ELR Steam Event February 20/21 2010

Nigel Valentine said that they would be NO early morning freight photo charter for the February Gala.

 

An FXP is now available at Rawtenstall on both Saturday and Sunday for just £10. A minimum age restriction of 18 is in place. More information here: http://east-lancs-rly.co.uk/?p=gothenburgdx

 

Good line up, but from a photographic point of view, I'm a bit disappointed they're all facing Heywood. Going to have to re-think where I'm going to go on the lineside.........

 

It's better that they're facing Heywood isn't it? The thing with the ELR is that the Bury-Rawtenstall stretch is pretty linear and runs north which means that the sun is very rarely on the smokebox of a locomotive and the best you can hope for is a 'going away shot' or a side profile. When locomotives face south the type of photo available completely changes!

I'd say the best location when engines face south is just south of Irwell Vale (if you walk down from the village and past the river/old viaduct, under the little subway under the line and then stand by the gate in the field with the sculptures and look back toward the station).

 

A backlit shot of a steam train at this time of year can be stunning. <BJ>

 

Maybe, but all my usual vantage points on the East Lancs work best with the engines facing north. Plus, if memory serves me correctly, isn't it downhill from Rawtenstall to Bury?

 

Yes but, it's uphill from Bury-Heywood! Should make for some very nice photo's.

 

I'm really looking forward to this now, especially seeing 70013 & 44871 together. A bit of 1968 atmosphere. I, personally think that with all locomotives facing south, it will definately open up new photographic opportunities. But can we determine what direction both 70013 & 30777 are facing when they arrive or are they already there? How is 71000's overhaul progressing? It's gone a bit quiet with her lately.

 

70013 arrived today, 30777 scheduled Tuesday. All locos except 32 Gothenburg (FXP at Rawtenstall) are scheduled to face south. 71000 has been out on test.

Both visitors scheduled for footplate experience before weekend.

Trust that all who attend will have a good time, don't forget that these events are not cheap to put on, so as well as taking your photos, please enjoy further and support by having a ride and buying a ticket!

 

That's great news about 71000. I am almost certain that this will be a Gala to remember! And I will also use the time to have some thrash behind 70013. Who wouldn't want to hear that wonderful two cylinder blast from up close?!

 

Lumbs

:rip:

 

I'd say the best location when engines face south is just south of Irwell Vale (if you walk down from the village and past the river/old viaduct, under the little subway under the line and then stand by the gate in the field with the sculptures and look back toward the station).[/QUOTE]

A pic from the January gala from this location if this helps at http://philmetcalfe.fotopic.net/p63051893.html - you can also move further to the right and get a shot leaving Irwell Vale station.

 

Thanks gents, I'm already quite familiar with the location!

Here's one I took there a couple of years back:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theviewfromthenorth/2953754463/in/set-72157608174950005/

 

I assume you had the landowners or our permission to remove the vegetation? I had problems last year with a photographer attempting to cut down a small tree so he could get a better shot, although he seemed rather surprised when he was challenged. We understand that vegetation has to be cleared, but it is always nice to know about it beforehand.

Regards

 

Andy
How long have you got 30777 for ??
Thanks in advance.
Phil

 

That reminds me, anyone know what sort of length trains we can expect? The likes of 70013/71000 etc will be slightly wasted if they're a tad short ;-)

 

Both 30777 and 70013 are on the ELR only for the weekend, and are both scheduled to leave on the 22nd.
The 3 main rakes this weekend are booked as 2 x6 vac brake, and 1 x5 air-brake with a 1x2 or 2 1/2 (wait and see) on the Rammy shuttle.
71000 out on test later this week, has already been up and down the yard last weekend.

 

I take it 70013 and 30777 ran fine during their footplate experience days?

And I've got a query about fares - what's the cost of a Bury-Rawtenstall adult return on a gala day, or do you have to buy a day rover to travel? The fares page on their website doesn't make it clear.

 

The 'Last Stop Cafe' at Rawtenstall is due to open this weekend to sell refreshments, more information, including the menu is available from the link below:

http://east-lancs-rly.co.uk/?p=laststopcafe

 

ELR unofficial forum advises all advertised locos are fit and available for this weekend.

30777, 44871, 47324, 70013, 71000 + 32 on fxp at Rawtenstall.

Single trip line returns are available at the normal fare ie Bury- Rawtenstall is £ 9.60 return (full line single trip Heywood- Rawtenstall is £12.20) - tells you on note 1 to the fares that at special events if you want more than one trip then a special events day rover is available @ 23.50 /£16 concession.