East Lancs

Autumn Steam Gala 27 October 2007

I would never dream of using a well worn cliche such as 'Its Grim up North" on this site; the fact remains that it was. It started dull and progressively became more dull. I was grateful that at least it was calm and dry.

The Gala was brilliantly run with punctual running right through to the end and had the usual good selection of quality engines. Many thanks to all volunteers and especially to Nigel Valentine for organising the excellent early morning charter with 3802 - even if the fair-weather photographers were missing.

Classic location now lost: Guest loco GWR heavy freight 2-8-0 3802 hauls the goods train through Burrs. The pinkish glow of the early morning sky is very apparent in this shot demonstrating that you don't necessarily need sunshine to achieve striking lighting. The new caravan park at Burrs makes a fine backdrop to the latter stages of this clip; such a contrast to the wild, unregimented marshland that used to occupy that spot. Congratulations also to the East Lancs for providing such a wonderfully colourful wagon that literally stands out from the crowd; so tasteful. (4.4mB)

A clip of 3802 and the goods from the side of the line with the less scenic views and a notable contrast in lighting. (2.8mB)

With characteristic briskness, guest loco GWR 4-6-0 4936 "Kinlet Hall" bustles towards Ewood Bridge after a short stop at Irwell Vale. 3802 brings up the rear. (2.4mB)

Contrasting bridges: Ian Riley's legendary workhorse, standard mogul 76079, passes under Ewood Bridge and heads on towards Townsend Fold, passing under the M66. (2.5mB)

Perched above the entrance to Brookbottoms Tunnel we see resident Jubilee 5690 "Leander" pull her train over Brookbottoms Viaduct in a somewhat hesitant fashion. I was lucky enough to have a fascinating conversation with a professional train driver as I waited for this train who gave me some insight into the joys and frustrations of working on the main railway network. And what does he do in his spare time - that's right, he films trains...pretty well too! (3.5mB)

The loco you've all been waiting to see! With dusk beginning to descend, special guest 4771 "Green Arrow" clanks up the grade towards Summerseat with the 4pm. (2.4mB)

Steam Gala 3 March 2007

A plethora of big locos, that any other preserved line would have died for, featured in this Gala: 6201,71000,5690,850,92214 and 45231. The highlight was undoubtedly the last hour when those lucky enough to be standing at Burrs witnessed some memorable moments from 71000, 6201 and 5690.

A stray piece of sunshine lights 45231 and 5690 as they move through the reverse curves near Summerseat during the morning session. (1.7mB).

At this stage of the day conditions were not ideal for filming: 850 Lord Nelson with the 11:06 near Summerseat in a gusty wind. (1.7mB)

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" pounds through Burrs with the 15:40 out of Bury. The banking engine is 92214: no less than a 17 power rating between them! (2.1mB)

6201 "Princess Elizabeth" leaves Summerseat with the 12:46. Later she is seen steaming through Burrs with the 16:06 (ex Summerseat). Remarkably, Nigel Valentine, who organised the latter performance with the driver, persuaded the entire Burrs gallery to move a quarter of a mile south to capture this run. He was sweating as the loco moved up to the pre-arranged blast off point with no visible signs of life....several threats had already been uttered by several ungrateful members of the throng! Many thanks Nigel! (2.7mB)

Don't be fooled by the smoke effects, you will need to turn the volume up to somewhere near maximum if you want to hear the 'whispering' Leander running through Burrs with 16:30 banked by 45231. (2.6mB).

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