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

Personal blog of Steam Galas & Mainline Steam running from around the North of England. Pictures copyright of Author!!

9,919 files in 279 albums with 0 comments viewed 604,127 times
Late 1980s, early 1990s Colour Photo scans - mainly of the "Cumbrian Mountain Express"


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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
Album viewed 215 times

ELR Spring Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 224 times

Churnet Valley Railway - Super Power Weekend - take 2


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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
Album viewed 204 times

Mainline Steam & Notable Workings - 2019


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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
Album viewed 354 times

ELR Autumn Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 243 times

GCR - Autumn Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 214 times

ELR West Country Weekend - 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
Album viewed 185 times

Hundested to Graested in Denmark - 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
Album viewed 262 times

GCR 1940`s Weekend 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
Album viewed 184 times

ELR 1940`s Weekend - 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
Album viewed 243 times

K&WV Railway Spring Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 183 times

ELR Spring Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 183 times

GCR - Winter Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 191 times

Mainline Steam & Notable Workings - 2018


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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
Album viewed 421 times

ELR Autumn Steam Gala - 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
Album viewed 179 times

GCR - Autumn Steam Gala - 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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60103 "Flying Scotsman" Riding and Viewing Experiences @ ELR, Rawtenstall.


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Saturday - 28/04/2018 - Viewing Experience - I intended to go to Rawtenstall to take a few drone pictures whilst "Flying Scotsman was stationed in the side platform. I arrived just as Peak class 45 diesel - 45108 was about to leave towards Bury and a tryout of a new lens.
After 5 minutes, once the peak had left, I had the drone in the air and got the pictures I wanted and seemed a shame to return home after that short time.
Making inquiries at the ticket office I was told of a space in 10 minutes and quickly paid my dues and join the waiting group in the carriage. There then followed a talk, whilst waiting, about "Flying Scotsman" before being allowed to progress to the support coach and then a journey along the passage way in the tender through onto the footplate. Time here for a few pictures etc in various posses before exiting onto the platform. I was luckily to catch "City of Wells" arriving from Bury and able to add a few more pictures from the cab of "Flying Scotsman"
A trip for just a few drone pictures which turned into a very enjoyable experience lasting a couple of hours!!
Saturday - 12/05/2018 - Riding Experiences - A chance for the public to ride behind Flying Scotsman. I wanted to photograph the engine over the ELR. A visit to Rawtenstall to capture it arriving and leaving and then onto Heywood to catch it arriving whilst passing through the valley on business.
Sunday - 13/05/2018 - Riding Experence - Back again.. and a sunny day too at Ramsbottom and then onto Burrs and then Heap Bridge, taking the drone also to Burrs to try a few flights. ( videos available under appropriate picture in folder)
Saturday 25/08/2018 - August bank holiday and 60103 Flying Scotsman back for another 4 days of running along the line. I managed to catch the first service off Rawtenstall with 60103 & 34092 but had to leave to for a shift at work later.
Wednesday 05/09/2018 - A trip in the late morning to capture 60103 passing by using the drone at Irewell Vale before having to return for a shift at work - video links available under appropriate pictures.
Friday - 07/09/2018 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" at Ewood Bridge & the Quarry near Heapy Bridge on the 12.25 service from Rawtenstall to Bury and then onto Heywood.

52 files, last one added on Sep 07, 2018
Album viewed 264 times

K&WV Railway 50th Anniversary Gala


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An 8 day week festival to celebrate 50 years of the K & WV Railway from Sunday 24 th June to Sunday July 1st. Sunday started off the gala with a members day. Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday nominated as "Royal Scot" running days. Thursday was a vintage and small engine running day and Friday was a re-anactment of the 50th anniversary. Saturday being a mixed gala and Sunday a diesel Gala.
A long weekend working meant my first oppertunity to visit on a very warm sunny afternoon on Monday 25th staying most of the time at Top Field and stopping off at the sheds in Haworth returning home.
Steam engines running
Guest Engines - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46100 "Royal Scot"
LMS 4-6-0- Black 5 45212
SR Bullied pacific - 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells"
Home Fleet running
recently overhauled - LMS Ivatt - 2-6-0 - 41241 painted in K&WV Railway Colours
A return visit on Saturday 30/06 2018 afternoon for "A Mixed Traffic Day." Steam being phased out in the late afternoon for diesels to take over in the evening and on Sunday. I spent most of the time on Keighley bank watching arrival,departures and movements again moving onto Haworth to capture the action there.
engines seen running. - LMS 4-6-0- Black 5 45212
SR Bullied pacific - 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells"
LMS Ivatt - 2-6-0 - 41241
LNWR Webb Coal Tank 0-6-2 -1054
LMS 0-6-0 4F - 43924,
and another guest engine - GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank 7714
Other Steam engines used during the week BR Std 5 -75069, USA 5820 "Big Jim"

36 files, last one added on Jul 01, 2018
Album viewed 154 times

ELR Class 40`s @ 60 Event


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13/04/2018 - Another trip to the dark side to celebrating the 60th birthday of the iconic British Railway Class 40s at this special themed diesel event.
An intensive all diesel timetable featuring five Class 40s running passenger services all weekend.
Locomotives include: Class 40`s
40012 "Aureol"
40013 (D213) "Andania"
40106 "Atlantic Conveyor"
40135
40145
Supported by:
Class 55 - Deltic - D9009 "Alycidon"
Class 50 - 50015 "Valiant"
Friday - A very overcast cold and dull but a very reasonable timetable which run to time with excellent passenger loadings on all the services. Just need better weather for the rest of the event.
Saturday - A Different day altogether with long sunny intervals and warmer but could only spend just over an hour due to work commitments.
I had a plan to return on Sunday afternoon with the drones but it started to rain and a breeze got up so give up on this one. A very well attended event.... looking forward to the smell of steam

26 files, last one added on Apr 14, 2018
Album viewed 167 times

ELR "Tornado" running weekend 2018


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Thursday 29/03/2018 - Straight to Rawtenstall after work to catch 60163 "Tornado" arriving and departing Rawtenstall with the first service train and then home for lunch, I then returned in the afternoon with the drone and camera to Burrs country park to catch some more action with one run past each way of Tornado and other services.
Friday 30/03/2018 - A quick stop at Townsend Fold and Ewood bridge whilst wasting an hour to photograph more action
Saturday 31/03/2018 - A return to Rawtenstall and this time - a trip up to Bury and behind Peak class 45 diesel - 45108. On arrival, I photographed the action of arrivals and departures plus 60103 "Flying Scotsman" and 34092 "City of Wells" - both on static display. I then returned to Rawtenstall to go line side at the right side of the fence just north of Ramsbottom station at the end of the goods yard at a factory private crossing and next to a playground before returning home late afternoon.
Sunday - 01/04/2018 - Day off with Family
Monday - 02/04/2018 - A drive past Heywood Station and on to Rawtenstall catching LMS 2-6-0 Crab - 13065 arriving and departing and 60163"Tornado" departing Rawtenstall in miserable weather conditions.
Over all, a very nice weekend photographing with the camera and a very nice prestige engine running along the line, Pity the weather wasnt nicer for the time of year. But well done ELR for putting on the event and running to schedule. (Would have loved a night shoot with Tornado, Flying Scotsman and Union of South Africa)

30 files, last one added on Apr 02, 2018
Album viewed 208 times

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