long Preston Station.
15/08/2020 - 46100 "Royal Scot" racing north near Fowler Lane with "The Lakelander" heading for Carlisle & returning late evening crossing the River Kent at Arnside.
18/08/2020 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" in the up goods loop at Hellifield taking on water and heading north at Helwith Bridge with a running of The Dalesman to Carlisle.
19/08/2020 - 70000 "Britannia" heads over the top out of Blackburn and down the Banks to Whalley heading into Wilpshire and Ramsgreave station with a running of the Fellsman to Carlisle from Crewe
22/08/2020 - 46100 "Royal Scot" at Hall Royd Junction, Todmorden on "The White Rose" returning from York and heading for Crewe
23/08/2020 - Stanier Jubilee 45699"Galitea" as 45562 "Alberta" leaving Bell Busk heading for Hellifield and onto Carlisle with a running of "The Waverley" and also at Langcliffe
26/08/2020 - 46100 "Royal Scot" heading for Carlisle via S & C from Crewe with a running of the Fellsman captured coming off Whalley Arches into the station and returning at Barrow foot crossing.
29/08/2020 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45231 "Sherwood Forester" heads north along the WCML heading for Carlisle with "The Lakelander" tour taken from the footbridge at Brock
02/09/2020 - 46100 "Royal Scot" on a running of "The Fellsman" heading towards Hellifield and onto Carlisle coasting past Billington foot crossing & returning in the rain at Langho station.
Sorry no additions for a couple of 2 months - It was either put up with the lousy weather and covid 19 or two months in Spain - No contest - The Costa del Sol won easily
29/10/2020 - LMS Jubilee - 45562 "Alberta" on "The Pendle Dalesman" at Hellifield and running through Long Preston station heading for Carlisle.
Almost all of the steam excursion in November where cancelled due to Covid 19 and lockdown caused through it..
16/12/2020 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45212 & support coach - runs through Hellifield Station on 5M51 returning home to the K & WVR from Carnforth
17/12/2020 - SR West Country Class 34046, "Braunton," runs fast past German Lane approaching Euxton and also through Rishton Station with "The Pennine Moors Explorer"

98 files, last one added on Dec 17, 2020
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A collection of Black and White photographs taken in the early 1960`s of steam traffic on the Settle to Carlisle line mainly between Hellifield ( Slightly of topic ) and Ais Gill Summit.
It started with him taking me and my brother train spotting to Hellifield were he would leave us and go line siding towards Long Preston for an hour or so with his line side pass and camera photographic, hence the number of pictures around this area. He eventually got a car and travelled further up the line to places such as Settle, Horton in Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, Dent, Garsdale and Ais Gill.
I can remember as a kid, a youth hostelling expedition up the S & C starting at Garsdale (Lunds / Shaws) in the middle of nowhere, and spending a couple of days in that area spotting trains, walking then to Kirby Steven and then catching the train to Carlisle, shed bashing there, and coming down the WCML to Penrith, then onto Keswick, back to Shap and then back home in a week - great times ...and sore feet with the walking.,, but the weather was excellent

71 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2020
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A collection of Black and White photographs taken around Hellifield Station around 1961 to 1963 by my late father Geoffrey, who sadly passed away in 2019 aged 92. They show clearly what a busy junction it was and how it has changed to what we see their now. Sheds, Turn table, Coaling plant and Watering Columns all gone, but mainly, the amount of siding that was once there - all gone except a couple of goods loops at the station. The Two central platforms are now filled in with rubble and the south sidings on the Blackburn branch is now an housing estate. Still left though are the Midland architecture of the Station canopies, but the trains do not stop under these, but further down on the south side of the station platform. The waiting rooms and buildings are now in use as nice cafe (24H) to stop off and have a meal if you are passing by,
My father had a railway permit issued to him by British Railways - LMS Region, which allowed him to go lineside to take pictures, and would leave me for a couple of hours whilst he went to other locations near by. He left a multitude of other pictures of these near by locations and other places which I will upload eventually.
Train spotting at Hellifield was our weekly treat, I would be around 10 / 11 years old, catching the local train from Whalley around 12,40 and arriving just in time some times to catch the UP Waverley which left about the time we arrived. We only ever bought a one way tickets from the guard - usually they never asked to see our tickets on the return and we did that journey for free sometimes.
Surprised to find a lack of BR 9F`s on Long Meg mineral trains, but as it was a weekend day out, they probably never ran those days. You can take the familiar for granted - A lack of pictures of the trains that brought you there, the BR Std Tanks and BR Std 4 2-6-0. - hardly any recorded here, something to think about with modern transport of today !
The worst bit for me was the coming home, dirty from the steam and soot - father would get his hanky out and spit on it to wipe the soot off so we went home clean . ugh !! - Why couldn`t I just wash my hands and face when I got home !! - happy memories,

106 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2020
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A series of scanned colour photos mainly of the "Cumbrian Mountain Express" taken mainly locally for me at Whalley Station, Billington foot crossing & Langho station in the early 1990`s taken by my father Geoffrey who sadly passed away in 2019 aged 92,
Locomotives include
LMS Stanier Pacific - 6201 Princess Elizabeth
LMS Stanier Pacific - 46203 Pricess Margaret Rose
LMS Stanier Pacific - 46229 Duchess of Hamilton
BR 3 Cyl Pacific -71000 Duke of Gloucester
BR Std Pacific - 70000, Britannia
LNER Gresley A4 Pacific 60009 Union of South Africa
LNER Gresley A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
LNER Gresley A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern
LNER Peppercorn A2 - 60532 Blue Peter
LNER Gresley A3 60103 Flying Scotsman
plus others.
I think I have the dates and locations right - but any errors, please let me know
WIP

39 files, last one added on Jun 07, 2020
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08/03/2020 - Only a Sunday morning for me this year at this three day event due to being away visiting Family.
I spent the morning at the foot crossing at Summerseat and then at Ramsbottom station before having to return home for an appointment in the afternoon.
Visiting guest engine this year was a GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank - 6412 - appearing with special thanks to the South Devon Railway
with the home fleet of newly restored Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway 0-6-0 ST 752 running as BR 51456
and BR Std Tank 2-6-4 - 80097
plus LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 - 44871
MSC 0-6-0 No.32 "Gothenberg" in Thomas the Tank guise,
L & Y "A" class Aspinal 0-6-0 - 52322 running as 52345
and to confuse everyone - Rebuilt Hunslet - 2890 0-6-0 Austerity with tender (Douglas) - but numbered 52322 !
I had a nice morning out, but seemed a little like the small engine galas held previously and a definitely L & Y feel also.

18 files, last one added on Mar 08, 2020
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01/02/2020 - THREE USATC S160s operating together for the first time in the UK since 1944, and for only the second time within preservation globally!
Resident American Sisters nos. 5197 and 6046 joined being by no. 2253 "Omaha", making a flying visit courtesy of Peter Best and Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Take 1 - was washed out at the end of 2019 - with the CVR having to spend £60,000 in track repairs for take 2 to go ahead
Four non-stop return journeys, all commencing from Froghall and departing non stop to Ipstones and back offered 20-miles of S160 haulage. Each return journey being operated by a different pairing of S160s
An enjoyable day out with great displays of steam and smoke and plenty of time to change locations during the wait between services.
Parking at Froghall seemed to be a problem - car parks being full and a lengthy walk was needed by myself after finding a place to park up the car, with trains being very full of passengers to the delight of the Railway.
A Great Gala with a differance!!

23 files, last one added on Feb 01, 2020
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05/01/2019 - GWR 2-8-0 Tank - 4270 leaving Irwell Vale halt for Rawtenstall and at Rawtenstall on the 11.55 services from Bury.
06/01/2019 - GWR 2-8-0 Tank - 4270 approaching Ewood Bridge heading for Rawtenstall on the 11.55 service from Bury.
13/01/2019 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 44871 at Rawtenstall Station & Ramsbottom with the 15.45 service to Heywood.
19/01/2019 - BR Std tank - 80097 pulls its first revenue train in over 50 years with the 13.00 service out of Rawtenstall on the ELR.
05/02/2019 - LMS Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas" heading home to the K&WVR, exiting Bingley tunnel into the station on 5Z45 from Tyseley to Keighley.
09/02/2019 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas" heading north up the Settle & Carlisle railway at Hellifield and approaching Selside with a railtour from K&WVR to Carlisle & return
16/02/2019 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas" heading north up the Settle & Carlisle railway at Hellifield and approaching Arcow Quarry with a 2nd railtour from K&WVR to Carlisle & return
02/03/2019 - LMS Stanier 8F - 48151 on "The Settle Carlisle Thunderer I " at Hellifield & Langcliffe
04/03/2019 - LNER B1 - 61306 "Mayflower" heading south at German Lane Footbridge, near Balshaw Lane on 5Z44 from Carnforth to Southall WCR
05/03/2018 - Stanier LMS 8F - 48151 on the northbound "Settle Carlisle Thunderer II " crossing the River Ribble on Sherriffs Brow Viaduct heading for Carlisle.
27/03/2019 - LMS Stanier 8F - 48151 racing up the fast line at German Lane, south of Balshaw Lane station with a running of the "Salopian Express" from Barrow to Shrewsbury.
28/03/2019 - LMS Stanier Pacific 4-6-2 - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" on a light loaded test run on the Carnforth Hellifield Blackburn circuit - photographed coming off Whalley Arches at Billington foot crossing.
06/04/2019 - Stanier 8F - 48151 piloting Merchant Navy 35018 "British India Line" on "The Wensleydale Express" at Eldroth, Long Preston, Hellifield & Gargrave
13/04/2019 - LMS Stanier Black 5s - 44871 & 45407 on "The Citadel" crossing Whalley Arches and at Docker on the WCML.
13/04/2019 - LNER A1 - 60163 "Tornado" on the "Border Raider" at Barrow, Long Preston and Langcliffe.
13/04/2019 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" on "The Pennine Blackpool Express" at Billington foot crossing.
17/04/2019 - LMS Stanier 8F - 48151 on "The SalopianII"about to run through the the old Brock station and also south of Flag Lane, Farington Curve Junction heading south.
19/04/2019 - LNER A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" moving to York from the ELR via Carnforth on 5Z48 captured passing Leyland Trucks near Fowler Lane.
27/04/2019 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" on the "Steam on the Settle and Carlisle" special leaving Hellifield and at Helwith Bridge,
29/04/2019 - LMS Stanier Pacific - 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" on the "Great Briton XII" approaching Flag Lane at Farington curve Junction heading into Preston
30/04/2019 - Gresley A4 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" piloting LMS Black 5 - 44871 racing north past Barton and also Docker on the way to Carlisle on the "Great Briton XII" rail tour
30/04/2019 - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" heads north from Shotlock hill tunnel towards Carlisle on a running of the Dalesman
03/05/2019 - 35018 "British India Line" between Selside and Horton-in Ribblesdale running downhill and also at Gargrave station on the GB XII rail tour.
11/05/2019 - LNER A1 - 60163 "Tornado" running through Rishton Station on "The Mad Hatter" rail tour from Darlington to Chester.
14/05/2019 - LMS Stanier 8F - 48151 on the "Dalesman" at Hellifield and leaving Long Preston,heading for Carlisle.
17/05/2019 - LNER B1 - 61306 "Mayflower" racing south on the WCML at Brock with day 9 of the "Highlands and Islands" steam tour
18/05/2019 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee 45690 'Leander' approaching Wilpshire tunnel off Vicarage Lane returning with a "Cumbrian Mountain Express"
22/05/2019 - LNER Gresley A4 - 60009 "Union of South Africa " with support coach heading from Carnforth to the ELR on 5Z60 captured at Brock.
25/05/2019 - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" at Hellifield and passing Langcliffe on The Pennine Limited heading for Carlisle & 5Z26 returning to Carnforth at Langho.
28/05/2019 - LMS 8F - 48151 on the steam leg of "The Dalesman" from Hellifield to Carlisle at Hellifield and Langcliffe.
29/05/2019 - 70000 "Britannia" running past the foot crossing at the back of the Eagle @ Barrow, leaving Whalley behind on a running of "The Fellsman" from Crewe to Carlisle
07/07/2019 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" heading north with "The Waverley" from York to Carlisle arriving at Hellifield and at Selside on the S & C
10/07/2019 - BR Pacific - 70000 "Britannia"on a Saphos "Fellsman" from Crewe to Carlisle and return via S & C at Billington, Hellifield and Wilpshire.
13/07/2019 - LMS Jubilee class - 45690 "Leander" returning with a "Cumbrian Mountain Express from Carlisle to Preston (and onto Euston) via Settle & Carlisle Railway photographed here at Billington foot crossing
16/07/2019 - LMS Stanier 8F - 48151 returning with "The Dalesman" approaching Langho Station.
17/07/2019 - BR Pacific - 70000 "Britannia" coasts across Whalley Arches with a running of the Fellmans from Crewe to Carlisle.
03/08/2019 - SR Merchant Navy class - 35018 "British India Lines" approaching Helwith Bridge with a returning "Cumbrian Mountain Express" from Carlisle and at Hellifield.
10/08/2019 - LMS Princess class 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" powers its way up Whalley Banks approaching Langho station with a returning "Cumbrian Mountain express"
15/08/2019 - Loaded test run (5M50) with 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coming off Whalley Arches at Billington foot crossing running a couple of minutes early
18/08/2019 - LMS Jubilee Class - 45596 "Bahamas" on the Waverley from York to Carlisle at Hellifield Station, Langcliffe and Helwith Bridge on the return.
24/08/2019 - BR Pacific - 70000 "Britannia" on the level crossing entering Huncoat Station on a running of "The Palatine" - steam hauled from Crewe, Blackburn, Manchester and back to Crewe
03/09/2019 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" returning from Carlisle with "The Dalesman" at Helwith Bridge and Hellifield.
14/09/2019 - LMS Jubilee 45690 "Leander" on a Steam Dreams excursion from London to Carlisle and return via S & C pictured at Ribblehead and leaving Hellifield.
14/09/2019 - 34046 "Braunton" returning in the near dark conditions at Eastwood running 45 minutes late with the Yorkshireman tour from Crewe to York and return
21/09/2019 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" leaving Clitheroe and at Salwick on "The Pennine Blackpool
12/10/2019 - LMS Stanier Princess class - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" coasting into Long Preston and also leaving Hellifield on a Cumbria mountain Express heading towards Blackburn.
02/11/2019 - LNER A1 - 60163 "Tornado" with the "Illuminati" rail tour from Birmingham to Blackpool approaching Flag Lane at Farington Curve junction heading towards Preston
03/11/2019 - LMS Stanier Black 5`s 44871 & 45407 on "The South Yorkshireman", ECS working at Billington and tour leaving Blackburn for Wakefield
09/11/2019 - LMS Stanier Black 5`s - 44871 & 45407 crossing Whalley Arches and at Newsholme with "The Citadel" running from Manchester to Carlisle via the S & C.
04/12/2019 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on the Christmas Dalesman heading towards Clitheroe pictured at the foot crossing at"The Eagle" at Barrow and also at Selside on the S & C.
07/12/2019 - LMS 4-6-0 - 46100 "Royal Scot" at Houghton Foot crossing and about to run through Rishton Station on the "Pennine Moors Christmas Explorer"
14/12/2019 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" running through Langho station on a running of the "Christmas Dalesman" from Liverpool to Carlisle.
15/12/2019 - LMS Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" approaching Wilpshire Tunnel on a WCRC running of a Santa Special from Lancaster around the Carnforth, Hellifield Blackburn circle route.
18/12/2019 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" taking on water and leaving in the dark and rain at Hellifield on the returning Christmas Dalesman to Manchester.
27/12/2019 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" on the 10.20 service off Bury approaching Ewood Bridge heading for Rawtenstall on the East Lancs Railway.

132 files, last one added on Dec 27, 2019
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A three day steam event running from Friday 18/10/2019 to Sunday 20/10/2019.
2 guest engines in steam - LNER A4 60009 "Union of South Africa"
& SR 4-4-0 Schools Class 926 "Repton"
with most of the home fleet running at the East Lancs Railway.
Ex-Southern Railway Bullied Light Pacific No. 34092 “City of Wells”,
LMS Stanier 4-6-0 Black 5 - 44871
BR Std 4 2-6-0 Tanks 80097 & 80080
0-6-0 tender engine - 2890
L & Y Aspinal A Class 0-6-0 - 52322
Friday was spent at various locations taking photographs of the various locomotives and combinations
Sunday and a return visit with a full length journey along the line in the afternoon behind a top and tailed running between 60009 "Union of South Africa and 34092 "City of wells"
Wednesday - 23/10/2019 - Mid week running day. - SR 4-4-0 Schools Class 926 "Repton" running 3 rounds trips from Bury to Rawtenstall- with the added load of the Dining set on the middle run.
A very nice weekend which ran to plan and some nice photographic shots taken - well done !
Wednesday, a nice day for chasing Repton around on the bike !

35 files, last one added on Oct 23, 2019
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A four day steam event stretching from Thursday 3/10/2019 to Sunday 06/10/2019 with the usual extensive timetable and various freights / goods and Post office sets running on Saturday and Sunday.
2 guest engines - Both southern region -
LSWR 4-4-0 - Drummond T9 - 30120
Schools Class 4-4-0 926 "Repton"
and made up with the GCR Home fleet of
LMS 0-6-0 3F Jinty - 47406
LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 - 46521
BR Class 2 - 2-6-0 - 78018
BR 9F - 2-10-0 - 92214 "Leicester City"
LMS Stanier 2-8-0 8F - 48305
GWR 4-6-0 - 6990 "Witherslack Hall"
BR Std 5 4-6-0 - 73156
DMU Unit.
Saturday.... and away from my usual starting point at Woodthorpe, now spoiled with buildings and road closures and stroppy home owners and went to Kinchley Lane to find a large gallery already present. After spending a couple of hours avoiding heads popping up when the trains came, I moved on back to Woodthorpe and to a farm track bridge closer to Quorn and on into the fields taking photos from the edge of the unfenced fields at the top of the embankments until lunch. After lunch was spent near Loughborough station watching and arrivals and departures before moving on to Quorn station till the end of the day... Then back to the beer festival in Quorn.
Sunday .. and Granddaughters 2nd birthday and a late start and back home for 14.00 for the party, so after looking at the previous days pictures it was back to Saturdays location between Woodthorpe and Quorn. Alas, whilst there. most of the runnings seemed to be tender first ... just my luck but still a gala not to forget.

38 files, last one added on Oct 07, 2019
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August Bank Holiday Weekend - 2019 - A SR Bullied "West Country" themed event with two of their Bullied Pacifics running on the ELR.
Ex-Southern Railway Bullied Light Pacific No. 34092 “City of Wells”, along with special guest, and sister engine, Southern Railway West Country class 4-6-2 Pacific No. 34046 “Braunton” plus third path diesel power by either Class 50 - 50015 "Valiant" running Friday & Saturday and Class 42 - Warship class D832 "Onslaught"running on Sunday & Monday.
23/08/2019 - Friday - A stop at the foot crossing near Summerseat then onto Ramsbottom for some lunch and the rest of the afternoon at Irwell Vale.
24/08/2019 - Saturday - Starting off at Ramsbottom Sidings before moving onto the disused station at Stubbins, then onto Ewood Bridge - leaving to catch 70000 on the mainline.
Unable to return on Sunday & Monday due to work but very warm and enjoyable couple of days whilst there and great weather for riding on the motorbike for a change.

25 files, last one added on Aug 24, 2019
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Sunday - 09/06/2019 - My son booked me with him on this trip whilst visiting him in Denmark where he lives and I came out mainly to visit him, his family and my new Grandson - Lucas!
Hoping for a steam trip in old veteran stock, it turned out to be a run behind Diesel - DSB - MY 1126 and two DBS vintage coaches. I was not disappointed though - but i did expect a full train. It set off on time from Hundested with only about a dozen passengers. Perhaps there are a lack of train enthusiasts in Denmark. The train set off at a pace, racing to stations on the single track to allow services to pass using stations as a passing loop. We travelled through some of the most scenic sights in North & East Zealand and arrived after an hour or so at Graested to the Vintage fair - a mixture of a 1940`s weekend, fun fair, cars, bikes, wagons & tractor and car boot stalls. Even motor bike scrambling and tractor pulling. After checking out the fair and Train Museum (Sheds) we returned doing the return trip after 16.00 - a really full entertaining day out.

39 files, last one added on Jun 12, 2019
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Saturday 01/06/2019 - A family visit to stop with my son and family in Quorn which coincided with the 1940s weekend on the Great Central Railway. So Saturday afternoon myself and the tribe walked up to Quorn Station to sample the atmosphere, unfortunately a little late to catch the trains and visit the other venues.
2 x Stanier 8F`s running - 48305 & 48624
BR Std 5 4-6-0 -75156
plus DMU service
A few Traction engines and road rollers also in steam in the goods yard with lots of military vehicles and demonstrations and stalls. Plus the usual artists singing 1940`s style songs on various stages and platforms around the event. A very good afternoons entertainment for me and the family.

23 files, last one added on Jun 03, 2019
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27/05/2019 -Bank holiday Monday and the last day of a three day event and the end to a smashing 1940`s event. Not sure how the other two days had gone but it seemed a quiet start as i boarded the first service to Bury. A diesel on the front of the service did not bode well for the rest of the day. Arriving at Bury, these thoughts soon dispersed as the entertainment was in full swing on the station. Trains seemed fairly well loaded with passengers and plenty in 1940`s costumes.
locomotives running -
Gresley A4 - 60009 "Union of South Africa"
BR 2-6-4 Std Tank - 80097
MSC No.32 0-6-0 tank engine "Gothenberg" in Thomas the Tank guise
Diesel Class 24 - D5054 "Phil Southern"
A very interesting visit to the Transport Museum followed - (needs a follow up visit) and more entertainment on the station before traveling onto Ramsbottom and more entertainment and displays - The military displays had vanished by this time and by the time I got back to Rawtenstall, the Germans had been forced to retreat and no sign of them either. But "The Washboard Resonators" were playing their gig and well worth watching.
All in all, a good day out, but the crowds were not as big as other times, possibly due to the weather and other events.

40 files, last one added on May 27, 2019
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Saturday 09/03/2019 - Not a day to put a dog out ! - A ride along the line was the order of the day due to hail, rain and winds.
I arrived at Oxenhope around 10.00am and boarded the already nearly full 4 car Vintage train service bound for Keighley departing behind Coal Tank -1054 at 10.25 picking up 43924 on the rear on the way there plus loads more punters at Haworth making standing room only for lots of people. Arriving on time at Keighley, I alighted to take some photographs with the idea of travelling back to Ingrow west. Alas not - the next departure was an express service back to where I came from and so a wait on a cold rain swept station ensued until the 12.20 service came along. Alighting at Ingrow West, I followed the crowds to the chippy opposite the station then down the station yard to view "Bahamas" which was on static display until late afternoon and the various museums there. Next, boarded train back to Oxenhope and a viewing of the museum shed there. At this point a phone call from home putting an end of todays visit and and a early exit home.
Engines running
Guest Engine - LMS Ivatt 2 6 0 - 46521
First gala appearance since 2000 - BR Std 2 2-6-0 - 78022
LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas"
LMS 0-6-0 4F - 43924
LMS Ivatt tank - 41241
Webb Coal tank - 1054
LMS Black 5 4-6-0 - 45212
USA - 5820 "Big Jim"
with LNER steam crane in full swing at Oakworth
The weather spoiled it for me, plus timetabling of some services and only catching a glimpse of 45212 passing in the opposite direction with 45596 "Bahamas" not running until late in the afternoon and "Big Jim" being saved until Sunday.

25 files, last one added on Mar 11, 2019
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Friday 08/03/2019 - The day started cold.dull and misty and turned to rain about lunchtime.
I Started at Irwell Vale and then travelled onto Ramsbottom, then Burrs - until the rain started, then retreated to Great Eaves Road - next to the track at Ramsbottom, near the end of runaround shunt for the shuttle services, keeping warm and dry in the car, only getting out to take snaps of the passing locomotives.
Engines running at the Steam Gala ( * running on friday )

*BR Std class 2 - 78018, appearing courtesy of the Great Central Railway, Darlington Railway Preservation Society (owner) and Loughborough Standard Locomotives Group (custodian).
*Caledonian Railway 4-4-0 No.419, appearing courtesy of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society
*BR Standard 4 Tank 80097 (official launch into service)
*BR Standard 4 Tank 80080, courtesy of PRCLT, first return to traffic following overhaul
*4270 GWR 2-8-0 T
SR Pacific 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells"
*52322 L & Y Aspinal 0-6-0
*2890 Rebuilt 0-6-0 Austerity with tender
32 Gothenburg (not seen by me )

27 files, last one added on Mar 09, 2019
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Another 3 day Steam event starting on Friday 25th Jan to Sunday 27th Jan.
Special guest visitor for the event was GWR 4-6-0 -7802 "Bradley Manor"
with the home fleet of - Stanier Black 5 - 45305
BR 4-6-0 -Std 5 - 73156
GWR - 4-6-0 - 6990 "Witherslack Hall"
BR 9F - 2-10-0 - 92214 "Leicester City"
Stanier 2-8-0 - 8F - 48624
BR Std 2MT - 2-6-0 78018
Ivatt Class 2MT - 2-6-0 - 46521
Fowler 3F - 0-6-0 "Jinty"- 47406
& Austerity 0-6-0 Saddle tank - 68030 at Loughborough.
plus DMU service.
I travel down Friday evening for an early visit on Saturday morning - starting at Woodthorpe and then the surrounding area but going to Kinchley Lane in the afternoon. The weather forcast wasnt good but cold and i decided to risk it anyway which turned out to be a fair decision. Sunday started in a similar way - but colder still so headed to Quorn and a series of trips along the line calling at all the stations and a quick shed visit at Loughborough.
The wind started to pick up which added to the chill factor and I finished the day sat in Quorn Carpark over looking the station until the light faded.
The usual variety of passenger trains ( fast and local) with freight trains and the travelling post office set of coaching always makes it one of the best spectacles to see on the persevered lines in this country.
Whilst the trains where quite well loaded, there was a lack of photographers in the normal locations from previous years - possibly the cold weather and the banning of line side passes to a lot of regular photographic members of the GCR. - this could result in a lot of people not renewing their memberships... A big loss of volunteers to the Railway.
A good event and highly rated by me - but I have been to better ones in previous years.
(all pictures taken from the correct side of fences and locations)

55 files, last one added on Jan 28, 2019
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04/01/2018 - 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" heads the final leg from Carnforth to the ELR with support coach on 5Z80 and captured rushing through Balshaw Lane
08/01/2018 - LNER 4-6-2 A3 60103 "Flying Scotsman" at Hellifield station, Hellifield Green and Whalley Arches with its support coach on 5Z63 from York NRM to ELR
17/02/2018 - Jubilee 45699 'Galatea' storming over Whalley Arches as she heads for home in the fading light working "The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express" from Carlisle to Farington Junction.
24/02/2018 - 60163 "Tornado" being escorted by class 66 - 66014 on "The North Briton" from Cambridge to Carlisle - (steam from Doncaster) at Hellifield & Long Preston
24/02/2018 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" rounds the curve towards Wilpshire Tunnel on the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express
03/03/2018 - 45699 "Galitea" powering through Huncoat Station returning with "The Pennine Limited" towards Farington Junction
10/03/2018 - LMS Jubilee - 45699 Galatea exiting Gisburn tunnel and Langho Station on a returning Cumbrian Mountain Express from Carlisle to Farington Junction.
17/03/2018 - LMS Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" returning with a Cathedrals Express from Carlisle to London captured at Station Close, Wilpshire.
21/03/2018 - 35018 "British India Lines" on "The Salopian Express" leaving Preston at Flag Lane just south of Farington curve junction.
25/03/2018 - Ribble Steam Railway Industrial Gala with guest Engine MSC 32 "Gothenberg" plus 0-4-0 "Grant Richie 272" & WG Bagnall 0-4-0ST No.2648 "Linda"
26/04/2018 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" running 5Z60 from York to the ELR via Hellifield and Preston caught at Wilpshire and Lostock Hall.
08/05/2018 - 35018 "British India Line" on "The Dalesman" waiting at Hellifield station and working hard past Selside heading for Carlisle
15/05/2018 - LMS 8F- 48151 working hard on "The Dalesman" about to run through Selside on the way to Carlisle
22/05/2018 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" enroute from Edinburgh to Preston via S & C captured here at Barrow foot crossing ,heading towards Whalley.
22/05/2018 - LMS 8F - 48151 on the returning Dalesman having just run through Long Preston station
26/05/2018 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee 45699 'Galatea' passing through Langcliffe on the S & C with a running of "The Hadrian" only as far as Carlisle and return
18/06/2018 - LMS Black 5 - 45212 pilots 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on the "Lakes Express" from London Victoria" to Carnforth seen passing German Lane footbridge near Balshaw Lane Station on the WCML.
21/06/2018 - LMS 2-8-0 8F - 48151 heads south at Brock on the WCML with the returning "Lakes Express" from Carnforth to London Victoria
22/06/2018 - 46100 "Royal Scot" & support coach on 5Z61 from Crewe to K&WVR for their 50th anniversary gala caught passing Leyland Trucks at Fowler Lane, Leyland
24/07/2018 - LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 "Leander" heads a returning "Fellsman" approaching Wilpshire tunnel with a class 47 - 47237 tucked inside due to fire risk due to hot weather.
28/07/2018 - SR Merchant Navy class pacific 4-6-2 35018 "British India Line" with Class 37- 37516 tucked inside due to line side fire risks on a running of "The Hadrian"
03/08/2018 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" running from York to Carnforth Steamtown on 5Z72 pictured at Billington foot crossing heading towards Blackburn.
05/08/2018 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee class 45690 "Leander" crossing Ribblehead viaduct with a running of "The Waverley" - steam from Hellifield to Carlisle.
11/08/2018 - LMS Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" coasting through Ribblesdale approaching Helwith Bridge with a returning Cumbrian Mountain Express
11/08/2018 - LNER A4 Class - 60009 "Union of South Africa " coasts down Ribblesdale and at Langho with a running of "The Settle & Carlisle Golden Express 1"
21/08/2018 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" running tender first with support coach between Hellifield & Preston on the way to the East Lancs Railway at Billington on 5Z92
21/08/2018 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee 45699 " Galatea" comes off Whalley Viaduct at the start of the climb up the Banks with a returning "Fellsman"
20/09/2018 - LMS 2-8-0 8F - 48151 on the "Pendle Dalesman" - steam from Hellifield to Carlisle and back at Hellifield and Langcliffe.
17/10/2018 - 35018 "British India lines" at Helwith Bridge on the S & C with a running of the Pendle Dalesman
27/10/2018 - LMS 8F - 48151 - on the "Pendle Dalesman" at Hellifield and leaving Settle for Carlisle at Watershed Mill.
30/10/2018 - LMS Stanier 8F - 48151 with load 13 at Selside on the S & C on "The Dalesman"
10/11/2018 - LMS 4-6-0 Black 5s - 45212 pilots 45407 as 45157 "Glasgow Yeomanry" on a running of the Citadel - from Manchester to Carlisle via the S & C , returning via WCML.
08/12/2018 - BR Std Pacific - 70000 "Britannia" at Rishton Station & Copy Pit foot crossing on the "Pennine Moors Explorer"
16/12/2018 - LMS "8F" 48151 at Billington & Houghton heading to & from Blackburn and eventually to Lancaster with a Santa Special
23/12/2018 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" & 34092 "City of Wells" on Santa Specials on the ELR.
24/12/2018 - 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" & Stanier Black 5 - 45305 on Santa Specials on the GCR.
30/12/2018 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" on the last run up the line (14.35 off Bury) at Burrs country park on the ELR and test run of BR Std Tank - 80097

85 files, last one added on Dec 30, 2018
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Back for another 3 day steam gala event on the East Lancashire Railway starting on Friday 19/10/2018 with a mild morning spent at Irewell Vale station and giving the drone a couple of flights also before having to work in the late afternoon.
Back on Saturday morning starting at Burrs Country park also with the drone before heading to Ramsbottom for lunch, then Rawtenstall and then later at Heap Bridge to catch the Duchess running correct way around.
Sunday was a later start at Summerseat / Spring Bank farm then onto Thomson Fold before heading home when the weather changed to drizzle and then rain.
Guest engines running - LMS Coronation class Pacific - 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland"
GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 -2857
GWR Churchward '42XX' Class 2-8-0T No.4270
with SR Bullied pacific - 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells"
L & Y Aspinal 0-6-0 52322
MSC 0-6-0 Tank No.32 "Gothenberg"
Another excellent Steam gala which ran to time most of the Gala - any late runnings were soon made right.
The Duchess was splendid and also my favorite engine. Only gripe was it was paired top and tailed with city of wells some of the times , both being at the wrong ends of the train.
Thxs ELR for putting on another great show.

41 files, last one added on Oct 22, 2018
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07/10/2018 - Sunday .. and the last day of a 4 day event on the Great Central Railway.
70 years since the 1948 locomotive exchange trials..
Guest engines -"Spam Can" - SR light Bullied Pacific 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells " from the East Lancs Railway and
LNER 4-6-0 - BI - 1264 from the North Yorkshire Railway in wartime paint disguise as 1251 "Oliver Bury"(which ran in the 1948 trials)
Home fleet running included -
BR Std class 5 4-6-0 - 73156
BR Class 9F - 2-10-0 - 92214 named "Leicester City"
GWR Hall - 4-6-0 - 6990 "Witherslack Hall" also part of the 1948 trials
LMS 2-8-0 8F - 48624
BR Std 2-6-0 Class 2 - 78019
LMS 2-6-0 Class 2- 46521
LMS Jinty 0-6-0 - 47406
BR Pacific 4-6-2 - 70013 "Oliver Cromwell"
and a DMU.
The usual extensive passenger timetable with mineral, freight and mail trains made for a very enjoyable day out ... with massive crowds of photographers out at Kinchley Lane.

24 files, last one added on Oct 08, 2018
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