Visit to the East Lancashire Railway

By MCN Merseyside Cheshire and North Wales | 2024-08-15

Even after 50+ years of railway preservation these railways still hold a particular attraction for enthusiasts. It was therefore no surprise that the visit to the East Lancashire Railway on Thursday 15th August produced an attendance not seen for a good number of years when 13 members met at Manchester Victoria.

The day was somewhat inclement and the train guard on the ELR assured us that the weather was to our benefit as the trains would otherwise have been very full. We initially travelled from Bury Bolton St to Heywood with 34092 City of Wells and then returned to Bury behind the same loco. We then visited the nearby Bury Transport Museum. Among many transport exhibits were three ex BR locos, “Wren,” L&Y tank 1008 & 2500 [42500], two industrials and Bolton & Bury Corporation Leyland Titans.

The day was concluded by a return trip to Rawtenstall behind Class 24 D5054.

All members had a superb day, agreeing that each year’s outdoor fixtures must include a visit to a preserved railway.

Bulleid Pacific 34092 "City of Wells" standing at Bury Bolton Street prior to leaving with the 12.25 Rawtenstall to Heywood service : Image credit - Brian Roberts
Bulleid Pacific 34092 "City of Wells" standing at Bury Bolton Street prior to leaving with the 12.25 Rawtenstall to Heywood service : Image credit - Brian Roberts
Class 24 D5054 waiting to leave Rawtenstall in charge of the 14.17 departure to Heywood : Image credit - Brian Roberts.
Class 24 D5054 waiting to leave Rawtenstall in charge of the 14.17 departure to Heywood : Image credit - Brian Roberts.
Posted in MCN Meeting Report