Created 28-Jul-13
Modified 28-Jul-13
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The East Lancashire Railway produced a most welcome gala in midsummer to commemorate the end of steam on British Railways 45 years ago. The centrepiece of the event was to be the re-enactment of the Fifteen Guinea Special, the last steam train run by British Railways on 11 August 1968. Oliver Cromwell had arrived at Bury looking fine, with her absence of nameplates revealing the authentic painted-on name from the 1960s. However, the Riley Black fives struck unlucky, one having to be left at Carnforth on its way from Fort William, and the other suffering a temporary glitch on the Saturday afternoon.

So mostly what I saw during the two hours I could manage at Ramsbottom were the excellent Oliver, looking like a working loco rather than in exhibition condition, and a good selection of early BR express diesels, in various shades of green.

Then, down in Bury, the locos and stock gradually assembled for 1T57, but by the time it left 55 minutes late, my time had run out! Still, there is nothing wrong with a midsummer gala, and I was home before the heavens opened!

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Category:Transportation
Subcategory:Trains
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Guestbook for ELR remembers the Sixties 27 July 2013
Paul G. Smith(non-registered)
Peter, well, plenty to enjoy here!.. and yes, the Black 5s had problems yesterday, one with a hot box apparently. I agree about 70013 being in slightly "work stained" condition.. we have to remember that nearly all steam locos were really filthy back in '68. And it's a sad reminder that painted nameplates arose because of nameplate theft. What I love most from this collection is the change-over colours of the coaching stock.. from the deep crimson which was adopted as standard in 1956, to the "new" blue and grey scheme of 1966. We are apt to forget the mixture these passenger trains looked in the period from 1967 to about 1971 or thereabouts. So the people at the ELR have made a really nice effort with their stock. Good close-ups in the collection Peter.. that old adage that you can say more about your subject by only showing part of it! And the Class 47 in two-tone green.. how smart they looked!
Very enjoyable collection Peter. I bet you were in your element!
Regards, Paul
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