It was time for another trip to the East Lancs Railway, the last time I saw 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ return to steam, but this time there wasn’t a Steam in sight! It was time for the annual ELR Winter Diesel Gala!

Due to other commitments I couldn’t spend the whole day there, but I did manage to see plenty in the time I was there.

The East Lancs Railway runs from Rawtenstall to Heywood and covers 12 miles. Trains call at Bury Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Summerseat and Irwell Vale.

Todays visit was centred around Rawtenstall and Irwell Vale, on a very wet and windy Sunday afternoon.

The event was a must see for all diesel enthusiasts as it should a lot of different combinations of diesels that wouldn’t normally see on a normal train service.

Irwell Vale didn’t always have a station. Apparently this station used to be a goods siding of the old line that shut in 1980.

Now Irwell Vale has a quite long station and is a great station for photo taking opportunities.

You also got that chance to see diesel shunters that normally just run in the yard. The picture to the right sees a shunter diesel approaching Irwell Vale with a service to Heywood.

This was my highlight of the day, this Class 37, towering over everyone, the sound this loco makes as it powers up the incline from the station towards Rawtenstall was brilliant.I have a few video clips from the visit and will be uploading a short video in the next couple of days.What next?

• Watch the Flying Scotsman Video
  Catch up on the famous loco return to steam
• View more about the ELR
  See previous posts on RailAdvent
• Visit the East Lancs Railway Website
  Check Train times and Fares