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02/01/2023 - A Farewell to SR Pacific -34092 "City of Wells" with its last running day as it goes for into the workshops at the end of todays services for renewal of its 10 year Boiler Ticket which means a strip down of the boiler testing and rebuilding. Also the line is being closed to allow essential track replacements and repairs in several places until the Spring Steam Gala in March.
SR Pacific -34092 "City of Wells" had three runs along the line today and I caught the first run at Ewood Bridge and then onto Rawtenstall to catch its run around the carriages and departure for Heywood. I caught up with "Wells" arriving and departing at Heywood and I then carried on to Ramsbottom to catch its arrival and departure on its second run. Whilst leaving Ramsbottom it was quickly halted with a problem with a carriage door handle, which gave me time to head again to get to Ewood Bridge again for the near end of this run. By this time it was time for me to head for home and the light was fading and most of its final run would have been in near darkness. Also running on the 2nd path was a 2 set DMU - both services very well attended !

19 files, last one added on Jan 02, 2023
Album viewed 203 times

22/01/2022 - 45699 "Galatea" in disguise as 45627/45562 Sierra Leone/Alberta heading to Carlisle on the "Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express" from Manchester leaving Whalley behind at Barrow foot crossing and Selside Shaw
29/01/2022 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" & SR Battle of Britain class 34067 "Tangmere" on the "Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express" from London Euston seen at Shap, Ais Gill & Hellifield Green
24/02/2022 - SR Battle of Britain class 34067 "Tangmere" arrives on the goods loop at Hellifield and approaching Langho Station on "The Northern Belle" returning from Carlisle for Leeds via Preston, Manchester Vic .
26/02/2022 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" on a late running Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express crossing Whalley Arches on its return journey.
04/03/2022 - LMS Royal Scot Class - 46100 "Royal Scot" with support coach passing Farington Curve Junction at Bee Lane Bridge on 5Z46 from ELR to K&WVR via Carnforth / Little North Western / Hellifield / Keighley.
06/03/2022 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" in other guises heads south at German Lane on "The Peaks Express" from Preston to Derby and return.
11/03/2022 - 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" makes its way to Hellifield on 5Z34 -Tyseley Steam Trust to Hellifield Goods Loops seen here leaving Whalley at the foot crossing behind "The Eagle at Barrow"
12/03/2022 - LMS Stanier Pacific - 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" heading for the Border City via the S & C passing Langcliffe
09/04/2022 - 2 x SR class Pacifics over Shap within 15 minutes of each other - 34046 "Braunton" on the "The Lakelander" Tour & 35018 "British India lines" on the "Settle & Carlisle" tour. Both captured at Scout Green heading north to Carlisle and 34046 returning at Billington.
26/04/2022 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas" on 5Z38 from K & WVR to Carnforth passing through Hellifield.
27/04/2022 - Doubled headed LMS Stanier Jubilees - 45596 "Bahamas" & 45690 "Leander" on the "Great Britain XIV" heading south at German Lane from Grange over Sands to Chester.
07/06/2022 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India Line" at Hellifield and passing Settle Junction on "The Dalesman" to Carlisle
14/06/2022 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India Line" on The Dalesman to Carlisle from Lancaster via the S & C, captured leaving Whalley at the back of the new housing estate at Barrow & returning at Vicarage Lane Wilpshire
15/06/2022 - Saphos Trains - SR Pacific 34046 "Braunton" on the "Fellsman" from Crewe to Carlisle via S & C captured at Billington foot crossing and heading for Hellifield at Newsholme
16/06/2022 - LMS Royal Scot Class - 46100 "Royal Scot" on 579Y from Crewe to Hellifield for "The Capitals express to Edinburgh" at Whalley and arriving at Hellifield down goods loop.
16/06/2022 - LMS Royal Scot Class - 46100 "Royal Scot" on "The Capitals express to Edinburgh" at Langcliffe on the S & C
07/07/2022 - In the fading light, LMS Royal Scot class 46115 "Scots Guardsman" arriving at Hellifield with a returning Scarborough Spa Express and also about to pass under the A65 leaving Hellifield for Carnforth.
10/07/2022 - LMS Jubilee class - 45690 "Leander" waiting at Hellifield to drag "The Waverley" to Carlisle and at Helwith Bridge.
14/07/2022 - 35018 "British India Line" now fixed and captured at Hellifield and approaching Long Preston on The Dalesman from York to Carlisle
30/07/2022 - SR Pacific - 34067 "Tangmere" on the "S & C Steam Special - Northern Belle" running slowly approaching Whalley Station.
02/08/2022 - The returning "Pendle Dalesman" with SR Merchant Navy Pacific - 35018 "British India Line" passing the Old Wilpshire Station platform at Station Close heading back to Lancaster.
11/08/2022 - LMS Royal Scot class 46115 "Scots Guardsman" at Hellifield and Selside Shaw with "The Dalesman" from York to Carlisle.
17/08/2022 - SR Battle of Britain class 34072 "Tangmere" at Settle Junction, Hellifield and leaving Hellifield on the returning Northern Belle from Lincoln to Carlisle & return.
23/08/2022 - LMS Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coasting down hill through Langho Station heading towards Hellifield and onto Carlisle with the Pendle Dalesman & returning at Wilpshire Station.
24/08/2022 - 46100 "Royal Scot" at Billington foot crossing on the start of the haul up Whalley Banks with the returning "Fellsman" from Carlisle to Crewe via S & C Railway.
27/08/2022 - 35018 "British India Line"on the returnimg "Cumbrian Mountain Express" from Carlisle to Crewe via the S & C crossing Whalley Arches.
02/10/2022 - A late running "Lune Rivers Trust" from Carnforth to York with LMS Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" arriving, watering and leaving Hellifield behind.
06/10/2022 - Nearly dark as SR Merchant Navy class pacific - 35018 "British India Line" returning from Carlisle on "The Dalesman" approaches Helwith Bridge and crossing the River Ribble.
15/10/2022 - SR Merchant Navy class Pacific - 35018 "British India Line" gets a helpful push from the back on the climb up Whalley Banks approaching Langho station in the rain on a Cumbrian Mountain Express
09/12/2022 - Stanier LMS Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" on 5Z15 from Carnforth to York approaching Skipton near Niffany
21/12/2022 - LNER 4-6-0 B1 Class- 61306 "Mayflower" passing German Lane on the WCML heading north and passing Rishton Golf Club with "The Pennine Moors Christmas Cracker"

97 files, last one added on Dec 21, 2022
Album viewed 427 times

14/10/2022 to 16/10/2022 - A three day Steam event for the ELR Autumn Steam Gala and being 100 years since the merger of the L & Y and the LNWR - a L & Y steam Gala was order of the weekend. A great line up of L & Y & LNWR engines assembled for the Steam Gala -
Guest Engine LNWR Coal Tank 0-6-2 - 1054 from the K & W V Railway
Guest Engine Class 25 - L & Y 0-6-0 Tender Engine -52044 (957) also from K & W V Railway.
L & Y Class 27 0-6-0 Tender Engine 52322 (1300)
L & Y Class 23 0-6-0 ST steam locomotive 51456 (752)
L & Y Pug 0-4-0 ST No.19 in disguise as 51241
also running on various days SR Pacific 34092 "City of Wells" on its last Gala before 10 year ticket runs out.
BR Std Tank - 2-6-4-T - 80097
GWR 0-6-2-Tank - 5643
& 0-4-0 Sentinel "Ann" shunting in Castlecroft Yard.
L & Y 0-4-0 "Pug" 51208 from K & W V R (not in running condition) on display at Bury Station.
(With 60009 "Union of South Africa to view in the transport Museum)
So what to say about this Gala - No big named famous engines imported for this Gala but it didn`t need them !! This line up of Steam Locomotives was as good as I have seen at any Gala since "Steel Steam & Stars" at Llangollen years ago.
Lots of effort went into this Gala by lots of staff with photo shoots at Castlecroft and Buckly Wells and even extending the viewing area at Ramsbottom Sidings for the "Pug" shunting. - would like to see this happening more often.
The weather was reasonable with a few showers during the three days and the sun did shine on quite a few occasions. The time table seemed a little slack at times that being mainly due to myself arriving at locations with plenty of time to spare but it mainly ran to time which was another plus for the gala.
I must rate this as one of the best I have been too. Good Un ELR !!!

46 files, last one added on Oct 16, 2022
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01/10/2022 - A visit to the Ribble Steam Railway situated at the far end of Preston Docks for their annual Autumn steam Gala.
5 engines in steam with guest engine from the ELR - L & Y 0-4-0 "Pug" N0. 19
Furness Railway - 0-4-0 FR no.20 Tender Engine
Bagnall 2680 - 0-6-0- Saddle Tank "Courageous"
Hawthorn Leslie 3931/1938 'Linda' (No.21)
Grant Richie 0-4-0 - 272/1894
Arriving in time to catch the 11.00 service and then onto Riversway Station having a look around the Museum and a trip along the line on the 12.00 service and back photographing along the line again.
A very enjoyable day out and a large turn around of locos in the Museum also - gone the Ivatt and the prototype Deltic being replaced by other new exhibits - Also no sign of any Diesel shunters either.

47 files, last one added on Oct 02, 2022
Album viewed 219 times

18/06/2022 - The East Lancs Railway celebrating the 100th anniversary of the merger of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and the LNWR. with at least three 100+ year old locomotives in steam, including the newly restored Pug-19. Engines restored -
LNWR Coal Tank – 1054
L&Y 0-4-0 Pug – 19
L&Y Saddletank – 752/51456
L&Y Class 27 – 52322 (1300)
plus GWR Tank - 5643 replacing LMS Jinty which failed
A cloudy start with a trip along the line from Rawtenstall to Bury behind L&Y Class 27 – 52322 (1300) on the 10.10 service. I followed on from this into Castlecroft yard to watch the shunting display with "Pug 19" and the excellently restored trucks and wagons plus passing services and positioning movements from the station.
While I was there, I paid a quick visit into the Transport Museum to view 60009 "Union of South Africa" on static display - Note to myself- a much more lengthy stay needs to be arranged to view the excellent exhibits in there.
Back across to the station for Lunch and a beer in the Trackside Pub then onto the shuttle to Ramsbottom behind "Pug"19 with an excellent run with 3 coaches behind ensued. At this point, the timetable started to fall apart and the Pug was sent back to Bury due to a late running GWR tank 5643 at Ramsbottom. Now back at Bury my plan was to catch the double header back to Rawtenstall then go home but the coal tank 1054 was taken off and added to 5643 which was in trouble. So a return trip again behind 1300 on the 14.50 followed again.
It would not be the same on the ELR without timetable problems but it still was an excellent Gala and not one to be missed - a change from lineside pictures as well.

27 files, last one added on Jun 18, 2022
Album viewed 183 times

A three day steam event from Friday 25/02/2022 to Sunday 27/02/2022 with fairly decent weather for the time of year.
Two guest engines for this event -
LMS Royal Scot class4-6-0 - 46100 "Royal Scot"
GWR 1500 Pannier Tank class 0-6-0 - 1501 from the Severn Valley Railway
with 0-4-0 Sentinel "Ann" making its mainline appearance on Saturday at the head of a shuttle service plus
SR BoB class pacific 34092 "City of Wells"
L & Y 0-6-0 Saddle Tank - 752
L & Y Class 27 0-6-0 - 52322 &
MSC No.32 0-6-0T "Gothenberg" in TtT guise
Friday was spent at Irwell Vale and on to Summerseat foot crossing before heading to Ramsbottom and heading home via Ewood Bridge.
Saturday started at Summerseat again to catch a service as a was running late and then onto Burrs Country Park for the rest of the day stopping at Ewood Bridge again on the way home.
Sunday was a late start after lunch with a motor cycle ride to Irewell vale and onto Brook Bottom Tunnel for a change at Summerseat before continuing my bike ride.
One of the ELR Steam Galas I will remember for a long time if only for the mainline appearance of Sentinel " Ann" blowing its whistle all along the line.
Well done for organising a great event.

57 files, last one added on Jun 15, 2022
Album viewed 258 times

18/12/2021 - An excursion from Liverpool to Carlisle (Diesel hauled to Hellifield) and hauled by LNER A3 60103 "Flying Scotsman" to Carlisle.
A very misty scene as I arrived at Hellifield just as Flying Scotsman arrived from Carnforth, tender first with support coach, capturing most of the movements around the station before the excursion diesel hauled part arrived.
I left at this point heading north bound into the Dales hoping for some atmospheric pictures. Low lying mist was the order of the journey with sunny spots around Long Preston and the sun broke through past Horton-in-Ribblesdale and I settled for a spot just before Selside looking over towards Pen-Y-Gent with mist still rising in the fields in the distance.
60103 arrived on time, leaving a trail of exhaust the length of the valley. I set off home 10 minute later and the exhaust was still lingering above the line for the next few miles until it merged into the mist back at Horton-in-Ribblesdale
One of the best days ever for me for Railway photography.

18 files, last one added on Dec 19, 2021
Album viewed 287 times

Finally its got to the latter end of Feburary and due to Covid 19 and lockdown, I finally got to see a locomotive in steam - even if was only having a steam / boiler test.
21/02/2021 - LMS Jubilee class 45596 "Bahamas" in the shed yard at Haworth having a boiler/steam test.
17/03/2021 - 09 Shunter 09024 in Ramsbottom sidings with a ballasting works train - captured whilst passing by on a motor bike ride.
09/04/2021 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45407 movement from the ELR Bury to Carnforth pictured approaching Flag Lane near Farington Curved Junction and Bilsborrow.
09/04/2021 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45212 movement (tender first) from the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway to Carnforth pictured at Wennington Station.
25/04/2021 - SR Pacific 34092 "City of Wells" returning from Rawtenstall at Irwell Vale on staff training on the ELR
10/05/2021 - HST 125 - 43046/ 43055 "Blue Pullman" on driver training returning to Crewe from Carlisle via S & C at Billington.
11/05/2021 - HST 125 - 43046/ 43055 "Blue Pullman" on driver training returning to Crewe from Carlisle via S & C on Whalley Arches.
11/05/2021 - LMS Stanier 4-6-0 Black 5 - 44871 on a light engine movement from Carnforth to York and onto the NYMR captured at Hellifield.
13/05/2021 - HST 125 - 43046/ 43055 "Blue Pullman" on driver training from Crewe to Carlisle via S & C at Langho Station and returning at Wilpshire and Ramsgreave station.
15/05/2021 - LNER A3 4-6-2 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" with support coach on a test run around Carnforth - Hellfield - Blackburn - Carnforth circuit on 5M50 at various locations.
18/05/2021 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India Lines" on "The Pendle Dalesman" at Whalley. Gisburn, Helwith Bridge & returning on Whalley Arches
20/05/2021 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" at Hellifield and Selside with a running of the Dalesman from York to Carlisle.
22/05/2021 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India lines" at Settle Station, Hellifield and Hellifield Green on the returning "Cumbrian Mountain Express"
22/05/2021 - LNER 4-6-2 Peppercorn Class A1 60163 "Tornado" at Hellifield on the "Pennine Explorer" on a round tour from Leicester to Carlisle and on 5Z19 at Gargrave returning to York.
25/05/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - running as 45562 "Alberta" on "The Dalesman" running from Lancaster to Carlisle via the S & C at Billington foot crossing and returning at Barrow foot crossing
26/05/2021 - Rebuilt SR Pacific - 34046 "Braunton" on "The Fellsman" at Langho, Whalley Arches and Hellifield station running from Crewe to Carlisle via the S & C Railway and returning at Wilpshire.
27/05/2021 - Stanier Pacific - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" at Ais Gill and leaving Hellifield on 1Z76 - The Northern Belle: Settle & Carlisle Steam Special returning from Carlisle to Manchester.
29/05/2021 - Stanier Pacific - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" at Settle Station, Hellifield and Billington foot crossing n 1Z16 - The Northern Belle: Settle & Carlisle Steam Special returning from Carlisle to Manchester and onto York.
01/06/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" looking splendid, working hard up the S & C approaching Selside on a running of "The Dalesdale"
03/06/2021 - SR 4-6-2 Merchant Navy Class 35018 "British India Line" at Hellifield station and at Long Preston on "The Dalesman" from York to Carlisle.
08/06/2021 - SR 4-6-2 Merchant Navy Class 35018 "British India Line" on the Pendle Dalesman from Lancaster to Carlisle via the S & C captured at Billington foot crossing, Langcliffe and returning at Barrow foot crossing.
12/06/2021 - HST "Blue Pullman" passes the foot crossing at the back of "The Eagle at Barrow" with the "Settle & Carlisle Pullman" from Bristol to Carlisle & return.
17/06/2021 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" returning at Hellifield with a running of the Dalesman from York to Carlisle and return.
22/06/2021 - LMS Stanier Royal Scot - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" on "The Dalesman" from Chester to Carlisle (Steam from Hellifield) at Hellifield and Langcliffe.
26/06/2021 - LMS Stanier Pacific - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth on "The Northern Belle -Settle & Carlisle steam Special" photographed leaving Whalley heading for Hellifield behind "the Eagle " at Barrow and on the climb of the S & C at Selside.
26/06/2021 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India Line" returning with the Cumbrian Mountain Express at Barrow foot crossing
27/06/2021 - LNER A3 60103 "Flying Scotsman" crossing Denthead Viaduct and leaving Hellifield heading for Preston and then south diesel hauled on the returning "Flying Scotsman to Scotland" rail tour.
29/06/2021 - LMS Stanier Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coasting across Whalley Arches and into the station with a running of "The Dalesman" from Lancaster to Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle railway.
03/07/2021 - LMS Stanier Pacific - 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" runs across Ribblehead Viaduct and at Hellifield with a running of The Northern Belle: Settle & Carlisle Steam
07/07/2021 - Rebuilt SR Pacific - 34046 "Braunton" on "The Fellsman" at Barrow foot crossing heading for Hellifield and running from Crewe to Carlisle via the S & C Railway & returning at Billington foot crossing.
10/07/2021 - Rebuilt SR Pacific - 34046 "Braunton" on "The Lakelander" heading north at Flag Lane Farington Curved Junction , St.Heliers Av, Barton and Beck Foot
10/07/2021 - 60103 tucked inside Class 47 - 47746 heading from Carnforth to York with empty carriage stock leaving Clapham station behind on 5Z42
13/07/2021 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" taking water at Hellifield in the Up Goods Loop waiting for "the Dalesman " to arrive and north of Selside.
14/07/2021 - 46100 "Royal Scot" on "The Fellsman" taken at Barrow, leaving Whalley behind and at Billington foot crossing on its return from Carlisle to Crewe
16/07/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45596 "Bahamas" waits to depart Hellifield after running around its support coach and also running into Langho station heading towards Blackburn and onto Southall.
17/07/2021 - LMS Stanier Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coasting past Wilpshire & Ramsgreave station at Station Close on the Cumbrian Mountain Express heading for Hellifield & the S & C to Carlisle
20/07/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" at Wildhire and returning at Hellifield and Hellifield Green with a running of the Dalesman
20/07/2021 - Peppercorn design A1 - 60163 "Tornado" at Hellifield with the Viking Venturer returning to Scotland from York.
22/07/2021 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India Lines" at Hellifield and heading northbound on the Dalesman at Langcliffe
24/07/2021 - LNER A3 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" leaving Gargrave and at Selside Shaw on the Settle & Carlisle Railway heading to Carlisle on a running of the Hadrian.
27/07/2021 - SR Pacific 35018 "British India Line" taken leaving Whalley behind at the back of "The Eagle at Barrow" heading for Hellifield and the S & C to Carlisle on a running of "The Pendle Dalesman"
30/07/2021 - LNER 4-6-2 Peppercorn Class A1 60163 "Tornado" running through Long Preston Station heading south on the "Northern Belle" as far as Hellifield and turning around with support coach before heading to Carnforth,
03/08/2021 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" at Hellifield on a running of the Dalesman from Chester to Carlisle - steam only from Hellifield
04/08/2021 - LMS Stanier 46100 "Royal Scot" on the last Fellmans of the season from Crewe to Carlisle leaving Blackburn on Bastwell Viaduct and returning at Barrow foot crossing
08/08/2021 - LNER Peppercorn A1 - 60163 "Tornado" heads south on the S & C approaching Helwith Bridge on the Northern Belle
10/08/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - Galitea in 45627 "Sierra Leone" disguise with smokebox number and nameplate, on the Dalesman, heading towards Hellifield and the S & C at Billington foot crossing and returning on Houghton Banks.
15/08/2021 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India line" at Helwith Bridge and near Gargrave on the returning "Waverley" back to York from Carlisle.
17/08/2021 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" rushes through Wilpshire & Ramsgreave station on the outward leg of the "Pendle Dalesman" from Lancaster to Carlisle via the S & C Railway.
28/08/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" heads south with support coach on 5Z45 from Carnforth to Bishops Lydeard heading towards Leyland at Fowler Lane.
31/08/2021 - LMS Stanier Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" in disguise crosses Whalley Viaduct and returning at Barrow foot crossing with a running off the "Pendle Dalesman from Lancaster to Carlisle via Hellifield and the S & C
05/09/2021 - SR Rebuilt Pacific - 35018 "British India Line" crosses Ribblehead Viaduct in the failing light on the returning Waverley from Carlisle to York.
16/09/2021 - LNER A1 Pacific - 60163 "Tornado" runs past Holroyd Junction approaching Todmorden with the returning "Jorvik Express" from York to Liverpool.
18/09/2021 - LMS Stanier Royal Scot class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman on the returning steam leg of "The Cumbrian Coast Express" from Carlisle to London Euston running into Ravenglass.
21/09/2021 - 35018 "British India Line" going over the top of the banks approaching Wilpshire and Ramsgreave Station on the outward bound Pendle Dalesman and returning crossing Whalley Arches in a sunset,
02/10/2021 - LNER Peppercorn A1 - 60163 "Tornado" on the returning "Northern Bell - S & C Steam Special" at Helwith Bridge & Hellifield.
07/10/2021 - LNER Peppercorn A1 - 60163 "Tornado" on "The Northern Belle: Settle & Carlisle Special" returning from Carlisle to Coventry at Ribblehead Station Hellifield and leaving Hellifield for Preston.
09/10/2021 - Rebuilt SR Merchant Navy Class - 35018 "British India Line" passing Barrow foot crossing on a returning "Cumbrian Mountain Express" in light rain heading for Blackburn and onto Preston.
13/10/2021 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45212 on a move from Carnforth to Keighley in Hellifield UP goods loop on 0Z62
16/10/2021 - LNER A1 - 60163 "Tornado" on "The Northern Belle: Settle & Carlisle Steam Express" returning to Preston at Billington foot crossing.
21/10/2021 - LNER 4-6-2 Peppercorn Class A1 60163 "Tornado" heads towards Hellifield and onto Carlisle at Barrow foot crossing.
10/11/2021 - SR Pacific BoB class 34067 "Tangmere" on a 2nd Loaded test run of around the Carnforth - Hellifield - Blacburn circuit on 5M50 with class 37 37518 tucked inside.
16/11/2021 - LMS Stanier Black 5 - 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" coming from Carnforth at Hellifield on 5Z05 then heading first to York before heading onto the Wensleydale Railway to haul Santa specials.
10/12/2021 - Class 47 - 47804 & LMS Royal Scot class 46115 "Scots Guardsman" at Hellifield on 5Z19 - a ECS movement from Carnforth to York for the next days running from York to Edinburgh.
18/12/2021 - LNER A3 60103 "Flying Scotsman" to Carlisle.- see separate gallery
31/12/2021 - LMS 4F 0-6-0 43924 on its last day of running until overhauled sometime in the future - 12.30 service off Keighley

215 files, last one added on Dec 31, 2021
Album viewed 990 times

A three day steam event on the East Lancashire Railway.
Friday started in full sunshine, at Irewell Vale slowly clouding over in the afternoon at Summereat foot crossing and then Ramsbottom Station stopping off at Ewood Bridge on the way home.
Saturday was cloudy and a few hours spent at Burrs Country Park.
Sundays visit was at Summerseat Mid afternoon and then onto Ramsbottom before returning home.
With the failure of 60009 "Union of South Africa" ( on display at Bury) a couple of guest engines where rushed in to supplement the Gala.
Guest engine running - GWR 4-6-0 - 7822 "Dinmore Manor"
LMS Ivatt 2-6-2 Tank - 41312
and also recently restored LMS 0-6-0 "Jinty" Tank - 47298 which unfortunately failed on Friday
with
SR Battle of Britain Class Pacific - 34092 "City of Wells
BR Std 2-6-4 Tank - 80097
GWR 0-6-2T - 5643
L & Y Railway 0-6-0ST - 752 (51456)
L & Y 0-6-0 - 52322
Sentinal "May" was also running around Bury station shunting wagons.
WoW ! What a Steam Gala - ELR turned this one around with the failure of 60009 into one of the best I have attended here.

45 files, last one added on Oct 17, 2021
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25/09/2021 - Saturday - A return trip back to the NYMR Steam gala after a 5 year absence when Flying Scotsman was their guest Engine. (Thought it was shorter than that period of time). It started off with a cloudy start at Moorgates, just missing Tornado as I was driving down the road, but stayed catching the Std Tank returning from Pickering and The double header from Grosmont. With the single track and length of line, it gave me plenty of time to move to my next location at Water Arc as the sun came out, so I thought - missing the outward goods. I stayed here an hour or so catching the returning Tornado, plus the goods and 2999 outward to Pickering before moving on to Grosmont for a few hours and a walk around to the sheds and watch the Whitby shuttle arrive. Moving off later in the direction of home stopping at Levisham for the beer tent. and picture "No.8" on a goods.
Guest Engines running - LNER A1 4-6-2 - 60163 "Tornado"
GWR Saint Class 4-6-0 2999 "Lady of Legend"
LMS 8F 2-8-0 - 48305 from the GCR
Plus BR STd Tank - 80135
BR 2-10-0 - 92134
LMS Stanier Black 4 - 5428 "Eric Tracey"
LNER 0-6-0 - J27 - 65894
Class 20 Diesel - 20142 "Sir John Betjaman"
BR Std 4 -76079 & Repton were in the sheds not being used on the day
LNER Q6 - 0-8-0 63395 in shed yard - out of action - awaiting repairs
Lucie type IV Cockerill Vertical boiler locomotive.

Rather an interesting visit and quite a good gala !!

Epilogue - Its quite a run for me to get to this gala, so I like to take the scenic route via Bubberhouses - Ripon - Thirsk - Sutton Bank - Pickering and avoiding Harrogate & going around York. - I took a wrong turning onto the A1M and a 20mile round run to get back to right turn off. I get to Thirst to find Sutton bank is closed and to follow direction. This turned out to be all the way to York Bypass, another way off course diversion for me and added another 30 miles to the run and an extra 90 minutes travelling time overall resulting in missing some of the first runs along the line. Needless to say - I came home via York & Harrogate.
Part 2 - I met a classmate from school who I hadnt seen in over 50 years on Grosmont Station - Nice to meet you again Tony.

37 files, last one added on Sep 26, 2021
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12/09/2019 - Sunday - A cloudy dull but mild day and a few hours spent along the line. Time table seemed to be throne away due to breakdowns and late runnings, but still plenty of action with the traction left and running in a similar form to the original timetable.
Starting on Keighley Banks for an hour or so then moving on to Top field for another hour via Haworth sheds before returning home.
Engines running whilst I was there -
USA 2-8-0 S160 - 5820 "Big Jim"
BR Std 2 4-6-0 - 78022
LMS 4F 0-6-0 - 43924
L & Y 0-6-0 - 957 as the "Green Dragon" in the Railway Children novel.
LMS -Ivatt 2-6-0 - 41241 outside Haworth Sheds
Class 27 Diesel - 27001
Class 26 Diesel - 26007
Class 20 Diesel - 20031 outside Haworth Sheds
Still, the management kept the show running in fine form and an enjoyable few hours spent watching the action plus just got home in time on the bike before the rain started at home.

19 files, last one added on Sep 13, 2021
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04/09/2021 - I always enjoy visiting this little railway and its friendly staff and missed visiting for a couple of years due to covid and health issues.
This Gala weekend was held on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September 2021, and provided:
a first chance to see the newly-overhauled HL 3860 "No. 6", in service for the first time in 45+ years; and
a last chance to see NER 1310 before it retires from service.
With passenger services up to Park Halt and being a Gala, down the hardly used Balm road extension in the other direction plus freight train rides in the guards van where also operating along the line.
Other locos being used on Saturday - HC D1373 "MD&HB No. 45" - ( Mersey Docks and Harbour Board )
HC D631 "Carroll".
LNER Y1 Sentinal - 68153 in steam and light running in the sheds line.
An enjoyable afternoon visit and a reasonable ride there on the motor bike.

31 files, last one added on Sep 05, 2021
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30/05/2021 - A Week of LNER Gresley A4 Pacific - 4-6-2 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" running over May Bank holiday and on the midweek steam services with 3 runs per day and just between Bury and Rawtenstall on midweek runs in lovely weather.
31/05/2021 - Not all went as planned for me as a failed Diesel service threw the time table away on Bank Holiday Monday and 60009 was turned at Ramsbottom instead of going on to Rawtenstall and went back to Bury and after waiting at Ewood Bridge for over 90 minutes, i went home.
02/06/2021 -I made another journey to the Railway and also a ride between Rawtenstall & Bury on the midweek services on Wednesday
The usual late running to time tables was frustrating also on other days but was worth the wait. One late running caused by staff sickness on the locomotive footplate and needed a replacement crew.
04/06/2021 - I managed to call by Ramsbottom Station in time to catch the last run on Friday , whilst I was heading down south, which was on time
13/08/2021 - Finally I manage to get to the ELR again as 60009 has been running over the half term holidays and I managed to chase it around and catch it at various locations whilst doing a run of the line on 3 midweek services per day.
30/08/2021 - Both 60009 & 60103 were running on the same day, so a trip to Burrs County park was my destination. With 60103 facing south, and the vegatition growing quite large, I decided the best option was to use the drone and take pictures with that.
05/09/2021 - A quick visit to Irwell Vale to catch LNER A3 4-6-2- pacific - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" leaving Irwell Vale Halt behind on a non stop service from Rawtenstall to Bury



05/10/2021 - It was announced today that 60009 "Union of South Africa" was to be retired early due to the state of its boiler, and now will not be running at the ELR Steam Gala and other events --- It will be on static display at Bury Station on 15, 16, 17 Oct (Steam Gala), -

44 files, last one added on Sep 07, 2021
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20/06/2021 - I was at a loose end, so I thought of a short trip east along the A59 to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway.
Two Austerity 0-6-0 Tanks in steam - "Beatrice" on the "Dales Diner" & "Welsh Fusilier" on the Vintage set. Both engines and stock turned out nicely and running on time.
Now its story time - For me to get to Embsay I used to travel east along the A59 around Skipton, turn right, and round under the A59 road to Embsay. Now you have to travel on to the roundabout where the A59/A65 separate and come back on yourself on the same road and turn left onto the Embsay road adding a mile or so extra to the journey. Now at this roundabout, its faster and easier to carry on along the A59 to Bolton Abbey Station instead to get to the railway at the other end, which I did.
I arrived at Bolton Abbey Station as "Beatrice" was running around the Dining train and was told I could not get on that service as it was diners only service. So I went for brew and a cake (very nice) until the vintage train arrived.
When it arrived I went to get a ticket to travel and was then told I could only get a ticket if I travelled from Embsay end only because of Covid 19 cleaning systems on the services. I had wasted over an hour by now and I had not time to travel by car to Embsay, get a ticket and do a round trip from there ... and if I stopped I would need a platform ticket, which was rubbing it in I thought. So I decided to leave. So I stopped off on the way to photograph the trains from the road, calling at Embsay for a few more pictures, then left for home. Another day of misfortune for me at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway.

9 files, last one added on Jun 21, 2021
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5/6 June 2021 - The first Steam Gala on the GCR this year after the loosening of Covid 19 restrictions
Only 4 engines of the home fleet in steam with a railcar and a diesel running a freight service each day.
Only 4 round trip services per day but with engine change at various stations along the line, done this way to help with social distancing on the trains and stations.
I was visiting family locally so could only spend a short time due to other commitments and therefore drove to Kinchley Lane. Expecting a long delay between services, I was presently surprised with the amount of movements whilst there.
Locomotives in steam -
GWR 4-6-0 - 6990 "Witherslack Hall"
LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 - 46521
BR Std 5 4-6-0 - 73156
LMS Stanier 2-8-0 8F - 48305
DMU Unit.
Peak Class 45 - D123 on Saturday on the freight
Class 25 Diesel - D5185 on Sunday on the freight
(Black 5 - 45305 was replaced after finding a birds nest in the cab - conservation in practise.)
Lovely weather on Saturday and Partly cloudy on Sunday with heavy showers in the afternoon. Lots of organising went into the event to make it happen with the Covid 19 restrictions but it was a very low key event - but I am glad that the Locomotives are back and well done the to management for being brave and putting it on !

9 files, last one added on Jun 09, 2021
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May bank Holiday and it was the 30th anniversary of the length of line between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall being opened and the first time the railway was being opened up to the public since covid 19 restrictions where partially relaxed.
Alas all did not go as planned, severe weight restrictions on the track around Irewell Vale meant no heavy services could run over that stretch of line until the problem is fixed and so it was left to a light weight DMU Bubble car to run a shuttle between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.
If that was not enough - the planned engine was 34092 City of Wells failed and was replaced by BR Std Tank 80097.
But. it put on a excellent show at Burrs country park with its load which alone was well worth the visit track side.
Also running on the diesel path was Class 24 D5054 "Phil Southern" which was also well turned out.
A low key event, probably due to the problems above , but nice to get trains running again on my local heritage line.

18 files, last one added on May 03, 2021
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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

73 files, last one added on Jul 31, 2023
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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,

107 files, last one added on Aug 01, 2023
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