East Lancashire Railway - Spring Steam Gala 2-4th March

Well I was pleasantly surprised to see that the reports of 2890's non-appearance today were incorrect, doubling up with 52322 as advertised. Bit gutted though with the lack of superfluous headboard as promised! Everything got off to a late start, about 1 hour down, which didn't change through the day. A few images of Friday and today attached.

 

Wonderful images Britfoamer, thanks for posting. Are you having another go today?
A few of my efforts from last couple of days.

 

Excellent photos gents, thanks for sharing !!!

 

Yes, many thanks Britfoamer and Andy, those photos are stunning.

My much humbler offerings, taken from station platforms, follow shortly.

Peter, in a cold but less snowy Manchester
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

The Beasts at the East Lancs Steam Gala 3 March 2018

"The Beast from the East", Britain's worst winter storm for years, had raged all week but still the East Lancs managed to get together all the beasts booked for its Spring gala. The hardy souls who braved the icy weather in unheated stock enjoyed the rich selection of locos with much more elbow room than usual at a gala, as the trains were less than half full.

20 photos are at http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p995874020

Peter, in a cold but less snowy Manchester
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

Here's my video from the Saturday.

I huge thank you to all volunteers who made this happen when half of the real railway couldn't.

 

Thanks for posting Cal.N! You can see my campervan in the Burrs shots!!

 

Can't help but notice there are no pictures of 2890 is that because it's "not a proper engine " or because it didn't sport an outlandish headboard?!

 

Banking duties

 

Must have been the lack of photogenic quality of the owner, who seemed to have spent the last three days getting more and more dishevelled, perhaps having spent most of the last three days there helping to put the spectacle on.

 

...and as Train Engine... it certainly 'looked the part with 52322 and won my vote for loudest loco at the gala! It is also magnificently turned out....

 

Congratulations to the ELR for putting on an event of any kind in light of the weather conditions.

I hope the event didn't run at a loss as that would be scant reward for the efforts of all concerned.

 

Attended yesterday, second time I have visited the railway and first time for a gala. Was worth the trip, particularly to see 60009 running. The trains didn't seem very busy, most of the snow was gone but it was still chilly! Thanks to all at the ELR for putting on the event in very un-springlike conditions.

 

Thanks for the compliment, excellent set posted yourself, like the shot of the Jubilee and Black Five in Bolton Street station. Didn't go photing Sunday, put our hands down and went for a ride to help swell the coffers. Hope enough turned up with the bad weather. Hats off to all concerned for running the event on a very difficult weekend.

 

Here's a couple to make up the gap, the beast from the East? No, just deadly Douglas!

 

I was able to make it over on Saturday with the M62 reopening in the middle of the night, so glad I came as despite the freezing tempearure and wind, the railway did a grand job of putting on a great show. Many thanks for your efforts. A couple of images from the day. Incidentally the chap who looks after Summerseat was a real gent, had a very pleasant chat with him in between him handing out membership forms, just the kind of soul every railway needs in their volunteer base.

Power of the A4 part one ... by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

Can you feel the cold? by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

North West Winter freight 1963? by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

Hot departure by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

The Odd couple by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

 

Good day Macko, really like these photos especially the goods on the viaduct at Summerseat! Must remember that angle when I next try!!
Yes, the chap on Summerseat was an excellent ambassador for the railway; really friendly and helpful and I had no problem in making a small donation for the station upkeep!