East Lancs

Winter Steam Gala 24 January 2009

For the first time in a number of years the East Lancs Gala did not coincide with that of the GCR and I was delighted to be able to make the trip up north with Clive Hanley and Brian Burrows. This was Clive's first visit to the ELR and as a scouser he was so horrified when we turned in the direction of Manchester that he could be seen frantically performing signs of the cross in the passenger seat of the car. Brian had stocked up on emergency Kit Kat's for his trip up to the wild northwest (in case we came across food shortages) and was engaged, more or less continuously, in munching them all day. The visit began with heavy clouds but in the afternoon the sun made a belated appearance.

As on the previous occasion, the day began at first light with a mini-charter organised by Nigel Valentine; this time goods train was headed by Standard 4MT tank engine 80098 a guest locomotive from the Midland Railway. The brooding atmosphere at Burrs was enhanced by the low light levels and the low clouds, but when a half chance of sun finally came, one of the crew had nipped up the line to fetch something!

The other engines were led by the Duke of Gloucester (or was it the GCR's Standard 2, which was scarcely visible in a blanket of leaking steam. Two superb Black Fives - Bert Hitchen's ex GCR 45231 and Ian Riley's redoubtable 45407 - together with brown austerity 2183 (The Flying T*rd) completed the line-up. 2183 proved elusive as I literally chased the engine at two of the locations, failing to make a recording on either occasion.

The video contains clips from the goods 'charter' at Burrs with 80098, Standard Pacific 71000 Duke of Gloucester at Summerseat, Brooksbottom and Burrs; Black Fives 45231 and 45407 at Summerseat and Ewood Bridge respectively; austerity tank 2183 at Brooksbottom; 80098 at Brooksbottom (with 45407) and Burrs once again.

You Tube (9mins 50secs)

Further footage of the mini-charter with Standard 4MT tank 80098 on the goods at Burrs. Please note that the two or three changes of hue are caused by the incapability of my editing package, Pinnacle from holding a consistent colour balance in auto mode. Do not adjust your screens or your eyes! (3.8mB)

A selection of clips from the days events (included in the main video above)

Magnificent work by the crew to produce this view of 71000 Duke of Gloucester at Burrs on the 4pm ex Bury. 2 other clips of the Duke can be seen in the main video. (2.6mB)

Black Fives: 45231 at Summerseat and 45407 at Ewood Bridge (4.0mB)

Standard 4MT tank 80098 assisted by Black 5 45407 at Brookbottoms, later by herself at Burrs. (3.9mB)

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).

Warning: The files are of substantial size and will take a considerable time to download for non-broadband users.