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

107 files, last one added on Dec 22, 2015
Album viewed 569 times

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

31 files, last one added on Oct 18, 2015
Album viewed 229 times

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

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

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

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

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

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

34 files, last one added on Jul 04, 2015
Album viewed 185 times

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

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

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

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

10 files, last one added on Mar 21, 2015
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07/03/2015 - Saturday and day 2 of the event spread over two weekends (including Fridays) and a lovely spring sunny day.
Engines running today featured all the guest engines - 9F 2-10-0 - 92214 "Central Star," LMS Black 5 - 45231 "Sherwood Forester," Bullied Pacific - 34092 "Wells" GWR Collett 0-6-0 2251 class - No. 3250, GWR 0-4-2 Tank engine 1450 sandwiched on the Autotrain, GWR 2-8-0 Tank - 4270 plus GWR 2-8-0 - Goods Tender engine - 3802.
Great day out
14/03/2015 - 2nd Saturday of the event and back again , this time for a ride on the trains and also to sample some real ale in pint glasses. A cold, cloudy day and I was glad to ride the trains today.
LMS Black 5 - 45231 had failed the previous Sunday with cylinder problems and was replaced by GWR Tank engine - 5199 for the rest of the gala.
I traveled on the 3 sub set pulled by GWR 3250 down the line all the way to Corwen and had a look around the exhibition tent, before catching a double header (3802 piloting 4270) back to Llangollen.
A call in at the beer festival now followed for a pint and then a look to the sheds to see the progress on "Betton Grange" and "The Unknown Warrior." The plan was to have another run along the line, but the Autotrain (1450) next was packed to standing room only. The next train was a freight (3802 piloting 92214) and I decided it was too cold to travel that way. The train after that, (5199) was terminated at Llangollen and the empty coaches set back to the sidings. This meant the next train down the line was at 16.25 to Carrog - A little late for me as it would have been very late arriving home. 34092 "Wells" seemed to elude me, catching a glance of it passing in the loops.
So off I trotted home, with just one circuit of the line, disappointed with the time tabling at Llangollen in the afternoon, although i enjoyed the day out.

49 files, last one added on Mar 15, 2015
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28/02/2015 - Saturday - a very dull cold day with showers, plus also having to work meant bring a client who loves trains for a trip along the line for in the afternoon.
Arriving in time for the 14.05 service from Oxenhope, we traveled behind 34092 & 43924 (which came off at Haworth goods loop) to Keighley for a stop over for an hour before connecting with the 16.10 service back to Oxenhope with 75078 in charge.
No guest engine this gala, but new restored BR Std 5 - 75078 was running its first gala together with 34092 "Wells," Fowler goods 0-6-0 - 43924, WD 90733, USA "Big Jim"- 5828, Taff Valley Coal Tank - 1054 and "Nunlow" with "Sir Berkley" in steam at Ingrow West.
An enjoyable afternoon travelling with David - who loves his trip and the steam trains! and another good gala despite the weather.
Only one request - Could do with some seating in the guards/luggage carriage for support workers with wheel chair clients !

19 files, last one added on Mar 03, 2015
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21/02/2015 - Saturday and the usual February steam weekend with most of their steam fleet and guest engines running. Just a couple of hours in the afternoon this time, starting off and finishing at Ewood Bridge on the way there and going back home. Ramsbottom caused problems for parking so I carried onto Summerseat for the afternoon and also a change from Burrs.
Engines running - Guest Engine again - BR Std caprotti 5 - 73129
plus the usual suspects of Ian Rileys`s Black 5`s - 45407 & 44871 (both facing south),
LMS 2-6-0 Crab - 13065
L&Y "A" Class 12322
BR Std Tank - 80080
plus LNER K4 - 61994 "The Great Marquess" but unseen by me today.
Typically, my timings were bad as the trains caught at the start all seemed to run tender first and others missed whilst moving locations.
A pleasant afternoon when the sun came out, between the odd hail shower and also meeting old friends.

13 files, last one added on Feb 22, 2015
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18/02/2015 - A sunny Wednesday and Half term for local schools and an event by the GCR over three midweek days. Two engines in steam today - 0-6-0 LMS Jinty 47406 on the "Frozen Express" and 2-10-0 9F "Central Star" on the Superheroes train plus a Railbus.
I went first to Woodthorpe to catch the first service from Loughborough at 10:15 which came passed fulled loaded.
I gathered the family and we travelled on the 11.15 "Superheroes" train as far as Rothley to a small funfair for the children and had lunch.
Various train services then followed, all along the line, meeting the superheros / frozen charactors on the trains.
Most of the little girls seemed to be dressed as either Princess Anna or Queen Elsa, Boys as Batman or Spiderman or Buzz Lightyear as my grandson was.
It was that busy, I think a railbus service was added to help move people around.
A very nice day out with family and grand children, the highlight being - getting Princess Anna to sit on my knee! and a real money earner for the GCR

17 files, last one added on Feb 19, 2015
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17/01/2015 - Saturday - A day of hail showers with the occasional bit of thunder and lightning thrown in gave the effect of a light covering of snow in places on the ground. The steam gala ran to time and I started off at Burrs to capture the start of the gala. Later in the morning I drove to the River Roch viaduct to catch the double headed black 5`s. A planned trip to Ramsbottom failed due to snow blocked roads and I diverted to Rawtenstall before returning to Ramsbottom via Stubbins later for some lunch and more action. I then returned home via Ewood bridge for more pictures.
18/01/2015 - Sunday - Another day of everything with the weather, starting today with fog, then snow and later a little sunshine.
I started at Ewood Bridge as the std tank was about to pass this location, before traveling onto Burrs and various locations in this vicinity returning home mid afternoon.
Engines running - Guest engine GWR 56xx coal tank - 5643, LNER K4 61994 "The Great Marquess" plus BR Std Tank - 80080, L & Y 0-6-0 12322, LMS Hughes Fowler Crab 13065 plus Black 5`s 45407 & 44871 and also running around Bury station but not featured - 0-4-0 Peckett " May "
Despite the bad weather both days, the trains ran to timetable and I was wrapped up well for a couple of good days out. !!

33 files, last one added on Jan 18, 2015
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04/10/2014 - Saturday at the GCR Autumn Steam gala and a few hours to kill on a rainy Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Guest engines for the gala were D49 "Morayshire" now lined in BR Black with number 62712 and BR Standard 4 76084. The usual suspects made up the rest of the engines running - 9f 92214, 8F 48624, 777 "Sir Lamiel"
BR Std 2 78019, LMS Ivatt class 2 - 46521. LMS 0-6-0 Jinty 47406, N7 Tank engine No. 1744 and a diesel Railcar.
The usual passenger sets running and with all the different freight trains plus Mail train, made it one of the best spectacles on the double tracks.
An excellent day out and all running like clockwork .

22 files, last one added on Oct 06, 2014
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22/11/2014 - Saturday. and what can only be called a dank and dull day to start after lots of rain overnight. A trip along the line from Ramsbottom to Bury was my best option and arrived just as the Crab was returning from Rawtenstall for my trip to Bury.
Just two engines running the line, LMS 2-6-0 Crab - 13065 and L & Y 12322 plus LMS 0-6-0 Jinty at Bury station now in LMS guise as 16407 giving £10.00 driving rides towards Buckley Wells.
On the station, they were celebrating Lancashire day which is on the 27th of November and the entertainment was provided by Royal Preston Morris dancers plus the Bury Town Crier, reading a proclamation out to the public. Obliviously this meant a pint of local brew and some excellent traditional fayre in the Trackside pub.
The sun broke through in the afternoon, but being low down in the sky didnt help with the photography and I returned to Ramsbottom later and then home.
I really nice day out, and in very warm coaches on the train as well, but not a day for photographs.

17 files, last one added on Nov 22, 2014
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18/10/2014 - Saturday and a cloudy, early start at Burrs to catch the early train from Bury pulled by L & Y "A" class 0-6-0 No. 12322 & 0-6-0 Austerity "Sapper" with LNER K4 61994 "The Great Marquess" banking.
2 LNER Gresley A4`s - 60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" & 60009 "Union of South Africa" were some of the guest engines for this event. LMS 2-6-0 Crab No.13065 was making in gala debut after being overhauled and other engines included BR Std tank 80080 with 0-4-0 Peckett "May" at Bury station.
Saturday didnt go as planned due to an operational incident at Rawtenstall and services finished up running an hour late. I left around 15:00 due to other commitments just as the weather started to improve.
19/10/2014 - Sunday and back again for the early morning Sunday photo shoot at Burrs with the Parcel set behind 60009 "Union of South Africa." This was followed by a trip to Summerseat to try out different locations, then onto Ewood Bridge and home for lunch.
Another excellent gala organised by the ELR with the best line up of locomotices in years and full trains in all directions. Well Done !!

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