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

10/03/2018 - Saturday...and day two of a three day event of which I could only make an afternoon visit due to working the rest of the time. Over night rain and melting snow from earlier in the week had caused localised flooding on the way to the event and standing water and puddles plus muddy footpaths made it unpleasant at Top Field were I usually go, so only stopped for an hour or so before decending on Keighley Banks for firmer, dryer ground.
2 guest engines brought in for this event - BR Std Pacific -Britannia class 4-6-2 - 70013 "Oliver Cromwell"
and S&DJR Fowler Class 7F 2-8-0 No. 53808
and Ian Rileys LMS Black 5 - 4-6-0 - 44871 which has been on the K&WVR for a couple of months
Plus the home fleet of
BR Std 4MT - 75078
LMS Fowler 0-6-0 43924
USA US ATC S160 "Big Jim"- 5828
LNWR Webb Coal Tank 0-6-2 -1054
Taff Vale Railway Class O2 0-6-2T No. 85, - not seen on Saturday afternoon
Nunlow - not seen on Saturday afternoon
Another excellent afternoon out despite the dull cloudy weather and rain later in the afternoon.A hectic timetable running a few minutes schedule and a lot of the action was to be seen around the station limits at Keighley with positioning movements
I left around 16.00 to catch 45699 running a CME on the mainline from Carlisle to Farington Junction via the S & C Railway

19 files, last one added on Mar 10, 2018
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03/03/2018 - I thought "I must be mad here" - minus 3 degrees, snow on the ground and very very cold. I decided on a location where I could sit in the car and keep warm and just jump out and take a photograph and then return to the warm. Location - Rawtenstall near the level crossing at the near end to the station platforms and then after lunch - Irewell Vale Halt.
Guest Engines - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee Class - 45690 "Leander"
LNER A4 Pacific - 4-6-2 60009 "Union of South Africa"
Home fleet engines running include -
34092 "City of Wells"
52322 - L & Y "A" Class 0-6-0
13065 LMS 2-6-0 Crab
Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0 2890 + tender
LMS 4-6-0 - Black 5 - 45212
LMS 4-6-0 - Black 5 - 45407 - as 45157 (not seen whilst there by myself)
I arrived early on Saturday morning for the first departure. A long wait ensued as the first train was over an hour late and then continued to run as per timetable till after lunch. Being at the north end of the line , I missed the double headed Black 5 freight but this was made up for by the double headed 0-6-0`s with Crab banker. I left at this point to go mainline to catch Jubilee - Galitea on "The Pennine Limited"
Working Sunday until 3.00 pm, I then travelled to Ramsbottom via Ewood Bridge for a few more pictures hoping to catch the freight again... but it was cancelled and then returned home after a few more pictures
There was lots of talk before the gala about cancelling it due to the weather and Fridays idea of topping and tailing all services was a great idea in my opinion - pity I had to work. The weather certainly put off a lot of people travelling on the services but was another good gala despite the conditions . Well done for going ahead with it.

21 files, last one added on Mar 04, 2018
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The usual three day Gala on Friday 26th January to Sunday 28th January. I came late Friday night for an early start on Saturday, The weather was cold and raining which cleared up in the afternoon. Sunday was another cold day and bright and sunny in the morning slowly clouding over by late afternoon. I spent Saturday at my usual location of Woodthorpe and started Sunday at Kinchley lane going at lunch time for something to eat and returning to try out a location at Budden Lane under the foot pass in the a joining field. A visit then to Loughborough before returning to Woodthorpe for the remaining services until the light failed.
AS usual, an hectic timetable of services, various freights and mail trains and a large fleet of engines assembled being :-
Guest engine - LMS 2-6-0 Crab - 13065 from the ELR
Guest Engine - LNER 4-6-0 B12 - 8572
plus - Austerity - 0-6-0ST - 68067
LMS Jinty 0-6-0 - 47406
BR 9F - 2-10-0 - 92214
LMS 8F - 2-8-0 - 48624
BR STD 2 - 2-6-0 - 78018
Ivatt Class 2 - 46512
DMU unit
Another great gala and mostly running to the timetable - Excellent Event !!

45 files, last one added on Jan 31, 2018
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02/01/2017 - Black 5 - 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" on the 09.30 steam service from Bury to Rawtenstall at Ewood Bridge on the East Lancashire Railway
21/01/2017 - 4-6-0 Jubilee Class 45690 "Leander" rushing up the WCMl leaving Bilsborrow with a running of the Winter Cumbrian Express from Manchester to Carlisle and return.
14/02/2017 - 60163 "Tornado" "Plandampf" service Day 1 - 2nd northbound run from Skipton to Appleby in near dark conditions having just passed Bell Busk
15/02/2017 - 60163 "Tornado" "Plandampf" service Day 2 - 1st northbound service from Skipton to Appleby exiting Blea moor Tunnel.
16/02/2017 - 60163 "Tornado" "Plandampf" service Day 3 - 1st northbound service from Skipton to Appleby at Helwith Bridge.
03/03/2017 - LMS 4-6-0 MT "Black 5" - 45212 on 5M50 - a loaded test run around Carnforth - Hellifield - Blackburn - Carnforth circuit.
31/03/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on the re-opening of the Settle- Carlisle line special from Oxenhope ( K&WVR) to Carlisle approaching Selside.
11/04/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" with support coach on 5Z72 from K&WVR to Southall and onto "The Bluebell Railway" taken at the foot crossing at the back of "The Eagle" at Barrow near Whalley.
22/04/2017 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" running on the East Lancashire Railway.
22/04/2017 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" on a late running Cumbrian Mountain Express at Barrow and Whalley Arches.
Drone video of 46115 on Whalley Arches here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV6Np9YRzYI
04/05/2017 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" coasts down the WCML at Docker on day 6 of 9 on the "Great Briton X " heading from Glasgow to Oxenholme
05/05/2017 - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" heads south to Bristol on day 7 of 9 on the "Great Briton X" at German Lane on the WCML.
13/05/2017 - LMS Royal Scot Class 4-6-0 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" on the approach to Wilpshire Tunnel with a returning Cumbrian Mountain Express
16/05/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" coming off Ribblehead Viaduct and Billington running a leg of the "Cathedrals Express" from Edinburgh to London.
20/05/2017 - LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot Class - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" approaching Langho at Mitton Fold footbridge with a running of the "Cumbrian Mountain Express"
27/05/2017 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland"and support coach rolling through Langho Station on 5Z42 from Carnforth to Hellifield via Blackburn to pick up the "Hadrian"
27/05/2017 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" at Hellifield & exiting Blea Moor tunnel on the "Hadrian" heading for Carlisle.
10/06/2017 - 45690 "Leander" returning to Carnforth about to run through Rishton Station on 5Z95
13/06/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" heads towards Preston and onto Carnforth from Chester on 5Z72 after bringing North a "Cathedrals Express" from London
17/06/2017 - LMS Jubilee class 4-6-0 - 45690 "Leander" with support coach passing through Huncoat station heading for Carnforth on 5Z95 from Milford loop.
20/06/2017 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" at Hellifield and heading north on "The Dalesman" captured between Langcliffe and Stainforth
09/07/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on 1Z44 - "The Waverley" from York to Carlisle at Hellifield and having just passed under Helwith Bridge on the S & C.
11/07/2017 - 45690 "Leander" working the 1st Fellsman of the season off Whalley Arches at Billington
15/07/2017 - Jubilee 4-6-0 - 45690 "Leander" working hard off Whalley Arches on a late running "Cumbrian Mountain Express" at Billington foot crossing.
16/07/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" heads south through Ribblesdale towards Helwith Bridge and also at Bell Busk running on the "Waverley"
18/07/2017 - 48151 coasting through Ribblesdale towards Helwith Bridge on the returning "Dalesman"
22/07/2017 - LMS Pacific 4-6-2 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" on the Cumbrian Mountain Express to Carlisle via S & C Railway pictured at Gisburn, Langcliffe and returning at German Lane on the WCML.
25/07/2017 - 48151 on the "Fellsman" from Carnforth - Preston - Blackburn - Hellifield to Carlisle captured at Barrow foot crossing and returning at Wilpshire
25/07/2017 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" returning with "The Welsh Mountaineer" approaching German Lane at Charnock Richard heading for Preston
29/07/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" at Hellifield and storming up the S & C approaching Selside on a running of "The Hadrian"
01/08/2017 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coasting across Whalley Arches & returning at Wilpshire curve running on "The Fellsman"- (video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD1siRzsSjA )
05/08/2017 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" steaming through Chorley station over 30 minutes late on "The Cumbrian Mountain Express"
08/08/2017- 46115 "Scots Guardsman" storms the straight heading from Settle Junction towards Settle on "The Dalesman"
20/08/2017 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on the northbound "Waverley" leaving Horton in Ribblesdale behind at Low Moor
22/08/2017 - LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 45690 "Leander" on Whalley Viaduct with a returning Fellsman
29/08/2017 - 48151 LMS 8F - running off Whalley Arches and into the station on a running of "The Fellsman"and return at Bastwell Viaduct, Blackburn
09/09/2017 - Jubilee 4-6-0 45690 "Leander" hammering up Whalley Banks approaching Langho Station with a returning Cathedrals Express from Carlisle.
10/09/2017 - Jubilee - 45699 "Galatea" with a run of "The Waverley" pictured at Hellifield and Long Preston
30/09/2017 - 35018 "British India Line" on a running of the "Lune Rivers Trust" special from Carnforth to York at Long Preston & Hellifield.
12/10/2017 - 60009 "Union of South Africa" piloting 35018 "British India Line" from York to Carnforth on 5Z58 at Cononley, Hellifield and Giggleswick.
15/11/2017 - LMS Black 5 - 45231 on loaded test run 5M50 coming off Whalley Arches at Billington foot crossing.
03/12/2017 - LMS 2-8-0 - 8F - 48151 running Santa Specials around the Carnforth,Hellifield, Blackburn, Preston circuit seen here approaching Wilpshire Tunnel.
10/12/2017 - LMS 2-8-0 8F- 48151 on a "Santa Special" from Carnforth going around the circuit via Hellifield - Blackburn - Preston - Carnforth - captured crossing Whalley Arches
30/12/2017 - LMS Black 5 45212 facing south and in festive trim at Rawtenstall and taking back the 15:20 service towards Bury at the ELR

113 files, last one added on Jan 01, 2018
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Saturday 14th October and off again to the East Lancashire Railway for their Autumn Steam Gala.
Two Guest engines - 60009 "Union of South Africa" and Hunslet Austerity - 2890 given a "Douglas" makeover + tender by the Ribble Steam Railway.
Home fleet engines running include -
34092 "City of Wells" which failed after its first run on saturday with a tender wheel hot box
52322 - L & Y "A" Class 0-6-0
13065 LMS 2-6-0 Crab
Sunday, spent a lazy afternoon at Irewell Vale Halt with the Camera and the drone.
A cloudy weekend, but fine and an enjoyable weekend in various locations along the line. Also gave the drone a few flights when the wind subsided late Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Links to drone videos can be found under various drone pictures in this gallery.

22 files, last one added on Oct 16, 2017
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18/05/2017 - SR 4-6-2 - Merchant Navy class - 35018 "British India Line" on 5M51 - a test run from Carnforth to Hellifield and return with pictures from Giggleswick Station, entering Long Preston and Hellifield Station. The Engine ran painted black and with a TOPS number 98818 chalked on the cab sides and smokebox and also the nameplates off another SR Region pacific "Bodmin"
17/08/2017 - Another test run around the Carnforth - Hellifield - Blackburn circuit. Still black and no nameplate but now painted Tops numbers on its cab sides. Running nearly three hours late, I managed to see it near Eldroth, Long Preston, Hellifield Station & Hellifield Green plus Langho... and pass it at Settle Junction and Chatburn.. but no pictures.
35018 "British India Line" was one of the first batch of twenty SR Merchant Navy Class steam locomotives to be built by the Southern Railway in 1945.She was withdrawn from service in August 1964 and was sold onto Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales where she arrived in December of the same year.
"British India Line" was to remain at Barry Scrapyard for 16 years until November 1979 when she was purchased for preservation and in March 1980, she was moved to the Mid Hants Railway, she was later moved to a site in Portland in Dorset, but was moved once again in 2012 to the former 10A steam shed at Carnforth, Lancashire where since then she underwent a thorough restoration to working order and modern mainline standards.

24 files, last one added on Aug 17, 2017
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Friday - 07/07/2017 and the first day of a three day Gala featuring the smaller engines and shunters of the K&WVR home fleet and a couple of guest engines as well. I had just a few hours in the morning and early afternoon before having to go to work later in the day. A cloudy start at top field between Haworth and Oxenhope with the drone & camera hoping to catch the guest engine - Austerity 0-6-0 - 71515 "Mech. Navvies Ltd" on its first run. Alas Coal Tank 1054 took its slot and due to limited time I move on to Keighley Bank for most of the time I had and to catch 2nd guest engine - L&SWR 0-4-2WT No 30587 running on the shuttle to Ingrow West and then calling in at Haworth Shed on the way home.
Nunlow also put in a fine performance as usual and also running Diesel shunter D0226 "Vulcan".
As it happens 71515 didnt run on friday due to a lack of paperwork.
A bit of a strange visit for me - An hourly timetable up and down the line which was fine. but not much else running on friday and whilst there but lots more promised for the weekend I was unable for me to attend due to work.
Video of 1054 - Coal tank at Top field, - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JpSzOpmyzM

19 files, last one added on Jul 08, 2017
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A visit of the famous 60103 "Flying Scotsman" to the K&WVR
31/03/2017 - Friday and a cloudy day in the Dales. - A mainline special from Oxenhope to Carlisle and return to reopen the S&C after a landslip the previous year. A trip up to one of my favorite locations near Selside and this this armed with a drone to take some arial pictures as well.
04/04/2017 - Tuesday and a damp start and cloudy day - A visit to Top field between Haworth and Oxenhope armed with the drone again before traveling down to Keighley and onto the bank outside the station. 60103 was banked with WD 90733 whilst LMS 4F - 43924 run a service in the opposite direction.
and WD 90733 banking Flying Scotsman again.
08/04/2017 - A beautiful and sunny Saturday. A return trip back to the top field again, this time on the opposite side of the track and with the drone again. BR Std 4 - 75078 was on the opposite service today and WD 90733 was banking Flying Scotsman again.
Drone Videos here -
60163 - Selside (no sound) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1xt-ia3-rs
60163 - Top Field - Tuesday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHeQLXYIXRM
60163 - Top Field - Saturday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW2qVEnrqsY

34 files, last one added on Apr 08, 2017
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Friday 10/03/2017 - The first of a three day steam gala. The rain had stopped as a called in at Ramsbottom on the way to Burrs country park. A great line up steam had been assembled to represent the scene of local shed "Lostock Hall."
Guest engine was LMS 8F 48624 from the GCR.
Local fleet running include - LMS Black 5`s - 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" & 45212.
BR Std 4 - 76084
LMS Hughes Fowler Crab - 13065 - (not running Friday)
L & Y 0-6-0 - 52322
plus also SR Bullied pacific - 4-6-2 - 34092 "City of Wells"
Saturday 11/03/2107 - The weather was milder than Friday but still very overcast.
I started todays locations at the footcrossing near Summerseat before waking to Spring Bank farm before moving to Ewood Bridge and onto Townsend fold and the area.
Sunday 12/03/2017 - A lovely spring day which slowly cloulded over and light drizzle after I left.
I started at Ramsbottom after a late start as it seemed to be the best place without a wait. I moved on to the Heywood side and near Heapy Bridge before returning to my usual haunt at Burrs before returning home when the weather started to change.
A really great steam gala for the ELR with it running to the timetables and all the steam action. spoiled only by the dull weather
45212 / 45407 at Burrs video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAKxi3bpxLU

40 files, last one added on Mar 12, 2017
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Saturday 04/03/2017 - Following the advice of the weathermen I set off for Llangollen for their Spring Steam Gala. A fleet of 7 engines had been assembled for this event.
Guest engines - GWR 4-6-0 6960 "Raveningham Hall"
LMS 2-8-0 8F - 48624
LMS 2-6-0 4MT - 43106 - "The Flying Pig"
plus GWR 2-6-2 Prairie Tank - 5199
GWR 2-6-0 7822 - "Foxcote Manor"
LMS 4-6-0 Black 5 45337 running today as weathered 45292
BR Std Tank 80072
I stopped off on the edge of Llangollen watching some of the fleet come off shed before heading between Carrog and Corwen for different locations and then to Berwen bank & tunnel entrance and around Berwen Station and then back to Llangollen.
It clouded over as the morning went on and then the rain set in early afternoon so I set off home around 16.00 when it became constant. I very enjoyable gala but dont listen to the weather people - better conditions were had on the K & WV Railway. Believe it even snowed on the Sunday here!! so probably right decision after all.

26 files, last one added on Mar 05, 2017
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Friday 03/03/2017 - A morning that started bright but by lunch it had clouded over and started to rain. I started in the top field between Haworth and Oxenhope and then moved off down to Keighley watching the action from the banks. I then headed off to Hellifield as the rain started to catch the loaded test run of 45212 before heading off home in the pouring rain.
2 Guest engines running - LMS Hughes Fowler 2-6-0 Crab - 13065
- LNER 4-6-0 - B1 - 61264
plus - BR STD 4MT - 75078,
WD 2-8-0 90733
Taff Vale Railway Class O2 0-6-2T No. 85,
LNWR Webb Coal Tank 0-6-2 -1054.
Sunday - 05/03/2017. - A Third guest had arrive late Friday, LMS Black 5 - 45212.
I headed back and arrived mid afternoon and still it was raining. I parked in Ebor Lane and headed towards the top of the tunnel, catching 13065/90733 heading back to Haworth and 45212/61264 towards Haworth. Shots followed of 13065/75078 with 1054 banking and 61264 heading back. By this time the services were about 40 mins down and headed towards the sheds to catch any action there.
An excellent gala and engines running I never saw ie Nunlow ... but the wet weather let me down picking the worst days, Will be back again next gala !!

26 files, last one added on Mar 05, 2017
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Saturday 25/02/2017 - A Dull day with showers in the afternoon and very muddy underfoot along the towpaths of the Caldon Canal whilst on the photographing adventures.
4 engines in steam for this gala - 2 x USA S160`s - 5197 & 6146
Polish TKh no. 2944 "Hotspur"
South Eastern & Chatham Railway P Class no. 323 Blubell (visiting from the Bluebell Railway).
I arrived fairly early at Kingsley & Froghall station and had to wait nearly an hour for a train to arrive. A run of a mile or so along the line to Consall on the 10.53 service behind Bluebell, to take some pictures from the canal towpath, followed by a trip further along the line behind 6046 to Chaddleton with a trip around the sheds and then back to Consall for a pint in the Black Swan,a place to dodge the showers and more pictures before returning back to Froghall behind double headed USA 160s. A bit of videoing followed with these two engines making a stirring sight departing and then off towards Bradnob to catch them again.
The trains were nearly all full, probably the best place to be given the timetable and the weather.
The Gala really needed the loop at Consall repaired to be able to give a better timetable and the locomotive movements and trains up to Ipstones took alot of the engine times and capacity. This left the Cheddleton to Froghall part sparingly blank with only six departures all day from Kingsley & Froghall. Poor in my opinion for a gala day.
Alot of waiting around for trains - but an enjoyable day despite the weather.

36 files, last one added on Feb 26, 2017
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Friday - 27/01/2017 and a freezing Friday morning for the start of the steam gala at Woodthorpe along the line.
Plenty of action to be seen with the first service from Loughborough being pulled by the guest engine - SR Q class 0-6-0 30541, light engine movements to start and freight trains.
Other regulars running include BR Pacific 4-6-2 - 70013 Oliver Cromwell. 30777 "Sir Lamiel" 6990 "Witherslack Hall"and LMS Ivatt 46521. I left at lunch time to thaw out hoping to return ... but that took the rest of the day.
Saturday - 28/01/2017. I set off for Kinchley lane to catch the first train. A Large crowd was already there and I set up and found that my camera battery had emptied its self over night and battery pack wouldnt work also. After 30 minutes of frustration and watching the trains roll past, I headed back to charge the battery and come back with a replacement camera returning within 30 minutes and loosing a great spot I had. I stayed until lunch and returned about an hour later with charged battery and working camera deciding to do some videos for a change.
Engines running today included yesterdays fleet plus 9F 92214, LMS Black 5 - 45305, LMS 8F 48624, LMS Jinty 47406, BR Std 2 tank - 78022 & DMU unit.
Very impressed withe the timetable, 10 steam engines and a DMU, freight, mineral wagon and traveling post office rake of coaches and movements fitted into a hectic timetable.
I tried my camera out doing videos for a change and impressed with the quality of them - taking some stills from them to use in this album.

41 files, last one added on Jan 29, 2017
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03/01/2016 - East Lancshire Railway. In lousy rainy weather, LMS Hughes Fowler 2-6-0 Crab - 13065 on the 11.50 from Bury heading towards Summerseat.
23/01/2016 - LMS Black 5`s 44871 piloting 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" on the Winter CME at the Spread Eagle at Barrow and also Selside heading for Carlisle.
27/01/2016 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on its way to Carnforth on 5Z72 at Flag Lane, Farington Curve Junction
04/02/2016 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" light test run 5Z50 caught at Giggleswick station and Hellifield plus loaded test run 5M50 at Hellifield and Hellifield Green
06/02/2016 - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" working the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express to Carlisle in dreadful conditions at Scout Green and returning at Whalley station.
13/02/2016 - 45699 "Galatea " and 44871 working 5Z43 & 5Z44 to Blackburn for the following days "Tin Bath" excursion pictured at Houghton, Pleasington and Blackburn station.
14/02/2016 - 45699 "Galatea " and 44871 on "The Tin Bath" south of Farington curve junction and Copy pit on the return.
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From 18/02/2016 to 22/03/2016 - NO mainline steam in this area due to operational restrictions placed by O.R.R. on W.C.R.C.
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02/04/2016 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" heading back to Crewe in full flight with a late running Cumbrian Mountain Express" at Bilsborrow north of Preston.
09/04/2016 - 46100 "Royal Scot" on the Cumbrian Coast Express northbound on the WCML at Docker
14/04/2016 - 45690 "Leander" & 8f 48151 at Hellifield on 5M51 - Carnforth - Hellifield - Carnforth test run
17/04/2016 - Ribble Steam Railway - Spring Steam Gala - last hour of the Gala with 0-4-0 "Teddy" & No.6
22/04/2016 - 45690 "Leander" on "The Salopian Express" from Dumfries - Shrewsbury, south of Farington curve junction passing Flag lane.
14/06/2016 - 46100 "Royal Scot" on a private charter 1Z46 from Crewe to York crossing Huncoat Level Crossing.
23/07/2016 - 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" returning south of Preston near Farington Curve Junction with a Cumbrian Mountain Express
26/07/2016 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" returning with the Welsh Mountaineer from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Preston at Balshaw Lane in the late evening light
30/07/2016 - LMS Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" rushing home through Huncoat station on 5Z74 after coming off the returning Coast to Coast Express at Milford.
06/08/2016 - Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" heads north from Preston at Bilsborrow with the "Cumbrian Mountain Express" to Carlisle and return.
20/08/2016 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" heading northbound at Brock with the Cumbrian Mountain Express
03/09/2016 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" heading north on the Cumbrian Mountain Express at Bilsborrow in heavy rain
20/09/2016 - 76084 - 5M50 - Loaded test run of BR Std 4 - around the Carnforth - Hellifield - Blackburn - Carnforth circuit captured at Long Preston, Hellifield & Billington.
01/10/2016 - LMS Jubilee - 45690 "Leander" on "The Lune Rivers Trust" excursion from Carnforth to Chester via Hellifield approaching Wilpshire Tunnel and returning at Whalley
05/11/2016 - Black 5`s 44871 piloting 45407 on 5Z43, a position move from Carnforth to Blackburn in preparation for Sunday`s "Tin Bath" rail tour from Preston pictured approaching Houghton Bottoms.
15/11/2015 - LMS Jubilee Class 4-6-0 45699 "Galatea" running on 5M50 around the Carnforth - Hellifield - Blackburn - Carnforth loop on driver training approaching Wilpshire tunnel.
16/11/2016 - LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 45699 "Galatea" on 5M50 Driver training approaching Barrow foot crossing heading towards Blackburn
18/11/2016 - LMS Jubilee 45699 "Galatea" on 5M50 driver training storming up Whalley Banks at Langho station.
24/12/2016 - LMS Black 5 - 45305 approaching Woodthorpe Bridge at the Great Central Railway on a Santa Special running to Leicester from Loughborough.
31/12/2016 - LMS Black 5`s - 44871 piloting 45407 "Lancashire Fusilier" on 5Z38 from Carnforth to the East Lancahire Railway via Copy Pit crossing Accrington Viaduct.

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The closure of the S & C north of Appleby due to an embankment slip and the consequent cancellations of the "Fellsman","Dalesman" and the "CME" via the S & C means a lack of mainline steam specials.

71 files, last one added on Dec 31, 2016
Album viewed 775 times

13/10/2016 -Thursday - First of four running days of 60103 "Flying Scotsman" on the East Lancashire Railway. The first service started at 8:40 with Flying Scotsman and stopping at the newly built Burrs Country Park Halt being the first locomotive to stop here and also for the Mayor to unveil a plaque and officially open the Halt although not being used until the 2017 timetable starts . A two hourly service was then run by Flying Scotsman with 34093 "City of Wells" and L & Y 0-6-0 12322 running in between plus a DMU service from Ramsbottom to Heywood.
The first service had a few empty seats but the rest of 60103`s 8 coaches were packed for the run down the line.
Pleasant day out... and took my two little dogs with me who seemed to enjoy the day in the country also.
14/10/2016 - Friday - Had to pick family up from Manchester so I timed it so to catch 60103 at Ewood Bridge again and at Ramsbottom 2 hours later when returning home with 34093 "City of Wells" and 12322 running.
15/10/2016 - Saturday - A late afternoon visit to catch the last two runs of 60103 "Flying Scotsman" at Summerseat and Burrs Country Park and 34093 being replaced by the BR Std Tank - 80080.

22 files, last one added on Oct 16, 2016
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09/10/2016 - Sunday - Arriving at Woodthorpe quite late for me after sleeping in and over a two hour drive.
The Gala was in full swing with sunny weather and plenty of action along the double tracks.
Locomotives running - Guest Engine - GWR Pairie Tank - 2-6-2T - 4566
Newly restored - BR Class 2 2-6-0 - 78018
BR Pacific - 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" (facing north)
BR 9F 2-10- 0 92214
GWR 4-6-0 - 6990 - Witherslack Hall
SR 4-6-0 No. 777 "Sir Lamiel"
LMS Black 5 - 4-6-0 - 45305
LMS 8F - 2-8-0 - 48624
LMS Ivatt Class 2 - 46521
LMS 0-6-0 Jinty - 47406
The weather went slowly cloudy during the course of the day and eventually started raining around 16:30 when I decide to head for home - Up to its usual high standard and an enjoyable day out.

22 files, last one added on Oct 10, 2016
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K&WV Railway Autumn Steam Gala - 2016 - A three day event starting on Friday 7th October.
A drive past on the Thursday afternoon before the event shows the Steam locomotives in light steam getting prepared for the start the next day.
I came back for a few hours on Saturday morning until mid afternoon catching alot of the action along the line.
Guest engines for the gala include SR Battle of Britain class 4-6-2 - 34053 "Sir Keith Park" and GWR 2-6-0 7822 "Foxcote Manor" plus newly restored LMS Black 5 - 45212
Other engines running included BR STD 4MT - 75078,
USA US ATC S160 "Big Jim"- 5828
LNWR Webb Coal Tank 0-6-2 -1054
Taff Vale Railway Class O2 0-6-2T No. 85
"Sir Keith Park" misbehaved on Friday struggling on slippy wet rails and was double headed today up the line, altering the planned timetable and consequently WD 90733 &"Nunlow" plus 43924 where not used as planned.
Although the time table slipped by about 30 minutes by the time I left, it was a great afternoon out and they still had half a fleet of engines in reserve that wasnt used. Excellent!

25 files, last one added on Oct 08, 2016
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Friday 15th July and a prequel to the Victorian Gala on Saturday and Sunday which I was unable to attend for work reasons.
"Bellerophon" operated mixed trains at 2pm, 2.45pm, & 3.30pm After the last train there was an opportunity to photograph all three VCT locos 'on shed' at Moor Road - these being
Haydock Foundry 6 "Bellerophon"
HC 402 "Lord Mayor", a static exhibit.
Manning Waring 1210 "Sir Berkeley"
Engines in steam for the gala -
NER Class H 1310;
MW 1601 "Matthew Murray"
MW 1210 "Sir Berkeley" (which belongs to the Vintage Carriages Trust but is based here).
Haydock Foundry 6 "Bellerophon"
A guards van ride up the line to Park Halt on the first service and a walk back to Moor Lane talking photographs followed and a look around the museum took up most of the afternoon. A quick photoshoot around the museum entrance with the guest engines and It was time to go home for tea.
A nice afternoon out - pity about the weather.

18 files, last one added on Jul 16, 2016
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A 3 day event from Friday 8th July to Sunday 10th July.
I managed to make it Friday afternoon for an afternoon at Burrs country park in breezy cloudy conditions. Saturday had other plans for me but the weather was horrible anyway with lots of rain.
Sundays forecast was not much better so a trip along the line from Rawtenstall to Bury and return, stopping off at Ramsbottom returning followed. Then a little more linesiding at Rawtenstall, Ewood Bridge and Irewell Vale in between the rain showers.
A large collection of vintage diesels had been assembled for the event which included the following guest engines and home fleet.
2 x class 56 Diesels - 56098 & 56006
2 x Peak Class - D182 & 45108
3 x Class 40`s - D345, 40135 & 40106
Class 37109 - (not seen)
2 x Class 14 D9531 "Eric" & D9537 "Ernest" (not seen)
2 x Class 31 - 5580 & 31466
Class 42 - Warship Class D832 "Onslaught"
Class 35 - Hymec D7076
Class 28 Metrovick Co-Bo - D5705
Dare I say that I enjoyed my trip to the dark side. Well I must have to have gone back and a ride along the line.

38 files, last one added on Jul 11, 2016
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21/05/2016 - Just a Saturday morning at Woodthorpe in the dull and light drizzle to catch the action on the double tracks. Building work at this location is now starting to encrouch on the side of the shots and these views wont be available for long now.
Guest engine - S & D 7F 2-8-0 - 53808 with GCR Home fleet - Ivatt 2 - 46521 in new Brunswick Green, Green 9F 92214, LMS Black 5 - 45305 & LMS 8F - 48624, LMS Jinty 47324, 6990 "Witherslack Hall" plus a DMU.
GWR 42xx Class 2-8-0t No. 4247 did not feature at the Gala after arriving at GCR and being certified as unfit to run but on show at Loughborough sheds.
The intention was to return in the afternoon but the family dragged me away for a long pub lunch.

16 files, last one added on May 22, 2016
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