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East Lancashire Railway
All photographs of this railway in date order.
![Stanier 8F 48727 on shed at Rose Grove, Burnley (latterly BR code 10F) in the mid 1960s, photographed from the station platform just to the south east of the site. Rose Grove, together with Lostock Hall and Carnforth, formed the last of BRs main line operational steam sheds. The buildings seen here were demolished shortly after official closure in August 1968 and much of the area now forms part of the M65 Motorway. <br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) //]](/images/21000/21176.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Stanier 8F 48727 providing footplate rides to young enthusiasts at Rose Grove, Burnley, in the mid 1960s - occasion unknown. Photographed from the platform at Rose Grove station with the old shed in the background.<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) //]](/images/21000/21367.jpg "Rose Grove")
![142015 waits at Colne in the 1990s preparing to set off for Blackpool South. The unit had recently been reallocated to the area from the south-west and at the time still retained the livery of the previous sector operators.<br><br>[John McIntyre //]](/images/36000/36503.jpg "Colne")
![Old photograph, thought to have been taken in the late 1940s, showing a winter scene at Town Green station, Aughton, Lancs. Nowadays this station is part of the Ormskirk branch of Merseyrail's Northern Line. [See image 19649]<br><br>[John McIntyre Collection //]](/images/40000/40429.jpg "Town Green")
![An aerial image of Accrington station looking west, probably taken in the 1950s. It clearly shows the triangular layout that was in place until 1966 when the line to Stubbins and Bury closed. The south to west chord had no platforms but passed by the goods shed. The surviving Burnley to Blackburn line runs from the bottom right hand corner through the station to the middle right of the picture - everything else has gone. <I>Photographer unknown</I>.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett Collection //]](/images/54000/54930.jpg "Accrington")
![Push Pull for Bacup at Rawtenstall with L&YR 2-4-2T 50647. Believed to have been taken around 1951 and certainly prior to the introduction of DMUs in 1955. Rawtenstall was then a through station but, following closure in 1972, has now been rebuilt as the terminus of the preserved East Lancashire Railway. This view is to the south towards Ewood Bridge and Bury.<br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) //1951]](/images/21000/21209.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![2.6.0 46440 entering Colne from Skipton in June 1952.<br><br>[G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 24/06/1952]](/images/38000/38798.jpg "Colne")
![Shed scene at Accrington (24A) on 25 September 1960 looking east with Charter Street on the right. The shed was located on the East Lancs between the stations of Church & Oswaldtwistle (behind camera) and Accrington. Closed to steam in March 1961, the shed saw some further use as a DMU servicing depot. It was eventually demolished in the 1970s and housing now occupies the site.<br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/31000/31115.jpg "Accrington Shed")
![Fowler 7F 0-8-0 no 49618 stands in the shed yard at 24D Lower Darwen in September 1960.<br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/31000/31285.jpg "Lower Darwen")
![The shed yard at Lower Darwen on the south side of Blackburn in September 1960. Fowler 7F 0-8-0 no 49618 stands just outside the entrance.<br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/41000/41442.jpg "Lower Darwen")
![Ex-LMS Fowler 7F 0-8-0 no 49618 stands in the shed yard at 24D Lower Darwen on 25 September 1960. The locomotive was eventually withdrawn from Agecroft shed in October the following year and cut up at the Central Wagon Co, Ince, Wigan, a month later.<br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/42000/42747.jpg "Lower Darwen")
![Skipton based Fowler 4F 0-6-0 no 44041 standing alongside Rose Grove shed on 25 September 1960.<br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/44000/44292.jpg "Rose Grove")
![A rubble strewn Rose Grove shed yard on 25 September 1960, with ex-LYR 0-6-0 52445 amongst the residents. The locomotive was withdrawn from here two months later and cut up at Horwich Works in January 1961. Rose Grove itself was officially closed in August 1968. <br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/54000/54166.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Ex L&Y 0-6-0 52445 of 1906 stands out of use alongside Rose Grove shed in September 1960. Official withdrawal came two months later, followed by cutting up at Horwich Works in January 1961. <br><br>[K A Gray 25/09/1960]](/images/55000/55216.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Jubilee 45580 <I>Burma</I> photographed on Rose Grove shed in May 1962.<br><br>[K A Gray 05/05/1962]](/images/36000/36689.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Looking refreshed after a shower of rain, Johnson 3F 0-6-0 43734 and <I>Jinty</I> 0-6-0T 47660 stand alongside Rose Grove shed, thought to be in early 1963. 43734 had been officially withdrawn the previous September and was eventually cut up by Messrs Campbell at Shieldhall in May 1963. 47660 continued to operate from here until March 1964 at which point it was transferred to Newton Heath. Rose Grove shed itself closed in August 1968.<br><br>[K A Gray 29//1963]](/images/53000/53904.jpg "Rose Grove")
![One of the pair of rebuilt <I>Jubilee</I> class locomotives no 45735 <I>Comet</I> (the other being 45736 <I>Phoenix</I>) stands on Rose Grove shed on 7 April 1963. Despite talk of possible preservation the locomotive was eventually cut up at Cashmores, Great Bridge, in January 1965. <br><br>[David Pesterfield 7/04/1963]](/images/23000/23555.jpg "Rose Grove")
![42717 stands in the yard at Rose Grove shed in June 1963. The <I>Crab</I> 2-6-0 was officially withdrawn from here in October the following year and cut up at Cashmores, Great Bridge, a month later.<br><br>[K A Gray 29/06/1963]](/images/34000/34135.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Fowler 0-6-0T no 47562 abandoned at the end of a siding alongside Rose Grove shed in June 1962, some 5 months prior to its official withdrawal.<br><br>[K A Gray 29/06/1963]](/images/38000/38304.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Lonely looking 'Jinty' 0-6-0T no 47383 stands in the yard at Rose Grove on an overcast day in 1963. <br><br>[K A Gray 29/06/1963]](/images/40000/40849.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Fowler 3F 0-6-0T 47333 in the sidings alongside Rose Grove shed in June 1963.<br><br>[K A Gray 29/06/1963]](/images/49000/49141.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Stanier 2-8-0 no 48546 photographed on shed at Lostock Hall in 1965. <br><br>[Jim Peebles //1965]](/images/30000/30306.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![48773 at Rose Grove shed in 1965.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1965]](/images/30000/30858.jpg "Rose Grove")
![The RCTS <I>Rebuilt Scot Commemorative Rail Tour</I> photographed at Blackburn station on 13 February 1965 behind 46115 <I>Scots Guardsman</I>. The special was on its way from Crewe to Carlisle via the S&C.<br><br>[K A Gray 13/02/1965]](/images/49000/49597.jpg "Blackburn")
![Panorama showing Lostock Hall shed in the mid sixties, with 'the new order' over to the right.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1966]](/images/30000/30018.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![Front ends. Black 5s on shed at Lostock Hall in 1966.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1966]](/images/30000/30088.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![Knocking off time, Rose Grove shed 1966.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1966]](/images/30000/30322.jpg "Rose Grove")
![A selection of back ends on Rose Grove shed in 1966.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1966]](/images/30000/30384.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Lineup at Rose Grove shed, Burnley, in 1966.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1966]](/images/30000/30800.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Stanier 8F no 48666 on manoeuvres at Rose Grove shed in 1966.<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1966]](/images/31000/31398.jpg "Rose Grove")
![<I>Jinty</I> 47202, with 47383 tucked in behind, standing at Bury Bolton Street (note the third rail supply alongside) on 26 November 1966 waiting to take the MRTS <I>Three Counties Special</I> on the next leg of its tour to Manchester Victoria and Stockport Edgeley.<br><br>[K A Gray 26/11/1966]](/images/28000/28968.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![<I>Timetable subject to alteration - and how!</I> On 5th December 1966 most of the services in this timetable ceased and many of the lines involved closed completely. The Accrington services ran via Helmshore to Stubbins Junction, and beyond Bury to Manchester via Clifton Junction. Services from Bacup that did not terminate at Bury Bolton St continued to Manchester via Heywood and Moston so, with the electric line, Bury had three through routes to Manchester. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the timetable is that, until the day of closure, Bacup enjoyed a twice hourly service to Bury on weekdays increasing to every 15 minutes on Saturdays. Once the line had been cut back to Rawtenstall there was a single DMU stabled at Bury shuttling to Rawtenstall and back a mere 12 times a day Monday to Saturday and of course that service ceased w.e.f. 5th June 1972.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/12/1966]](/images/21000/21549.jpg "Plates, signs and notices")
![Scene at the east end of Blackburn station on 3 June 1967. The building on the left is part of the old fish dock with the former parcels depot alongside. This has since been demolished and a supermarket car park now overlooks the station [See image 22709]. Black 5 no 45339 is standing on the left, while on the right is the LCGB <I>Thames-Tyne Limited</I>, bound for Carlisle via the S&C, with Britannia Pacific no 70039 <I>Sir Christopher Wren</I> taking on water.<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 03/06/1967]](/images/26000/26964.jpg "Blackburn")
![Through a train window. Waiting room entrance and rear of goods shed, Church and Oswaldtwistle, 1968. [See image 32192]<br><br>[Jim Peebles //1968]](/images/30000/30519.jpg "Church and Oswaldtwistle")
![Last duties for a Stanier 5MT 4-6-0 in 1968 as it heads east with a rake of 16T coal empties at Bolton Junction, just outside Blackburn station. The large gantry of semaphores controlling the junction had only another four years of service too before Preston power box took control of the line. However, the goods yard on the right still sees rail borne traffic to this day and the small cabin under the gantry has also survived. <br><br>[David Hindle //1968]](/images/31000/31824.jpg "Blackburn")
![Running tender first light engine 5MT 4-6-0 44683 takes the Preston line at Bolton Junction in 1968. I believe the loco had arrived earlier with coal empties from the Preston area. [See image 31824]<br><br>[David Hindle //1968]](/images/33000/33602.jpg "Blackburn")
![Stanier 8F 2-8-0 no 48723 standing in the shed yard at Rose Grove in the summer of 1968.<br><br>[K A Gray //1968]](/images/37000/37639.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> heading south from Blackburn on 13 April 1968 with the BR Scottish Region <I>Easter Grand Tour</I>. [Ref query 10856]<br><br>[G W Robin 13/04/1968]](/images/47000/47886.jpg "Blackburn")
![73069+73134 stand at Rose Grove West with the MRTS/SVRS <I>'North West Tour'</I> on 20 April 1968 [see image 29203].<br><br>[K A Gray 20/04/1968]](/images/37000/37743.jpg "Rose Grove")
![EE Type 4 no D231 <i>Sylvania</i> stands with a train at Blackburn in May 1968.<br><br>[Jim Peebles /05/1968]](/images/30000/30449.jpg "Blackburn")
![BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 no 75019 being turned at Rose Grove in May 1968 with the coaling plant forming the backdrop. Built at Swindon Works in 1952 the locomotive was withdrawn from Carnforth shed some 3 months after this photograph was taken and cut up at Campbells of Airdrie in November of that year.<br><br>[Jim Peebles /05/1968]](/images/31000/31524.jpg "Rose Grove")
![BR Scottish Region <I>Grand Rail Tour No 5</I> approaching Lower Darwen from the south on 1 June 1968 behind Britannia Pacific 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I>. The special is on the leg from Guide Bridge to Hellifield, where D1773 would take over for the return north.<br><br>[John Robin 01/06/1968]](/images/45000/45540.jpg "Lower Darwen")
![Locomotive lineup at Rose Grove shed in July 1968. The 8F at the buffer stops is 48451, next is Black 5 45397, beyond that 44690 and furthest away is 44899. The shed has long been demolished with much of the area now occupied by the M65 motorway.<br><br>[K A Gray /07/1968]](/images/26000/26564.jpg "Rose Grove")
![With only a month to go before official withdrawal by BR, Stanier Black 5 no 44690 stands alongside Rose Grove shed, Burnley, in July 1968. The locomotive is seen sandwiched between resident classmates 43597 (left) and 44899, also facing imminent withdrawal.<br><br>[K A Gray /07/1968]](/images/34000/34394.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48493 standing in the shed yard at Rose Grove. The photograph is thought to have been taken in July 1968, one month before the locomotive was withdrawn by BR.<br><br>[K A Gray /07/1968]](/images/51000/51494.jpg "Rose Grove")
![An unidentified Stanier 2-8-0 standing on the withdrawn line at Rose Grove in July 1968.<br><br>[K A Gray /07/1968]](/images/61000/61519.jpg "Rose Grove")
![The MRTS/SVRS <I>Farewell to BR Steam</I> railtour stands at the east end of Blackburn station on 28 July 1968 during a photostop. At the head of the train is Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> on its way to Carnforth via Hellifield. <br><br>[K A Gray 28/07/1968]](/images/29000/29705.jpg "Blackburn")
![Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> waits at the platform at Blackburn on 28 July 1968 during a photostop with the SVRS/MRTS <I>'Farewell to Steam'</I> railtour.<br><br>[K A Gray 28/07/1968]](/images/35000/35055.jpg "Blackburn")
![Black 5s 45073+45156 <I>Ayrshire Yeomanry</I> at Blackburn on 28 July 1968 with the joint Severn Valley Railway Society / Manchester Rail Travel Society <i>'Farewell to BR Steam'</i> rail tour.<br><br>[K A Gray 28/07/1968]](/images/35000/35183.jpg "Blackburn")
![48773 at Rose Grove with the MRTS/SVRS <I>'Farewell to BR Steam'</I> special on 28 July 1968.<br><br>[K A Gray 28/07/1968]](/images/39000/39375.jpg "Rose Grove")
![45073+45156 photographed at Blackburn on 28 July 1968 with the 'Farewell to BR Steam' tour. The pair took the special as far as Rose Grove before handing over to 48773.<br><br>[K A Gray 28/07/1968]](/images/40000/40923.jpg "Blackburn")
![A 'last weekend of steam' photograph showing the last Britannia 4-6-2, 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> ready to leave 10D Lostock Hall shed for specials duties. In the background are the platforms of the original Lostock Hall station, which closed the following year. <br><br>[David Hindle 02/08/1968]](/images/25000/25549.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![A view of Lostock Hall at the end of steam working. All the steam locos visible are LMS 5MT 4-6-0s, those on the far right being on the scrap line. Two Class 25 Type 2 and a Brush Class 47 are also visible as is one of the four Yorkshire Engine Co 0-4-0DH Class 02 shunters (D2861/2/3/8) that replaced the Kitson LMS 0F 0-4-0STs [see image 31189] on local shunting duties and worked from here until 1970. <br><br>[David Hindle 02/08/1968]](/images/25000/25579.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I>, the last surviving Britannia Pacific, is prepared on Lostock Hall shed on 2 August 1968 for one of the final 'End of Steam' specials as a Black 5 simmers on an adjacent road. Forty years later the loco is of course back on the main line once again. <br><br>[David Hindle 02/08/1968]](/images/25000/25604.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![A bit of enthusiastic <I>bulling</I> has given Black 5 4-6-0 44971 a shiny smokebox for its last duties. The loco also has a full tender as it makes its way through the sidings at Lostock Hall shed. In the background is the scrap line containing many of 44971's already withdrawn sister engines and alongside is one of the Type 2 Class 25 Bo-Bo diesels that took over many of Lostock Hall's steam duties. <br><br>[David Hindle 02/08/1968]](/images/25000/25852.jpg "Lostock Hall")
![The second photo from my cab ride from Red Scar sidings at Ribbleton (on the Longridge branch) to Lostock Hall on Black 5 4-6-0 44874 [see image 24975]. This picture is on the now closed East Lancashire lines from Preston out to Todd Lane Junction where the train took the chord round to Lostock Hall. The Whitehouse Junctions formed a triangle between this line and the Southport line. That line had closed in 1964 and this followed in 1972 when East Lancashire line trains were diverted via Farington Curve Junction. Even though this is the last weekday of steam working another steam hauled coal train is approaching on the opposite line, possibly heading for Fleetwood Power Station. Penwortham Gas Works, then also rail served, can be seen on the skyline. <br><br>[David Hindle 02/08/1968]](/images/26000/26645.jpg "Whitehouse Junction")
![Black 5 no 45407 (left) and 8F no 48476 at Blackburn Station on 4 August 1968 in connection with the RCTS <I>End of Steam Commemorative Rail Tour</I>. (The train itself is standing off picture to the left.) 48476 has just come off the train, having piloted 73069 from Manchester Victoria, while 45407 is about to take its place in front of 73069. The pair will then take the special forward to Hellifield and Skipton, returning via Burnley to Lostock Hall.<br><br>[K A Gray 04/08/1968]](/images/35000/35917.jpg "Blackburn")
![Taking on water at Blackburn on 4 August 1968 is BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73069. The locomotive had recently arrived from Manchester Victoria [see image 31774] with the RCTS <I>'End of Steam Commemorative Railtour'</I> piloted by 8F no 48476. The 8F was about to be replaced by Black 5 no 45407 for the journey to Lostock Hall via Hellifield, Skipton and Burnley. The special would return to Euston later that day from Stockport behind E3183.<br><br>[K A Gray 04/08/1968]](/images/37000/37825.jpg "Blackburn")
![Crowds with cameras fill the platforms at Blackburn Station on 4 August 1968 to witness the RCTS <I>End of Steam Commemorative Rail Tour</I>. 73069 (left) is about to be joined by 45407 (centre) to take the special forward to Hellifield. 48476 (right) has just come off the train, having piloted 73069 from Manchester Victoria.<br><br>[K A Gray 04/08/1968]](/images/39000/39440.jpg "Blackburn")
![Stanier 8F no 48476 at Blackburn Station on 4 August 1968 after arriving on the RCTS <I>End of Steam Commemorative Rail Tour</I> piloting 73069 from Manchester Victoria. [See image 39440]<br><br>[K A Gray 04/08/1968]](/images/42000/42825.jpg "Blackburn")
![BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0 73069 at Blackburn Station on 4 August 1968 with the RCTS <I>End of Steam Commemorative Rail Tour</I>. The train is about to be joined by Black 5 45407 prior to the special continuing to Hellifield. [See image 39440]<br><br>[K A Gray 04/08/1968]](/images/48000/48275.jpg "Blackburn")
![Black Fives 44871+44781 at Blackburn with the BR <I>'Fifteen Guinea Special'</I> on its way back from Carlisle to Manchester and Liverpool on 11 August 1968. The special was advertised by BR as <I>the final standard gauge main line passenger train to be hauled by a steam locomotive on British Rail</I> (the BR main line 'steam ban' came into force the following day). [See image 26044] <br><br>[K A Gray 11/08/1968]](/images/42000/42324.jpg "Blackburn")
![<I>Flying Scotsman,</I> at that time the only steam locomotive allowed on BR, runs into Accrington station from the east on <I>The North Eastern</I> railtour. Accrington North signalbox formerly controlled the junction with the Bury line in the foreground, by this time a parcels siding stub [See image 38442]. This photo was taken by my late father, Tom Bartlett, who although not an enthusiast himself encouraged my hobby and took me to see this train pass through one of our local stations. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/04/1969]](/images/22000/22768.jpg "Accrington")
![Line up of 1970s NW motive power in the holding sidings at Rose Grove. Left to right are 5271, 5276, 325 and 5286 in this view from the island platform towards Accrington. The freight traffic that had kept the steam shed busy until 1968 was not to last much longer and these sidings, the 650 wagon capacity Up Yard, were then lifted. Note also the new concrete troughs in preparation for the 1972 resignalling.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1970]](/images/27000/27219.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Class 40 No. 354 leads an evening van train standing in the parcels' siding at Accrington in 1970, shortly before this traffic ceased altogether. The train is in the old Bury line platform (closed 1966), but will have reversed into here and will go forward to continue its journey towards Colne. To the right of the loco old railway buildings stand in the middle of what had been a triangular junction - but not for much longer. Behind the train part of the huge Howard and Bullough factory complex can be seen. This company exported textile machinery all over the world and in 1953, to celebrate its centenary, hired 14 special trains to take the entire workforce from Accrington to Blackpool. By the time this picture was taken the factory was part of the Platt group but closed in the early 1980s and has since been demolished. In 2010 a brand new station building was built just about where the Class 40 is idling. [See image 32139].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1970]](/images/38000/38442.jpg "Accrington")
![Brush Type 4 Co-Co 1842 stabled by Rose Grove East box on a summer evening in 1970. There were large marshalling yards in front of and behind the box but the staple coal traffic seen here was declining and they closed soon after this picture was taken. Rose Grove East, West and nearby Gannow Jcn boxes were all closed when Preston powerbox opened in 1972. 1842 later became 47192 and is now preserved at Crewe Heritage Centre. [See image 27219] for a view in the opposite direction on the same day. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1970]](/images/40000/40922.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Signal box diagram from Irwell Vale, rescued after the 18 lever box closed when the Rawtenstall branch was singled on 19th April 1970. The diagram shows that three lines ran over the small level crossing but doesn't show the three short sidings in the goods yard that had closed earlier. The level crossing became user worked after 1970, a situation that continues now under ELR ownership.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/04/1970]](/images/32000/32638.jpg "Plates, signs and notices")
![This view towards Rose Grove and Burnley shows the original (local?) red brick buildings at Huncoat as D204 approaches on Cartic empties having travelled over the Copy Pit line. [See image 19323] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1972]](/images/19000/19324.jpg "Huncoat")
![Early days on the East Lancashire Railway and RSH 7683/1951, otherwise known as Meaford No.1, is on the short Castlecroft Goods demonstration line that preceded the link to the main railway. The loco was named after the power station where it spent its working life prior to coming to Bury. It later hauled the reopening specials to Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall but its very small wheels were not really suited to ELR passenger trains and in 1996 it was sold on to the North Tyneside Steam Railway where it still resides. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1972]](/images/53000/53914.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![Early days on the East Lancashire Railway at the newly established Bury Transport Museum in Castlecroft Goods shed. The Planet 4wDM seen here on temporary track at an Open Day was the first locomotive acquired by the ELRPS. Together with the LYR van, Midland Rly hand crane and the RSH 0-6-0T the Planet had recently been moved from the initial preservation site at Helmshore. The elderly gentleman on the right, wearing his trademark Plus 4s, is Donald Heyworth who preserved a number of commercial road vehicles and other local artefacts and was active in the ELR at this time. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1972]](/images/60000/60122.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![About a month before closure in June 1972 a Newton Heath Derby DMU calls at Ewood Bridge & Edenfield on a Bury to Rawtenstall service. Although the East Lancashire line has now been reopened Ewood Bridge was replaced by the new halt at Irwell Vale and the buildings and most of the two platforms have now gone. Freddie Thomas - one of five drivers in Bury diesel link is at the controls. From 1966 until 1972 a Cravens or Derby DMU was outstationed at Bury for the branch duties. View towards Bury - Map Ref SD 797208<br><br>[Mark Bartlett /05/1972]](/images/19000/19139.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![The closure notices are posted and it is the last week of services on the Rawtenstall branch. A Newton Heath Cravens twin power-car DMU approaches Ewood Bridge and Edenfield from Rawtenstall on a Bury Bolton Street service. The distant signal (fixed) is for Townsend Fold level crossing just south of Rawtenstall. The line had been singled two years previously and the slew from Up to Down line can be seen behind the train. [See image 21792] for a modern day 'Then and Now' comparison. <br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21224.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![<I>A curious place to put the loo</I>. When I first started using this line in late 1968 the stations had already been destaffed but all the buildings were still in place. In 1970 when the branch was singled all station buildings were demolished except Ewood Bridge, albeit it was by then derelict. The unusual structure above the public toilet block is the toilet for the station house. Another feature I remember from the declining final years was the water running off the hillside, over the platform and onto the trackbed as seen here. The building was demolished after full closure and the platforms removed and have not been replaced since preservation of the line. Mark Bartlett<br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21250.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![View south towards Ramsbottom at Stubbins one week before closure. The station buildings were located at the far end of the disused platform, near the village centre (SD 792181). The platform outside the station building was at the original very low level and fenced off from the tracks. After the line was singled this shelter, accessed by subway, was a poor replacement. The Accrington line, closed in 1966, runs behind the platform fencing. [See image 21774] for a modern day 'Then and Now' comparison. <br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21295.jpg "Stubbins")
![A Cravens DMU calls at Stubbins on its way from Bury Bolton Street to Rawtenstall in 1972. These Newton Heath allocated twin power-car Class 105 sets were the mainstay of branch services for many years, sometimes substituted by Derby 108 units. The rails of the closed Accrington line can just be seen beyond the platform. This line climbed steeply alongside the Rawtenstall and Bacup line for some distance before swinging to the North West and away from the Irwell Valley towards Helmshore. View towards Ewood Bridge and Edenfield.<br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21308.jpg "Stubbins")
![A Cravens DMU has just arrived in Ramsbottom from Rawtenstall, one week before closure. The Diesel Link drivers at Bury all remembered the days when the East Lancashire lines had an intensive freight and passenger service, including through trains to London. It must have been demoralising for them to shuttle back and forth to Rawtenstall through semi-derelict stations thinking of what had gone before. Ramsbottom had two footbridges, one either side of the crossing, but when it lost its buildings the bridge linking the platforms was demolished too. That bridge has now been restored by the ELR but the one from which this picture was taken, looking south, has gone. [See image 21764] for a modern comparison. <br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21508.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Right up to the time when the Accrington and Bacup lines closed in December 1966 Ramsbottom was a substantial station that enjoyed a service of 46 trains to Bury on weekdays, rising to 60 on Saturdays when there was a 15 minute interval service from Bacup. From that date there were a mere 12 trains each way per day, the buildings were demolished and the line singled in 1970. The signal cabin remained open but only to control the level crossing and an awful plywood shelter was put on the platform. One week after this picture was taken the passenger service ceased but the box survived to be operated by the crews of the coal trains to Rawtenstall. The restoration work since reopening by the East Lancashire Railway has created an outstanding preserved line station and the signal box is controlling trains once more. <br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21550.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![The tilted cap and beaming smile means that Alf Davenport is at the controls of the Cravens twin-powercar DMU pulling into Summerseat after a 70mph run up from Bury Bolton St. Alf was one of five drivers in the Bury diesel link at the end of the Rawtenstall passenger services along with Paddy Delaney, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Unsworth and Harry Lofthouse and relief driver <I>Gorton Joe</I> Walker. There had been six but Arthur <I>(Mad Mac)</I> McCormack transferred to the Bury <I>Leccie Link</I> before the line closed and the other five drivers followed on 5th June 1972. These diesel drivers made the local teenage enthusiasts very welcome on the trains and I shall always be grateful to them for encouraging our hobby. <br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21627.jpg "Summerseat")
![<I>Scene of the demo</I>. When the Accrington line closed and the Bacup line was cut back to Rawtenstall on 5th December 1966 the service at Summerseat was drastically cut mid-timetable, losing around 75% of its weekday trains. The incensed locals held a demonstration and blockade at the station and several arrests were made. Services were still pruned though but the line lingered on for a further few years. However, as can be seen, buildings were demolished and the replacement shelter was less than basic and clearly not intended to last. Note however the 2, 4 and 6 <I>Car Stop</I> signs still in place on the disused down platform in this view towards Ramsbottom. [See image 21959] for a modern day 'Then and Now' comparison.<br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21700.jpg "Summerseat")
![A Cravens DMU pulls into Ewood Bridge, one week before closure, on a Bury Bolton Street service with Alf Davenport in the driving seat. When the line between Bury and Rawtenstall was singled three signal boxes remained to control level crossings but the distant signals for these became fixed and Alf was not impressed. <I>If a man needs a fixed distant he shouldn't be on the railway</I> he would say. Fair point Alf - proud of his craft to the end, even on this very run down shadow of a former main line.<br><br>[W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 27/05/1972]](/images/21000/21946.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![Last train of the day and the last week of operation on the Rawtenstall branch. The sun is setting on the Irwell Valley as a Cravens DMU heads north from the station at Stubbins and passes through the hamlet of Strongstry.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/05/1972]](/images/23000/23341.jpg "Stubbins")
![The last British Rail service from Rawtenstall left at 9.05pm on Saturday 3rd June 1972 to the usual explosive detonator send off. Driver Harry Lofthouse was at the controls of the four-car DMU that had been put on for the <I>last day trippers</I>. Except for the first train from Bury I travelled on every service on that last day and was grateful to the ticket inspector at Bury Bolton Street who saved the closure notice for me while I was riding on the last train. Living near Rawtenstall at the time I then of course had to get the bus back home. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/1972]](/images/21000/21984.jpg "Plates, signs and notices")
![Chaffer's Siding cabin looking south west towards Nelson station at Barkerhouse Road level crossing in 1974. The box, the bridge and the building have all since been demolished, with the barriers here now activated by the train driver [see image 17268]. [With thanks to Messrs McIntyre, Leiper, Renwick and Wallace] <br><br>[Ian Dinmore //1974]](/images/37000/37478.jpg "Nelson")
![0-6-0F Huncoat No.3 (Hawthorn 3746/1929) shunts 16T coal wagons into the tippler at Huncoat Power Station. The power station, visible on the left beyond the main line, operated from 1956 to 1984 but has since been demolished. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/05/1975]](/images/19000/19696.jpg "Huncoat Power Station")
![Fireless 0-6-0 Huncoat No 3 draws coal wagons from the tippler at Huncoat Power Station between Blackburn and Burnley. Not the best quality picture but it does show the conveyors that went across the mainline and an 0-4-0F, by then out of use. Prior to 1968 the power station was also supplied directly from Huncoat Colliery by a private railway. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/05/1975]](/images/19000/19697.jpg "Huncoat Power Station")
![Hawthorn Fireless 0-6-0F Huncoat No.3 propels loaded 16T coal wagons into one of the tipplers in the Huncoat Power Station exchange sidings in 1975, a task it must have done innumerable times in the years since the station opened in 1956. The tyres on the loco look very worn but it continued in service for several more years. The power station closed in 1984.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/05/1975]](/images/20000/20559.jpg "Huncoat Power Station")
![No.2 (W G Bagnall 2989/1951), a Fireless 0-4-0F, lies out of use beside the tippler building at Huncoat Power Station in May 1975, leaving work in the hands of 0-6-0F No.3. No.2 and No.1 were a pair of Bagnall 0-4-0F locos based at Huncoat both dating from 1951. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/05/1975]](/images/20000/20560.jpg "Huncoat Power Station")
![A DMU for Preston awaits its scheduled departure time from Colne station in mid 1977.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore //1977]](/images/33000/33639.jpg "Colne")
![Basic facilities at Colne in August 1977 looking south west towards Nelson. The station was by then a terminus, with the through line to Skipton (behind the camera) having closed in 1970 [see image 38798].<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /08/1977]](/images/41000/41830.jpg "Colne")
![37140 and a rake of tank wagons climb eastwards on Hoghton bank on 1st December 1978. The tanks will probably be empties from Preston Dock or Burn Naze returning to Immingham. 37140 had a further twenty years main line service but was stored in June 1999 and cut up two years later at Springs Branch. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/12/1978]](/images/59000/59664.jpg "Hoghton")
![EMU M77172 stands at Bury Bolton Street in 1979 following its arrival with a service from Manchester Victoria.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore //1979]](/images/32000/32185.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![One of the unique British Rail 1200 volt DC Class 504 EMUs with side-contact current collection, built for the Manchester - Bury line, stands in the pouring rain at Bury Bolton Street in 1979 prior to heading south with a return working to Manchester Victoria.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore //1979]](/images/35000/35227.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![When the East Lancashire Railway was first established in Bury operations were confined to a short demonstration line from the Transport Museum in the old Castlecroft Goods shed yard. This was later realigned and extended alongside the Rawtenstall freight line just to the north of Bolton St tunnel. Former Manchester Ship Canal Hunslet 0-6-0T No. 32 <I>Gothenburg</I> is seen around 1979 in steam at the temporary platform used for brakevan trips at that time.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1979]](/images/41000/41374.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![Early preservation days on the East Lancashire Railway with Manchester Ship Canal No. 32 <I>Gothenburg</I> in steam on the short demonstration line in 1979. The operational line to Rawtenstall is on the other side of the boundary fence, still seeing occasional coal trains at this time. When the line re-opened to passengers the demo line was downgraded to stock storage, for which it is still used today. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1979]](/images/46000/46182.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![As the coal depot shunter at Blackburn King St Drewry Class 04 2272, in a black livery, was kept in excellent condition. When the depot closed it moved to the South Yorkshire Railway scheme but is now on the Peak Railway. However, as pictures on the Heritage Shunter Trust website show, time has not been kind to the loco and it is now described as a <I>long term restoration project</I>. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/11/1980]](/images/21000/21403.jpg "Blackburn King Street Goods")
![Blackburn King St was the East Lancashire Railway goods depot for the town but in later years was converted into a Coal Concentration Depot. Surprisingly, because the small diesel mechanicals were not common in the North West, an ex Bradford Hammerton St, Drewry Class 04, 2272 became the resident coal depot shunter for many years. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/11/1980]](/images/21000/21404.jpg "Blackburn King Street Goods")
![47480 <I>Robin Hood</I> approaches Lostock Hall Junction with a diverted Up passenger service that has run via the S&C, Hellifield and Blackburn. The cleared area by the catch points is where the former line to Todd Lane Junction and Preston E.L. diverged until 1972. Brush Type 4 47480, which emerged from Crewe in 1964 as D1616, subsequently became 47971 but was withdrawn in 1998 and cut up at EMR Kingsbury in 2001. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/01/1981]](/images/31000/31876.jpg "Lostock Hall Junction")
![The <I>Rossendale Farewell</I> DMU Railtour in February 1981, marking final closure of the line to Rawtenstall, passes Bury Bolton Street, closed to passengers the previous year with the opening of Bury Interchange. However, the 1200v side contact third rails can still be seen. Nowadays the station is of course the bustling hub of the East Lancashire Railway. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/1981]](/images/19000/19677.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The Rossendale Farewell Railtour marked the cessation of coal traffic to Rawtenstall and closure of the line. It ran from Manchester via Castleton, Heywood and Bury and is seen here on the outward journey. Stubbins closed to passengers in 1972 and has not been reopened by the East Lancashire Railway. The platforms only served the Bacup and Rawtenstall line and not the Accrington line, the trackbed of which can be seen beyond the running line and which had closed completely in 1966. [See image 21308] for the same lcoation just before closure. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/1981]](/images/19000/19681.jpg "Stubbins")
![The <I>Rossendale Farewell Railtour</I> from Manchester Victoria is halted at Ramsbottom, for the level crossing gates to be opened, on its outward journey to Rawtenstall. The enthusiast with cine camera at the second door of the DMU is the late Fred Young, well known among the active members involved in the early days of the E.L.R. Preservation Society. The land in the foreground of this picture is now occupied by the reconstructed Up platform built after the East Lancashire Railway reopened [See image 49258]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/1981]](/images/25000/25767.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![The Rossendale Farewell railtour pulls into Rawtenstall marking full closure of the line nearly nine years after passenger services had ceased. The coal depot behind the train was still operating but the coal train had gone from daily to thrice weekly and then <I>as required</I> before ceasing altogether. [See image 32156] for the same location thirty years later.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/1981]](/images/32000/32157.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![After Ramsbottom closed to passengers in 1972 the Up Platform was completely removed. By February 1981, when the <I>Rossendale Farewell Railtour</I> ran to mark full closure, the area had become something of an eyesore. The 6-car DMU is seen here waiting for the level crossing gates to be opened before continuing to Rawtenstall. [See image 21820] for an ELR era view with the now reinstated platform and footbridge. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/1981]](/images/49000/49126.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![40073 and 40186 captured together at the east end of Blackburn station in the summer of 1982 when there was still a reasonable amount of freight through the station. 40186 was withdrawn the following December and had been cut up at Doncaster by March 1983. 40073 lasted until the following June and was cut up a year later at Crewe. [See image 22849] for a <I>Then and Now</I> comparison. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/08/1982]](/images/22000/22848.jpg "Blackburn")
![Arrival at Burscough Junction in April 1986 with unit 142033 bound for Preston.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /04/1986]](/images/38000/38989.jpg "Burscough Junction")
![Pre-revival East Lancashire Railway scene at Rawtenstall West level crossing in August 1988. [See image 32794]<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /08/1988]](/images/32000/32793.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![BR Sulzer Type 2 (Class 24) D5054 awaiting its next turn at the 1990 East Lancs Railway diesel gala in Bury Bolton Street. This was before the line had reopened beyond Ramsbottom but an intensive service was run with numerous locos taking part. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett /07/1990]](/images/62000/62437.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Lineup of Bury electrics at Bury depot on 3 October 1990.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore 03/10/1990]](/images/32000/32474.jpg "Bury")
![A Bury electric service calls at Radcliffe Central on 3 October 1990.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore 03/10/1990]](/images/32000/32761.jpg "Radcliffe Central")
![142015 and guard wait to return west to Blackpool South from the terminus at Colne on 31 March 1992. Once a busy through station to Skipton, the Colne to Skipton section was closed in 1970. Today there is a proposal to reopen this section with Skipton East Lancashire Railway Action Partnership (SELRAP) being the group behind the scheme.<br><br>[John McIntyre 31/03/1992]](/images/39000/39227.jpg "Colne")
![A terminating DMU service stands under the overall roof at platform 1 of Blackburn station in April 1995.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /04/1995]](/images/33000/33816.jpg "Blackburn")
![Deltic 55002 <I>The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry</I> arrives at a twilit Rawtenstall station on the East Lancs line circa 1996.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1996]](/images/18000/18122.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Metrovick Co-Bo D5705 standing in the bay platform at Bury, Bolton Street, around 1996.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1996]](/images/18000/18211.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Class 40 D335 runs round its train at Rawtenstall during an East Lancs Railway Gala in 1996.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1996]](/images/18000/18947.jpg "Rawtenstall")
!['Peak' no 4 <I>Great Gable</I> photographed at Bury, Bolton Street, in 1996.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1996]](/images/41000/41698.jpg "Bury")
![Diesel - Hydraulics at Bury Bolton Street in 1996, featuring 'Warship' D821 (masquerading as D810) with a train on the right and 'Hymek' D7017 light engine alongside.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1996]](/images/41000/41715.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The 2 surviving members of class 42, Warships D821 <I>Greyhound</I> (nearest the camera, masquerading on this occasion as D810) and D832 <I>Onslaught</I> photographed circa 1997 running round their train at Rawtenstall.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1997]](/images/18000/18599.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Deltic 55002 <I>The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry</I> with a train at Ramsbottom in 1997.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1997]](/images/40000/40570.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Hymek D7076 photographed at Rawtenstall on the East Lancs Railway in 1997.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1997]](/images/40000/40623.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Deltic D9019 <I>Royal Highland Fusilier</I> at Bury Bolton Street in 1997.<br><br>[Colin Alexander //1997]](/images/40000/40667.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![A large number of ex-Charterail demountable trailers being used for additional covered storage at the Penchem Chemicals depot in Colne in June 1997. The site was located a short distance from Colne viaduct.<br><br>[David Pesterfield 19/06/1997]](/images/25000/25079.jpg "Colne")
![Christmas time on the East Lancs. Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> crosses Summerseat Viaduct in January 2004.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /01/2004]](/images/11000/11860.jpg "Summerseat Viaduct")
![142037 on a Blackpool - Colne service calls at Rose Grove on 30 June.<br><br>[John McIntyre 30/06/2007]](/images/15000/15828.jpg "Rose Grove")
![D8020 about to leave Ramsbottom on the East Lancs on 30 June with a service for Rawtenstall. The locomotive has a 66A shed plate affixed below the cabside number. <br><br>[John McIntyre 30/06/2007]](/images/15000/15834.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A name forever associated with the end of BR steam, Rose Grove near Burnley on 30 June. The shed stood in the area off to the left (north) of the station.<br><br>[John McIntyre 30/06/2007]](/images/15000/15880.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Colne - Blackpool South train arrives at Rose Grove on 30 June.<br><br>[John McIntyre 30/06/2007]](/images/15000/15896.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Blackpool - York service near the former Hoghton station on the approach to Blackburn on 14 July. West Yorkshire PTE liveried 158907. <br><br>[John McIntyre 14/07/2007]](/images/15000/15837.jpg "Hoghton")
![A York - Blackpool service climbs westward between Blackburn and Preston on 14 July near Hoghton.<br><br>[John McIntyre 14/07/2007]](/images/15000/15871.jpg "Hoghton")
![A Northern service to Colne descends Hoghton bank heading to the next stop at Pleasington.<br><br>[John McIntyre 14/07/2007]](/images/61000/61277.jpg "Hoghton")
![Ramsbottom Station, July 2007.<br><br>[John Robin 18/07/2007]](/images/17000/17795.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Brierfield looking to Colne from the level crossing.<br><br>[Ewan Crawford 20/09/2007]](/images/17000/17216.jpg "Brierfield")
![Gate-box to the Burnley side of Brierfield on the Colne line in October 2007. The box closed in 2014 and was demolished.<br><br>[Ewan Crawford 07/10/2007]](/images/16000/16799.jpg "Brierfield")
![The ornate canopy at Nelson station, opened by the East Lancs Railway in 1849. Still an impressive structure, although it would doubtless benefit from some refurbishment. Seen here on 8 November 2007 looking northeast towards Colne.<br><br>[John McIntyre 08/11/2007]](/images/17000/17122.jpg "Nelson")
![The abandoned side of the island (former eastbound) platform at Nelson, Lancashire on 8 November.<br><br>[John McIntyre 08/11/2007]](/images/17000/17125.jpg "Nelson")
![Looking west along the platform at Nelson on 8 November with a Colne - Blackpool North service having just arrived.<br><br>[John McIntyre 08/11/2007]](/images/17000/17140.jpg "Nelson")
![The driver of an eastbound class 142 reaches out of his cab window at Barkerhouse Road level crossing, Nelson, on 8 November in order to activate the barrier control. [See image 17268]<br><br>[John McIntyre 08/11/2007]](/images/17000/17157.jpg "Nelson")
![Chaffers level crossing, just east of Nelson station, where the driver must pull the cord on the board next to the <I>STOP</I> sign in order to activate the crossing warning lights and barriers, following which he obtains a white proceed light. Once his train has cleared the crossing the barriers are then raised automatically. I have not come across any other examples of a crossing operated in this way other than at stations where a train is scheduled to stop anyway, eg Kirknewton [see image 13900], or on some freight-only lines.<br><br>[John McIntyre 08/11/2007]](/images/17000/17268.jpg "Nelson")
![Site of the former carriage sidings at Colne in November 2007, with the entrance to an old air-raid shelter standing alongside.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/11/2007]](/images/17000/17149.jpg "Colne")
![View from the buffer stops at Colne station on 9 November as a train prepares to depart for Blackpool South via Burnley, Blackburn and Preston.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/11/2007]](/images/17000/17150.jpg "Colne")
![Jubilee 5690 <I>Leander</I> at Rawtenstall on 25 January 2008.<br><br>[Craig McEvoy 25/01/2008]](/images/24000/24625.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Standard Class 4 no 76079 pictured at Rawtenstall on 25 January 2008.<br><br>[Craig McEvoy 25/01/2008]](/images/24000/24682.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Huncoat signal box once controlled access to the colliery across a second level crossing to the right of the one that remains. There were also sidings for the brickworks in the area behind the box now occupied by the trees. Signalling on this line has been controlled from Preston since 1972 but Huncoat box was retained to operate the level crossing and only finally closed in 2014.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/05/2008]](/images/18000/18971.jpg "Huncoat")
![142036 bounces through Huncoat without stopping on its way to Colne. View across the level crossing towards Accrington. Huncoat Colliery, closed in 1968, was adjacent to the station.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/05/2008]](/images/18000/18972.jpg "Huncoat")
![Northern Rail has really tidied up the East Lancashire stations recently. This is Hapton looking towards Rose Grove as 142003 pulls in on a Colne to Blackpool South service. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/05/2008]](/images/18000/18982.jpg "Hapton")
![General view of Hapton station from the overbridge looking towards Huncoat and Accrington as 158754 approaches on a Blackpool North to York service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/05/2008]](/images/18000/18983.jpg "Hapton")
![There are four trains an hour in each direction serving Aughton Park. This is the view towards Ormskirk from alongside the ticket office on 29 June 2008 with 507019 standing at the platform on a service to Liverpool Central. From here two very steep paths lead down the cutting sides to the platforms. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/06/2008]](/images/19000/19634.jpg "Aughton Park")
![Situated in a deep cutting, Aughton Park station opened in 1907, almost 60 years after the line itself. The ticket office is at street level to the right of the bridge, well above the platforms. 507007 arrives on a Liverpool - Ormskirk service on 29 June. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/06/2008]](/images/19000/19635.jpg "Aughton Park")
![Police Station or railway station? Both actually. Lancashire Constabulary operates out of the northern half of the station building while the remainder is the booking office. For a long time the station was known as Town Green & Aughton and the police station is called Aughton. 507019, in <I>Capital of Culture</I> vinyls, calls on its way from Liverpool to Ormskirk in June 2008. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/06/2008]](/images/19000/19649.jpg "Town Green")
![Hymek D7076 about to leave Ramsbottom in July 2008 with a train on the East Lancs Railway.<br><br>[Craig McEvoy 06/07/2008]](/images/28000/28479.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Opened as Marsden but renamed Brierfield in 1857. The 1876 signal box survived for a long time to operate the full barrier crossing, which is on a steep hill and busy road but was closed in 2014 and quickly demolished. When this was a double track main line there was a further box, just by the curve in the distance, known as Brierfield Goods Yard. View towards Burnley on a wet, dreary July day. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/07/2008]](/images/19000/19903.jpg "Brierfield")
![The low viaduct immediately east of Nelson station sees Northern Rail Pacer 142040 crossing on its way to the terminus at Colne against the backdrop of the town.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/09/2008]](/images/20000/20878.jpg "Nelson")
![Full credit to the East Lancashire Railway for their restoration at Ramsbottom, which includes reinstating the wheel operated level crossing gate mechanism. Here the gates are opened to road traffic after the DMU has departed for Rawtenstall.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21763.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A remarkable contrast with Cam Camwell's picture of Ramsbottom, [See image 21508] taken one week before closure, is this view 36 years later showing how effective the East Lancashire Railway's efforts have been. The DMU is for Rawtenstall and is waiting to connect with a <I>Santa Special</I> from Bury.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21764.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Although it has never reopened in the preservation era the platforms at Stubbins are still intact and it has changed little from the pictures taken at the time of closure in 1972 [See image 21295]. The ELR Metropolitan Cammell DMU recreates those last days as it heads for Rawtenstall on a shuttle from Ramsbottom.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21774.jpg "Stubbins")
![Another <I>Then and Now</I> comparison with a Cam Camwell pre closure picture [See image 21224] on the East Lancashire Railway at the site of Ewood Bridge and Edenfield. Although the station has not reopened under preservation the site has been greatly improved and the <I>waterfall</I> on the platform has been diverted into a substantial drain just in front of the train. The Met Cam DMU is heading for Ramsbottom with the first shuttle of the day and will connect with a Santa Special for Bury. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21792.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![<I>The Great Marquess,</I> on ELR <I>Santa Special</I> duties, waits by the level crossing at Ramsbottom. In the early 1960s Ramsbottom was very busy with passenger and freight trains and the signal box here was operated continuously seven days a week, apart from a short period in the small hours of Monday mornings. 61994 returned to Thornton after this weekend's ELR roster.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21820.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A last Lancashire duty before heading back to Scotland the following Tuesday. K4 61994 simmers in the rain at Ramsbottom after arriving with a <I>Santa Special</I>. It will go back to Bury Bolton St on the tail of the Class 33 hauled train before another run up the Irwell Valley.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21821.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![View from the station footbridge at Rishton towards Blackburn. Colne to Blackpool South trains provide a basic hourly service in each direction.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21857.jpg "Rishton")
![A Colne to Blackpool South service, formed by Northern unit 156472, calls at Rishton. The footbridge originally also spanned the goods yard, which was to the left of this picture but is now occupied by a housing development. View towards Accrington.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21858.jpg "Rishton")
![Compared with the pre closure picture from 1972 [See image 21700], Summerseat's facilities have not changed dramatically, despite the passage of 36 years, but it certainly looks well cared for these days in preservation. View north towards Ramsbottom.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/21000/21959.jpg "Summerseat")
![Whilst old DMUs can get a bit smoky this picture is unfair to the ELR Met-Cam set because it hides K4 61994 that had just pulled in to Ramsbottom behind it. The date is 13th December 2008 and the DMU was being used between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall connecting with the Santa Specials from Bury. [See image 25767] taken from almost the same spot in 1981 to see the transformation achieved by the ELR. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/12/2008]](/images/49000/49258.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![The widening trackbed beyond the bridge and the old crossover are reminders that Cherry Tree was a junction, for the direct line to Chorley, until 1960. Now an unstaffed halt on the Blackburn to Preston line this picture looks west towards the next station at Pleasington. The former goods shed is still in the old goods yard alongside the Blackburn platform but now used as a small industrial unit.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/01/2009]](/images/22000/22251.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![Cherry Tree is very close to its neighbouring unstaffed halts on the Blackburn to Preston line. Mill Hill, the next station en route to Blackburn, is sited by the next bridge and visible from the platforms. Northern local services are only allowed four minutes from leaving Pleasington to leaving Mill Hill, including the intermediate stop at Cherry Tree.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/01/2009]](/images/22000/22252.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 no 92214 photographed near Rawtenstall station in February 2009<br><br>[Craig McEvoy /02/2009]](/images/24000/24662.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![The former East Lancashire railway viaduct over the River Ribble south of Preston seen on 1 March 2009. The trackbed is now fenced off but the footpath is still in use.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 01/03/2009]](/images/22000/22701.jpg "Ribble Viaduct")
![The former Whitehouse North Junction, looking south on 1 March 2009. The path on the left led to Todd Lane and Bamber Bridge on the East Lancashire Railway; the path to the right to Whitehouse West Jct and Penwortham Cop Lane on the West Lancashire Railway.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 01/03/2009]](/images/22000/22707.jpg "Whitehouse North Junction")
![A York to Blackpool North service, formed by Northern promotional liveried 158790, calls at Blackburn in this view towards Preston. The <I>feathers</I> on the signals are for the junction with the line to Darwen and Bolton.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/03/2009]](/images/22000/22704.jpg "Blackburn")
![Blackburn tunnel lies immediately east of the station, as can be seen in this 2009 view, taken from the end of the island platform, of 158756 just departing on a Blackpool North to York service. [See image 26964] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/03/2009]](/images/22000/22709.jpg "Blackburn")
![158790 rolls into the east end of Blackburn station for a <I>Then and Now</I> comparison with [See image 22848]. The mill has been replaced by housing but the trackwork and signals are unchanged. Because I was more interested in Class 40s than station architecture in 1982 the pictures do not show the dramatic changes to Blackburn's now demolished trainshed. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/03/2009]](/images/22000/22849.jpg "Blackburn")
![Preston Junction was known as Todd Lane Junction from 1952 until closure in 1968. As a youngster I was taken from Huncoat to Todd Lane on the Accrington based Cravens DMUs many times for family visits and got to know its island platform well. After 1968 trains ran through for a further four years until full closure. It has since become the Preston Junction country park as seen in this view towards Preston from the site of the former overbridge and station entrance. Map Reference SD 553264<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/03/2009]](/images/22000/22897.jpg "Preston Junction")
![BR Standard class 8 Pacific no 71000 <I>Duke of Gloucester</I>, photographed with a train at Ramsbottom on the East Lancs Railway on 29 March 2009.<br><br>[Craig McEvoy 29/03/2009]](/images/24000/24616.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Northern Pacer 142013 squeals round the tight curve beyond the platform to cross Burnley viaduct on the short sharp climb up to Burnley Barracks and Gannow Junction near Rose Grove.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23301.jpg "Burnley Central")
![<I>An East Lancashire shadow of its former self</I>. Although Burnley Central is still staffed, it is an ugly 1960's building. The down platform has gone as have the once extensive goods and parcels facilities on the down side, now covered by modern retail outlets. 142013 is on a Colne to Blackpool South service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23302.jpg "Burnley Central")
![Space was always at a premium in the upper Rossendale Valley and Stacksteads station, last stop before the terminus at Bacup, was built over this bridge on the River Irwell. The grass mound is part of the remains of the island platform. Trains ceased to run beyond Rawtenstall in December 1966 and the track was lifted soon after.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23340.jpg "Stacksteads")
![The site of Waterfoot station, alongside the River Irwell, viewed from the west portals of Newchurch No. 1 and Thrutch tunnels looking towards Rawtenstall. An industrial yard occupies the site of the station, closed with the line in 1966.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23832.jpg "Waterfoot")
![Immediately east of Waterfoot station were these now bricked up tunnels. On the left is the original Newchurch No. 1, a short tunnel followed by another, Newchurch No.2. When the line to Bacup was doubled the full length Thrutch tunnel (what a marvellous East Lancashire name) was bored alongside the two shorter ones but without the gap. Newchurch 1 and 2 tunnels can still be seen alongside the main road to Bacup through Waterfoot Glen. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23833.jpg "Waterfoot")
![Huncoat on 1st June 2009, but from the same viewpoint that I was stood at in 1972, [See image 19324] looking towards Hapton and Rose Grove showing the modern waiting shelters that replaced the original buildings. 142015 calls at the station on its way from Colne to Blackpool South. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/06/2009]](/images/19000/19323.jpg "Huncoat")
![The former Huncoat Colliery access bridge, just beyond Huncoat's platforms, sees two Pacers cross while rostered on East Lancs line services. In my early years, until 1964, I lived opposite the colliery entrance and remember WD 2-8-0s clanking under this bridge on coal trains and NCB liveried AEC 8 wheel lorries growling over it loaded with coal.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/06/2009]](/images/23000/23951.jpg "Huncoat")
![<I>For God's sake Jim don't make an ersk of this.... </I> numerous cameras get ready to 'capture the moment' as 37418 approaches the level crossing at Ramsbottom station on 5 July 2009, the occasion of the East Lancs diesel gala. <br>
<br><br>[Colin Alexander 05/07/2009]](/images/24000/24594.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![BR Type 2s D7629 and D5054 stand at Bury, Bolton Street, on 5 July during the East Lancs Railway's diesel gala weekend. <br><br>[Colin Alexander 05/07/2009]](/images/24000/24615.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![20087 with a train at Ramsbottom on 5 July 2009. Part of the East Lancashire Railway diesel gala weekend. <br>
<br><br>[Colin Alexander 05/07/2009]](/images/24000/24637.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![D5054 alongside D1062 <i>Western Courier</i> at Ramsbottom on 5 July during the East Lancs diesel gala weekend.<br>
<br><br>[Colin Alexander 05/07/2009]](/images/24000/24683.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![40145 arrives with a train on the East Lancashire Railway at Summerseat on 5 July 2009.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 05/07/2009]](/images/24000/24688.jpg "Summerseat")
![A Blackpool to York service climbs away from Farington Curve Jct and sweeps around the curve, before crossing the WCML and heading east through Lostock Hall on 1 August 2009. The Ormskirk line which also leaves the WCML at Farington Curve Jct is behind the camera to the right. <br><br>[John McIntyre 01/08/2009]](/images/24000/24863.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![A very wet afternoon at Hoscar station as a Southport to Manchester service rushes through on 26 August 2009. The train is not stopping at this rural station and the level crossing barrier is already lifting to allow road traffic to move on Hoscar Moss Road. Just out of shot to the left of the photo is the Railway public house, a very useful place to retreat to on such a miserable day!<br><br>[John McIntyre 26/08/2009]](/images/25000/25241.jpg "Hoscar")
![Pacer in the Lancashire countryside. Northern 142056, on a Colne service, has just topped Hoghton bank and is dropping down towards the River Darwen and Pleasington station. The hill rising very steeply on the right supports the fortified manor house known as Hoghton Tower.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/09/2009]](/images/25000/25338.jpg "Hoghton")
![Preston can be seen on the skyline as 142041 passes Hoghton summit, although it is still eight miles away. Immediately around this bend the unit will pass over the level crossing that marks the site of Hoghton station, closed in 1960.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/09/2009]](/images/25000/25392.jpg "Hoghton")
![The bridge in the foreground still carries the Preston to Ormskirk single line but that in the background now only the trackbed of the curve from Burscough Junction to Burscough Bridge [See image 22975]. However, if proposals come to fruition their roles would be reversed. Electrification would be extended north from Ormskirk and round the curve to Burscough Bridge. Trains from Preston would be similarly diverted over a relaid North to West curve and the direct line closed. We shall see. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/11/2009]](/images/26000/26246.jpg "Burscough Junction")
![Passenger services from Ormskirk to Rainford ceased in 1958 but the intermediate halt at Westhead, next to this overbridge, closed earlier in 1951. Although the long embankment to the west of this point is still there the overbridge has gone as has the eastern abutment, cleared to create a driveway to a house built on the old formation. Around Skelmersdale the trackbed is built over but at the Ormskirk end of the line cuttings, bridges and embankments can still be seen. Map Reference SD 439080. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/11/2009]](/images/26000/26288.jpg "Westhead Halt")
![<I>Pleasant Pleasington</I>. Looking east towards Cherry Tree from the overbridge at Pleasington station the open countryside on the outskirts of Blackburn can be seen. 142009 is pulling away on a Colne bound stopping service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/11/2009]](/images/26000/26312.jpg "Pleasington")
![An East Lancashire line stopping service calls at Pleasington on its way to Preston and Blackpool South. Northern Pacers, such as 142054 seen here, still predominate on these services. This view looks west towards Hoghton.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/11/2009]](/images/26000/26315.jpg "Pleasington")
![Taken from the road bridge over the eastern portal of Blackburn Tunnel this picture shows Pacer 142002, cautiously approaching the tunnel, and also the signals protecting Daisyfield Junction where the Clitheroe and Hellifield line branches away from the Accrington line. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/11/2009]](/images/26000/26377.jpg "Daisyfield Junction")
![The old goods shed in Cherry Tree yard is still in use, currently as a showroom for stoves and fireplaces. Lying as it does, at an angle to the main line, it must have been a tight little yard for shunting when open to rail traffic. Northern Pacer 142044 leaves for Preston and Blackpool South. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26646.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![A Northern Pacer calls at Blackburn's rebuilt station on its way to Colne. To the right, partly obscured by the telephone mast, the original station entrance building is still in use but the huge trainshed that once spanned the platforms [See image 7725] is now demolished.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26685.jpg "Blackburn")
![Mill Hill station was a Lancashire and Yorkshire era addition to the East Lancashire line and so was constructed with a L&YR standard island platform, platform canopy and street level booking office. [See image 21199] for a surviving example at Atherton. All original facilities have now been swept away but beyond the platform the goods shed still stands and is in industrial use. 158753 runs through the station with a York to Blackpool service on 4 December in this view towards Blackburn. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26706.jpg "Mill Hill")
![The causeway at Rishton sees a Northern Pacer crossing on its way to Colne with a late afternoon service. This structure divides a local reservoir in two. On the north side of the railway is a sailing club but on this side only the local wildlife. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26722.jpg "Rishton")
![Blackburn, as seen looking west from the adjacent supermarket car park, showing 158842 pulling into Platform 3 on a York to Blackpool service. The one remaining through goods line is to the left of the train and on the far right the four chimneys of the original station building can be seen, still partly in railway use but mainly now the town centre police station. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26747.jpg "Blackburn")
![A Clitheroe to Manchester service emerges from the west end of Blackburn tunnel and runs into the station. The area in front of the two retaining walls was occupied by Blackburn East signal box until 1972, since when the track layout has been simplified and the tunnel lines are now bi-directional.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26798.jpg "Blackburn")
![The next stop at Mill Hill is in sight (just by the distant bridge) as 142048 leaves Cherry Tree heading for Blackburn and Colne on a gloomy day. The long platform on the far side is disused apart from a short (2-coach) section. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26823.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![Clitheroe bound trains usually use the loop (Platform 1) at Blackburn while trains for York or Colne use platform 2. 150205 pulls away from Blackburn heading for the Ribble Valley and Clitheroe in this view looking west from the multistorey supermarket that occupies the old fish and parcels depot site. There is a marked contrast between the surviving station entrance building on the right and the rebuilt platform structures.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/12/2009]](/images/26000/26956.jpg "Blackburn")
![The mid afternoon service from Colne to Blackpool South approaches the AHB level crossing at Hoghton on 14 March 2010. In the background the bridge carries the A675 from Preston to Blackburn road. Until 2009 there were facing and trailing emergency crossovers at this point, however track rationalisation has taken place and it has been plain lined in both directions.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 14/03/2010]](/images/28000/28127.jpg "Hoghton")
![66144 heads west towards Hoghton on 14 March 2010 with an engineers train returning from the track relaying on the WCML at Bolton-le-Sands. The train had traversed the Little North Western route from Carnforth to Settle Junction before heading back to the WCML via Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn.<br><br>[John McIntyre 14/03/2010]](/images/28000/28365.jpg "Hoghton")
![158754 heads west through Hapton station in east Lancashire on 15 June 2010 with a York - Blackpool North service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 15/06/2010]](/images/37000/37249.jpg "Hapton")
![Now well into their third decade of service the Pacers are still working hard. 142067 is on a diagram that starts with a departure at 4.45am and does not finish until after midnight. In that time it will cover 480 miles between Blackpool South and Colne including 258 station stops (I should get out more!). The other three diagrams that cover these services are only marginally less arduous. Here the unit heads east from Rishton, next stop Church & Oswaldtwistle. The houses occupy the site of the station goods yard.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/07/2010]](/images/29000/29726.jpg "Rishton")
![158754 enters Blackburn station with a Blackpool North to York <br>
service on 17 July 2010.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 17/07/2010]](/images/29000/29980.jpg "Blackburn")
![A Colne to Blackpool South stopping service in the hands of 142055 <br>
has just crossed the Accrington viaduct and is entering the station on 29 July 2010. The former route to Ramsbottom and the south used to follow the line of the newly created footpath on the right. The footpath has been built in connection with the new Tesco superstore.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/07/2010]](/images/30000/30286.jpg "Accrington")
![158794 arrives at Accrington with a Blackpool North to York service <br>
on 29 July 2010. The photo looks west towards Blackburn. On the left is a Tesco store under construction on the former route towards Helmshore, Ramsbottom and Bury.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/07/2010]](/images/30000/30349.jpg "Accrington")
![142048 calls at Pleasington station in the leafy suburbs to the <br>
west of Blackburn on 29 July 2010 with a Colne to Blackpool South service.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/07/2010]](/images/30000/30381.jpg "Pleasington")
![Looking west from Pleasington station on 29 July 2010 as 142055 approaches on a Blackpool South - Colne service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/07/2010]](/images/30000/30483.jpg "Pleasington")
![A Northern service from Blackpool North to York calling at the East <br>
Lancashire station and former junction at Accrington on 29 July 2010. The view is to the west and the platforms of the line through Helmshore and Haslingden towards Bury and Manchester once stood over to the left.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/07/2010]](/images/32000/32595.jpg "Accrington")
![View along the disused but now tidied-up platform at Burscough Jct on 21 August 2010. The view is from slightly further north than the photograph 24 years earlier [see image 38989]. Class 142s are often still seen on the Preston - Ormskirk shuttle, however on the day in question I was much too involved in my work to photograph passing trains! [Editor's note: Alongside Burscough Junction station stands a well known local hostelry named 'The Junction Hotel.']<br><br>[John McIntyre 21/08/2010]](/images/39000/39089.jpg "Burscough Junction")
![The Lindsey Refinery to Preston Docks tar tank train is seen <br>
dropping down from the East Lancashire line towards Farington Curve Junction for the short run north to Preston with the unique liveried 60074 <I>Teenage Spirit</I> providing a welcome break from the usual Class 66.<br><br>[John McIntyre 25/08/2010]](/images/30000/30496.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![After picking up passengers at Burscough Junction station on 6 September 2010, unit 153315 gets ready to continue on its journey from Ormskirk to Preston. On the disused platform on the right (the former Liverpool platform) work has been progressing following the tidy up and the construction of a number of raised beds by the Friends of Burscough stations voluntary group.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 06/09/2010]](/images/30000/30682.jpg "Burscough Junction")
![Caprotti Standard class 5 no 73129 gleams in the autumn sunshine as it runs round its train at Rawtenstall in October 2010 during a stay on the East Lancashire Railway. In this view from the end of the station platform the level crossing and signalbox at Rawtenstall West can also be seen.<br><br>[Malcolm Chattwood 25/10/2010]](/images/12000/12863.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![No new railways in NW England in 2010 but there is a striking new station building at Accrington. It has been built across the old Bury line trackbed and replaces a rather nondescript 70s building that was inconveniently sited on the other side of the Blackburn line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32139.jpg "Accrington")
![The wheel has come almost full circle at Accrington as the new ticket office is almost on the site of the original main station building, demolished forty years previously [See image 54930]. The new building actually stands where the line to Stubbins and Bury ran and is impressive from all angles.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32142.jpg "Accrington")
![A Class 101 DMU waits at Rawtenstall for the first ELR departure of the year for Bury and Heywood. The line to Bacup used Met Cam sets from as early as 1956 but they soon gave way to the Cravens units that would serve until final BR closure in 1972. [See image 32157] for the same location thirty years earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32156.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![The remains of Ewood Bridge and Edenfield station, as seen from the rear of a passing ELR DMU heading for Bury. The station closed in 1972, with the Rawtenstall line, and in the preservation era has been replaced by Irwell Vale some distance to the south with the single line being slewed into the centre of the trackbed. [See image 19139] for a picture of the station immediately before closure. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32163.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![New Year's morning at Church and Oswaldtwistle, looking towards Accrington. Just beyond the end of the platforms was the entrance to Accrington Motive Power Depot, which only finally closed to DMUs in the early 1970s. The buildings behind the far platform occupy the site of the old goods yard. [See image 30519] for a view of the original goods shed and the predecessor waiting shelter.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32192.jpg "Church and Oswaldtwistle")
![View from the rear of a DMU departing from the restored station at Ramsbottom on a service to Bury. The crossing gates are opening to road traffic after the departure of a <I>Black 5</I> hauled train for Rawtenstall. The DMU'S rev counter indicates the driver is just selecting second gear.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32222.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Tottington Junction was the point where the Holcombe Brook branch left the Bury to Ramsbottom line and there was a signal box situated by the semaphore seen here and also a profusion of goods yards and exchange sidings. Since the branch finally closed in 1963 the railway yards have been built on and just a plain single line remains. View towards Summerseat in January 2011 from a Rawtenstall to Heywood ELR DMU.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32244.jpg "Tottington Junction")
![44871 emerges from the tunnel at Bury Bolton Street on a service arriving from Rawtenstall on New Year's Day 2011. Earlier in the week the <I>Black 5</I> had double headed with <I>Leander</I> from Manchester to Carlisle and back and it covered all steam services on the ELR over the New Year weekend. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32256.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![First ELR service of the day/year arrives at Rawtenstall running in over the level crossing past Rawtenstall West signalbox. There was a corresponding Rawtenstall East box that controlled the level crossing at the other end of the station but this was closed along with the Bacup line in December 1966. The 2-car Met Cam DMU was augmented by a Gloucester RC&W <I>bubble car</I> on this service. [See image 32793] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32273.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![A New Year's Day service from Colne to Blackpool South calls at Church and Oswaldtwistle. Just round the bend 142004 will cross the Leeds and Liverpool canal and then run alongside it to the next stop at Rishton.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32293.jpg "Church and Oswaldtwistle")
![The widening trackbed indicates this was Stubbins Junction where the Accrington line diverged from that to Rawtenstall and Bacup, although the station platforms only served Bacup line trains. Stubbins' platforms have not seen a passenger for almost forty years now but are still extant as seen here looking north from the rear of a passing ELR DMU service. [See image 19681] for the same location thirty years earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32315.jpg "Stubbins")
![Home of the ELR when it first moved from Helmshore to Bury around 1971, this is Castlecroft Goods shed which sits at right angles to the line near the north end of Bury tunnel. It has recently been refurbished as the interactive Bury Transport Museum and is seen here from the entrance steps that lead from Bolton St.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32404.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![Interior view of Castlecroft Goods shed aka Bury Transport Museum. I remember well the condition of this building when the ELRPS first took possession. It had been used by contractors building the nearby Bury bypass and was in a terrible state but is now clean, light and airy. The interesting collection of vehicles and displays make the most of the original goods shed features such as this elevated platform with a covered goods wagon alongside being loaded and entry is free to those purchasing an all line day ticket on the ELR.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32409.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![Gloucester RC&W <I>bubble car</I> W55001 at Bury Bolton Street on a Heywood bound New Year's Day 2011 ELR service. It is not widely known that sister unit M55019 was used experimentally on the Rawtenstall branch around 1970. However, whilst it proved more than adequate for Monday to Friday services, it could not cope with Saturday loadings and services reverted to the Cravens and Derby twin power car sets. M55019 then went into departmental service as DB975042 and was regularly seen in the North West on route learning duties. It is now stored at Aylesbury as Sandite unit 960 015. W55001 betrays its own departmental route learning service as there is no bulkhead between the brake section and the drivers compartment. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32476.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![DMU driver's eye view of the south portal of Nuttall Tunnel on the East Lancashire Railway. The train is in the short cutting between Nuttall and the longer Brooksbottom Tunnel from where it will emerge on to Summerseat viaduct. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32571.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Rawtenstall, as seen from a departing DMU service for Bury and Heywood. This was a through station until 1966 and the two wagons are standing just about at the point where <I>Cam</I> Camwell captured a Bacup bound push pull service in 1951. [See image 21209]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32627.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Rawtenstall West signal box and level crossing at the start of 2011, as seen from a departing DMU heading for Bury. Although this signal box used to cover a double track main line and goods yard, and doesn't operate the gates or any signals at present, the scene is still a great improvement over that shown in Ian Dinmore's post closure picture taken from the same position 23 years earlier [see image 32793]. <br>
<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/32000/32794.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Townsend Fold signal box was staffed right up to the 1972 withdrawal of Bury to Rawtenstall passenger services. Thereafter the coal train crew opened the box to operate the level crossing until full closure in 1981 after which it slumbered until the East Lancashire Railway re-opened the line. This view towards Rawtenstall from the rear of a DMU heading for Bury shows the crossing, signal box and semaphores. The distant signal is for Rawtenstall West level crossing, just round the corner. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/41000/41420.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![The view from a New Year's Day 2011 DMU service from Rawtenstall to Heywood. <I>Deltic</I> 55022 <I>Royal Scots Grey</I> and a couple of diesel shunters are on the stabling road outside the small diesel repair shed at Castlecroft Goods. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/01/2011]](/images/57000/57333.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![Ivatt class 2MT 2-6-0 no 46443 takes water at Rawtenstall on 23 <br>
January 2011. Rawtenstall West signal box, located alongside the level crossing, can be seen beyond the water tower.<br><br>[John McIntyre 23/01/2011]](/images/32000/32486.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Black 5 no 44871 approaches the former station of Ewood Bridge as <br>
it heads south from Rawtenstall towards Bury on the East Lancashire Railway on 23 January 2011. The remains of the southbound platform can still be clearly seen on the right just in front of the locomotive.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 23/01/2011]](/images/32000/32490.jpg "Ewood Bridge")
![73129+71000 enter Bury Bolton Street with the 14.10 Heywood - Rawtenstall on 23 January 2011.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 23/01/2011]](/images/32000/32516.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The unique Standard Pacific no <I>71000 Duke of Gloucester</I> stands at the rear of a southbound train at Irwell Vale station on 23 January 2011.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 23/01/2011]](/images/32000/32522.jpg "Irwell Vale")
![Looking north from platform 2 at Ramsbottom station towards the <br>
level crossing and signalbox on 23 January with 46443 waiting patiently for <I>Duke of Gloucester</I> to be removed from the rear of the southbound train in the adjacent platform. Once coupled together the pair will head to Rawtenstall with the penultimate service of the day.<br><br>[John McIntyre 23/01/2011]](/images/32000/32529.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A Northern service from Leeds to Blackpool North has just climbed <br>
Hoghton bank and is now rounding the curve towards the former Hoghton station on 12 February 2011. The city of Preston is just visible on the skyline.<br><br>[John McIntyre 12/02/2011]](/images/32000/32747.jpg "Hoghton")
![Site of the 1852 Preston Junction station, renamed Todd Lane Junction in 1952 and eventually closed in October 1968. The view is north along the old East Lancs route towards Preston from where Todd Lane North road bridge once stood. To the left of the tarmac path was the island platform. Behind the camera was the junction itself, with lines going east towards Bamber Bridge and west towards Lostock Hall. <br><br>[John McIntyre 21/02/2011]](/images/32000/32975.jpg "Preston Junction")
![On the west side of the former East Lancashire line between Preston Junction [see image 32975] and Preston station were sidings serving the Lostock Hall Gas Works. The entrance to the sidings can be seen on the left of this photograph taken on 21 Februay 2011 where the track leads into the trees. On the right where the tarmaced path now runs was the line to Whitehouse South Junction and Preston station. Many clues to the former railway use an still be found including the base of a signal post, posts and pulleys for signal wires, posts to support multicore cables and even a lamp post. The former railway route has been converted into a bridleway and cycle path along almost the entire route.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 21/02/2011]](/images/32000/32982.jpg "Lostock Hall Gas Works")
![Having just left Colne station and crossed the viaduct the 13.50hrs to Blackpool South service runs across the high embankment that dominates the west end of the town. Colne station, a terminus since 1970, is a mere shadow of its former self [See image 17150] and nowadays only sees this basic hourly service. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/04/2011]](/images/33000/33818.jpg "Colne")
![A class 142 unit comes out of the sun as it drops down off the East Lancs line towards Farington Curve Junction and the WCML. The train is an afternoon Colne - Blackpool South service on 30 April 2011.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 30/04/2011]](/images/33000/33885.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![A Class 142 unit calls at Brierfield station with a service to <br>
Blackpool South on 9 July 2011. The view is south and at the far end of the platform is the level crossing over the B6248 Clitheroe Road and the signalbox controlling the barriers.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/07/2011]](/images/34000/34810.jpg "Brierfield")
![The creation of Nelson Interchange is something that has taken place since my last visit with a camera in November 2007. The station, seen on 9 July 2011, stands above the bus station, which was moved some 100 metres west so that it could be colocated here. <br><br>[John McIntyre 09/07/2011]](/images/34000/34838.jpg "Nelson")
![Platform 4 at Blackburn, normally used for Manchester and Preston bound services, is temporarily out of use while a new waiting room is constructed. This means that all passenger trains are being concentrated on the island platform (and its bay) and the rails through Platform 4 are gathering rust. This view looks east towards Blackburn tunnel from Platform 2 and shows the work in progress. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/07/2011]](/images/34000/34986.jpg "Blackburn")
![Most trains from Manchester continue through Blackburn to Clitheroe but a few turn back there using bay Platform 3. Northern Pacer 142047 arrives in the bay on 23 July and will head south towards Bolton again in a few minutes. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/07/2011]](/images/35000/35089.jpg "Blackburn")
![Working hard on the curving climb from Farington Curve Junction to Lostock Hall, 46115 <I>Scots Guardsman</I> approaches Coote Lane bridge on 27 July 2011 with the outward working of 'The Fellsman' from Lancaster to Carlisle.<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/07/2011]](/images/35000/35061.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![A York - Blackpool service pulls into platform 2 at Blackburn <br>
station on 30 July 2011. On the right is the currently out of use platform 4 which is having work carried out to create shelter for passengers during inclement weather.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 30/07/2011]](/images/35000/35116.jpg "Blackburn")
![The return <I>Fellsman</I> railtour climbing Hoghton bank as it <br>
runs between the drop off points at Blackburn and Bamber Bridge on 3 August 2011. After the problem last week with 'Scots Guardsman' on this tour, Black 5 no 44932 appears to have put in a faultless performance. <br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 03/08/2011]](/images/35000/35125.jpg "Hoghton")
![The modern structures at Old Roan near Aintree. Like many Merseyrail stations it is a bit non-descript at platform level but worth a second look from the street. This view was taken from the bus area of the Old Roan interchange and looks towards the booking office. It also shows the lift for the Ormskirk platform and the subway to the Liverpool platform, which also has a similar glass lift tower. Old Roan station opened in 1935 to serve housing developments to the north of Aintree. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/08/2011]](/images/35000/35395.jpg "Old Roan")
![45231 crosses the WCML, south of Farington Curve Junction on 14 September 2011 with the last outward run of <I>'The Fellsman'</I> from Lancaster to Carlisle via Blackburn. <br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 14/09/2011]](/images/35000/35671.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![In a cutting surrounded on all sides by high walls and bridge parapets Burnley Barracks is not an easy station to photograph. Once staffed it is now one of several unstaffed halts on the surviving single line branch to Colne. This view looks down the gradient towards Burnley Central in September 2011.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/09/2011]](/images/35000/35871.jpg "Burnley Barracks")
![The small terminus at Bacup was quickly demolished after closure on 5 December 1966 and replaced with a factory building. 45 years later this is the view along the trackbed from the buffers with only the retaining wall remaining to identify the location. [See image 33963].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/09/2011]](/images/35000/35955.jpg "Bacup")
![Deltic 55019 <I>Royal Highland Fusilier</I> departs from Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway on 15 October 2011 during the 'Deltic weekend' which saw 5 members of the class in operation.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 15/10/2011]](/images/36000/36058.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Looking towards the buffers at Colne with a Class 142 waiting to head west back to Blackpool on 21 October 2011. The fence line is running along what would have been the 4 foot of the Skipton bound platform. The platform edge is still there although the trees have taken a firm hold dislodging some of the slabs. [See image 33639] taken 34 years ago before the old platform had been landscaped.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 21/10/2011]](/images/36000/36132.jpg "Colne")
![A Blackpool South to Colne service approaches Chaffers Crossing east of Nelson station on 21 October 2011. The driver will bring the train to a stand with the cab window next to the board on the right and pull the cord to initiate the closing of the barriers [see image 17268].<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 21/10/2011]](/images/36000/36160.jpg "Nelson")
![LNWR 7F 0-8-0 <I>Super D</I> 49395 proved a popular visitor to the ELR for the Autumn Steam Gala and is seen here waiting to leave Bury for Rawtenstall. I remember this National Collection locomotive as a rusting hulk at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum so it was an added pleasure to see it gleaming at the head of a six coach train and travel behind it.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/10/2011]](/images/36000/36122.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![During the ELR Autumn Gala a demonstration freight ran between Bury and Ramsbottom several times each day. The rake of restored goods wagons made an impressive sight although due to the late non-availability of 71000 <I>Duke of Gloucester</I> the freight ran with industrial rather than mainline motive power. The train is seen here arriving at Ramsbottom and running through the station into the refuge loop.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/10/2011]](/images/36000/36135.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Plenty of admiring glances for LNWR <I>Super D</I> 0-8-0 49395 as it arrives in Bury Bolton Street, and this train was full when it departed for Rawtenstall. Other services at the 2011 ELR autumn gala were hauled by Black 5 45231 and 4MT 2-6-4T 80080. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/10/2011]](/images/36000/36143.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![A demonstration freight rolls into Ramsbottom from Bury behind 0-6-0T MSC 32 and 0-6-0ST WD 132 during the ELR Autumn Gala. Even without the smiley face it was immediately obvious to my young grandson who was pulling the train.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/10/2011]](/images/37000/37235.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![The immaculate Peckett 0-4-0ST <I>May</I> looks a picture while employed on brake van rides at Bury Bolton Street during the East Lancs autumn gala. Having worked for many years at nearby Yates & Duxbury's paper mills [See image 33097] she is very much at home in Bury. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/10/2011]](/images/37000/37370.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![A Northern service from Colne to Blackpool South calls at Cherry Tree on 26 October 2011.<br><br>[John McIntyre 26/10/2011]](/images/45000/45955.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![158848 approaches Hoghton between Blackburn and Preston on 24 February 2012 with a Northern service from York to Blackpool.<br><br>[John McIntyre 24/02/2012]](/images/38000/38918.jpg "Hoghton")
![There is a distinct Western Region feel to Bury Bolton Street station on the heritage East Lancashire Railway in this view south from the tunnel mouth on 3 March 2012. On the left is Class 14 no D9531, recently extensively overhauled and now running as the 'new' D9556 while on the right is Class 35 no D7076.<br><br>[John McIntyre 03/03/2012]](/images/37000/37956.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![50015 enters Summerseat station on the heritage East Lancashire Railway in March 2012 with a Rawtenstall to Heywood service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 03/03/2012]](/images/39000/39887.jpg "Summerseat")
![Heading west and with the evening sun illuminating the smokebox, ex Southern Railway Bulleid 'Battle of Britain' class pacific No. 34067 <I>Tangmere</I> makes a fine sight passing through Pleasington station at speed on 12 April 2012 on the return leg of the 'Cumbrian Mountain Express'.<br><br>[John McIntyre 12/04/2012]](/images/38000/38376.jpg "Pleasington")
![Stanier 8F 2-8-0 no 48151 storms west through Cherry Tree station heading towards Preston on the 'Diamond Jubilee Fellsman' railtour from Carlisle on 6 June 2012. After a problem at Carlisle and leaving around 35 minutes late with the recently repainted 47580 sporting a large Union Jack on each bodyside, it was almost right time when it passed Cherry Tree with the 8F appearing to be doing all the work. The undergrowth to the right is the trackbed of the line from Cherry Tree to Chorley via Abbey Village.<br><br>[John McIntyre 06/06/2012]](/images/39000/39105.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![33109 on shed at Bury on Saturday 7th July.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2012]](/images/39000/39654.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![5081 with a train at Ramsbottom on Saturday 7th July during the East Lancs Diesel Gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2012]](/images/39000/39662.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![37518 stands alongside 37901 at Ramsbottom on Sunday 8th July during the East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 08/07/2012]](/images/39000/39625.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Deltics D9016 <I>Gordon Highlander</I> + 55002 <I>The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry</I> pictured at Bury Bolton Street on Sunday 8th July 2012 during the East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 08/07/2012]](/images/39000/39640.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![37518 with a train at Ramsbottom on Sunday 8th July during the East Lancs Railway diesel gala weekend.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 08/07/2012]](/images/39000/39694.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![D9531+D7076 stand at Ramsbottom on 8 July during the East Lancs Railway diesel gala weekend.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 08/07/2012]](/images/39000/39715.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![37275+37109 leaving Ramsbottom on 8 July 2012 during the East Lancs diesel gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 08/07/2012]](/images/39000/39747.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Having been held at Lostock Hall Junction, no 46233 <I>Duchess of Sutherland</I> emerges from under the A674 road at Hoghton on 21 July 2012 on the climb to the summit with the 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' from Crewe to Carlisle via Manchester and the S&C.<br><br>[John McIntyre 21/07/2012]](/images/39000/39658.jpg "Hoghton")
![Climbing away from Farington Curve Junction on 8 August, ex-LNER K4 no 61994 <I>The Great Marquess</I> hauls the 12 coach 'Fellsman' railtour round the long curve before heading east towards Blackburn and on to Carlisle.<br><br>[John McIntyre 08/08/2012]](/images/39000/39896.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![Nearing the summit at Hoghton on 18th August, no 60009 is working hard with the 12 coach outward <I>'Cumbrian Mountain Express'</I> and an idling Class 47 on the rear. The 3-cylinder beat and chime whistle of the A4 could be heard long before it appeared round the curve. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/08/2012]](/images/40000/40004.jpg "Hoghton")
![Beginning the long descent of Hoghton bank down to Bamber Bridge is 158793 on a York to Blackpool working. This hourly Lancashire-Yorkshire service is very well used and its hard to believe that for many years the Copy Pit line that it uses was freight only and rail passengers had to make the long detour via Manchester. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/08/2012]](/images/40000/40168.jpg "Hoghton")
!['Tagging along for the ride' on the back of a <I>Cumbrian Mountain Express</I> is <I>Royal</I> Brush Type 4 47798 <I>Prince William</I>. On this occasion the CME was hauled by newly repaired A4 60009 <I>Union of South Africa</I> [See image 40004] and the train is seen reaching the summit of Hoghton Bank heading for the Settle and Carlisle line via Blackburn and Clitheroe. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/08/2012]](/images/40000/40915.jpg "Hoghton")
![The MWF only bitumen empties for Lindsey refinery are wheeled east through Lostock Hall Junction by DBS 66204. The lines in the foreground lead to the WCML at Farington Junction and the locomotive is just passing the point where the chord to Todd Lane Junction and Preston E.L. left this line until final closure in 1972. [See image 31876] for the same location in 1981. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 31/10/2012]](/images/40000/40956.jpg "Lostock Hall Junction")
![Class 40 no D335 enters Bury Bolton Street station on 5 January 2013 during the East Lancs 'BR Green Day'. With steam heating in operation it was a real delight to see this well turned out locomotive in action. Some 39 years ago it was one of the class 40s that I recall from Aberdeen Ferryhill MPD [see image 26445]<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/01/2013]](/images/41000/41639.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The destination panel says Aberdeen but the unit is nowhere near Aberdeen, has no intention of going to Aberdeen nor, to the best of my knowledge, has ever visited the Granite City. The Class 117 2-car DMU is standing at Bury Bolton Street station on the heritage East Lancashire Railway during the 'BR Green day' on 5 January 2013. It was operating a shuttle service to Heywood.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/01/2013]](/images/41000/41644.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The driver and secondman lean out of the cab of D1501 at Ramsbottom station on 5 January, waiting for the down starter to clear for their train to proceed to Rawtenstall. Alongside on Platform 1 no D2062 is about to depart back to Bury with a 2 coach shuttle service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/01/2013]](/images/41000/41657.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![158817 climbs Hoghton bank on 16 February 2013 with a York to Blackpool service. To the right there used to be a quarry siding, controlled by a signalbox to the left. The remains of the brick base of the box can still be seen.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/02/2013]](/images/42000/42134.jpg "Hoghton")
![Gannow Junction is where the Colne branch diverges from the Copy Pit line. Immediately below the junction is the western portal of Gannow Tunnel (559 yards long) on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The tunnel doesn't take the canal under the railway, although it does cross the line near the eastern end at Burnley Barracks station. In this view a Sprinter heading for Colne can just be seen top right.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/03/2013]](/images/42000/42238.jpg "Gannow Junction")
![On 16 April 2013 Jubilee no 45699 <I>Galatea</I> completed a test run with a 4 coach load. The train is seen on the sweeping curve between Lostock Hall and the WCML at Farington Curve Junction as it heads back towards Carnforth.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/04/2013]](/images/42000/42755.jpg "Farington Curve Junction")
![Colas Railfreight 56105 approaches Hoghton on 20 April 2013 with the Carlisle to Chirk log train.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/04/2013]](/images/53000/53624.jpg "Hoghton")
![Trying to regain some lost time, 46233 <I>Duchess of Sutherland</I> makes an impressive sight as the <I>Cumbrian Mountain Express</I> approaches Pleasington station on the western outskirts of Blackburn on 22 May 2013. This leg of the tour was from Carlisle to Farington Junction via the S&C where steam would hand over to electric power [see image 43185].<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/05/2013]](/images/43000/43203.jpg "Pleasington")
![Looking east under the road bridge at Hapton station on 5 July as Northern Class 150 units pass on services running between Blackpool South and Colne.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/07/2013]](/images/43000/43720.jpg "Hapton")
![Not stopping at Rishton. A Northern 158 service from Blackpool to York hurries through Rishton station, shortly after leaving Blackburn on 5 July 2013. The next scheduled stop will be Accrington.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/07/2013]](/images/43000/43757.jpg "Rishton")
![Deltic 55022 <I>Royal Scots Grey</I> with a train at Ramsbottom on 6 July 2013 during the ELR Diesel Gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43738.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![<I>'Just watch it... that's all...'</I> 73210 meets 33109 at Rawtenstall on 6 July.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43767.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Smart looking EE Type 4 no D335 stands at Ramsbottom on 6 July during the East Lancashire Railway diesel gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43793.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A well occupied Bury Bolton Street on 6 July during the ELR Diesel Gala. Locomotives present include 47596, 33109, D335, D8233 and 20087.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43804.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The surviving Class 15 (BTH Type 1) no D8233 at Bury on 6 July with engine running. [See image 13456]<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43815.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Hymek Type 3 D7076 stands alongside Brush Type 2 D5613 at Bury Bolton Street on 6 July 2013.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43832.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Hymek D7076 looking a little the worse for wear at Bury Bolton Street on 6 July.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43850.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![EE Type 4 no D335 with a train at Ramsbottom station on 6 July 2013 during the ELR diesel gala weekend.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/43000/43947.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![D9537 at Bury Bolton Street on 7 July during the ELR Diesel Gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/44000/44070.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Hymek D7076 with a train at Bury Bolton Street on 6 July 2013 during the ELR diesel gala. <br><br>[Colin Alexander 06/07/2013]](/images/44000/44226.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![37324 photographed with a train at Ramsbottom during the East Lancs Diesel Gala held on 5-7 July 2013. <br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43708.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Deltic D9009 <i>Alycidon</i> about to take charge of a train at Bury Bolton Street on 7 July.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43718.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![EE Type 4 no D335 alongside the platform at Bury Bolton Street on 7 July 2013 during the East Lancashire Railway's diesel gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43730.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Photograph taken during the ELR Diesel Gala on 7 July, with 50026 getting underway at Bury Bolton Street.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43749.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Deltic D9009 <I>Alycidon</I> with an East Lancs special leaving Ramsbottom on 7 July 2013.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43781.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Deltic D9009 <I>Alycidon</I> with a train at Ramsbottom on 7 July during the ELR diesel gala.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43871.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![50026 with a train at Ramsbottom on the East Lancs Railway on 7 July 2013.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43907.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![View across the car park at Bury Bolton Street on 7 July with Deltic D9009 <I>Alycidon</I> at the platform.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 07/07/2013]](/images/43000/43928.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Black 5 45231 nears the summit at Hoghton heading for Blackburn with <I>The Fellsman</I> on 31 July. The last train of the 2013 season ran on 28 August and the final <I>Fellsman League Table</I> is 61994 - 5 appearances, 45231 - 4 (1 with 44932) and 45699, 46115 and 48151 1 each. Brush Type 4 47580 was also on the train on three occasions for fire risk assistance as seen here. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 31/07/2013]](/images/44000/44385.jpg "Hoghton")
![A bunch of 5s on <I>The Fellsman</I> on 7 August 2013 made it look rather easy as the return from Carlisle raced up the bank towards and through Pleasington station to the west of Blackburn. 44932 leads 45231 with 12 coaches behind as the train heads west in the evening sun.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 07/08/2013]](/images/44000/44128.jpg "Pleasington")
![EE Class 50 No. 50015 <I>Valiant</I> passes Burrs Country Park, between Summerseat and Bury, with an ELR Rawtenstall to Heywood service on 26 October 2013.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2013]](/images/45000/45112.jpg "Burrs")
![The ELR website said K4 61994 was the steam engine for the day, so it was quite a surprise when GWR 0-6-0PT 1501 appeared. The sole surviving Hawksworth 15xx tank is usually a Severn Valley resident, but is seen here hustling a 5-coach Rawtenstall service towards Summerseat at Burrs on 26 October.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2013]](/images/45000/45183.jpg "Burrs")
![Just beyond the end of Acccington's Bury line platforms the 1:37 Baxenden bank started on a bridge over a mill reservoir. The trackbed greenway now runs between the columns of that demolished bridge as a feature of what is now this urban park. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/11/2013]](/images/45000/45319.jpg "Accrington")
![<I>Stand well back!</I> An MPV on leaf clearance duties slowly negotiates the sharp curve into Accrington station on 15 November with the water jets in full flow.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/11/2013]](/images/45000/45389.jpg "Accrington")
![A Blackpool South to Colne service calls at Rose Grove on 20 March 2014. On the left are various items of on-track plant and materials, including wagons loaded with ballast. These have been prepositioned for a week long engineering possession for track relaying from Gannow Jct to the east of Burnley Central on the line to Colne between 30 March and 6 April.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/2014]](/images/46000/46720.jpg "Rose Grove")
![Black 5s 44871 and 45407 heading east on Hoghton bank on 9 May 2014 with the second leg of Day 1 of <I>The Cathedrals Explorer</I> railtour. The pair had taken over from <I>Duchess of Sutherland</I> at Crewe and were heading to the overnight stop at Appleby.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/05/2014]](/images/47000/47397.jpg "Hoghton")
![Back on the mainline after several years of refurbishment work, CFPS no. 345, looking and sounding immaculate, climbs to Rishton on 6 June 2014 whilst working a <I>loaded</I> stock move from Carnforth to the East Lancashire Railway in preparation for a railtour to Oxford the following day.<br><br>[John McIntyre 06/06/2014]](/images/47000/47567.jpg "Rishton")
![Northern 158754 passes through Rishton non-stop on a York to Blackpool service on 6 June 2014.<br><br>[John McIntyre 06/06/2014]](/images/47000/47580.jpg "Rishton")
![The East Lancs Railway held a 3-day <I>Class 14s @ 50</I> gala in July 2014. A highlight of the event was the return to service (after twenty years) of resident D9537, not least because it had been secretly painted in the experimental <I>Desert Sand</I> livery, complete with cast cabside crests, as carried by <I>Western</I> D1000 in 1961. The pristine loco is seen at Ramsbottom waiting to leave for Rawtenstall on 26 July.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48142.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Demonstration freight at the <I>Class 14s @ 50</I> ELR gala in July 2014. The rake of wagons is entrusted to D9539, normally resident at the Ribble Steam Railway, seen here waiting at Ramsbottom for the section to Bury Bolton St to clear before heading south. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48149.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![The ten locos that gathered on the ELR for the <I>Class 14s @ 50</I> gala sported a variety of liveries. D9526 from the West Somerset carried a <I>Blue Circle</I> roundel on one cab to reflect its service at APCM Westbury in the 1970s. The former D9524 worked at Grangemouth Refinery after withdrawal. Now based on Peak Rail it has a Rolls Royce engine in place of the Paxman original and sports large logo blue livery and the running number 14901. Both are seen running round at Rawtenstall on 26 July.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48156.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![At various times during the ELR <I>Class 14s @ 50</I> gala a <I>Parcels</I> train was run on the Bury-Rawtenstall section. In addition to a mixed selection of parcel vans a couple of passenger coaches were in the consist. With the slopes of Holcombe Moor in the background, D9537 is seen powering through Irwell Vale heading back to Bury on the last Parcels of the day with D9539 bringing up the rear. Above the leading locomotive, Lumb viaduct on the long closed Stubbins-Accrington line is just visible, with scaffolding in place for repair work<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48176.jpg "Irwell Vale")
![Barclay Class 01 0-4-0DM D2956, seen through the window of a passing ELR train, is the resident shunter at Castlecroft Goods in Bury. The 153hp loco dates from 1956 and after withdrawal in 1966 continued working in a scrapyard at Snailwell until 1984 when it was donated to the ELR. The Barclay is alongside Class 08 08164, which is in the final stages of an overhaul. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48182.jpg "Bury (Castlecroft Goods)")
![The parcels train assembled for the ELR <I>Class 14s @ 50</I> Gala is drawn back into Ramsbottom station from the refuge siding by D9513 from the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway. The train departed on a non-stop service to Rawtenstall behind D9531. D9513 carries the <I>NCB 38</I> livery that it wore for so much longer than its brief career in BR Green. [See image 21742] of NCB 37 at Ashington Colliery in 1982. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48205.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![D9544 worked at BSC Corby from 1968 until it was scrapped in 1980. At the <I>Class 14s @ 50</I> ELR Gala D9520 ran in the guise of its Corby stablemate on one trip and is seen here at Bury Bolton St, coupled to D9555, waiting to leave for Rawtenstall. D9520 adopted various identities of scrapped BSC locos during the gala. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/48000/48537.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![A once common sight that is very rare now. The signalman at Ramsbottom has released the pedestrian wicket gates and winds the wheel to open the level crossing to road traffic as a passenger train disappears towards Rawtenstall. During the early 1960s this box was open 24/7, apart from a few hours overnight Sunday to Monday, and the line was busy with freight, parcels and passenger trains.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/07/2014]](/images/55000/55354.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Plaques adorning Blackburn station, August 2014.<br><br>[John Yellowlees 02/08/2014]](/images/48000/48250.jpg "Blackburn")
![Waiting to run round at Rawtenstall on 10 October 2014 is ex LMS Crab no. 13065, having just arrived with the East Lancashire Railway's <I>Red Rose Diner</I>.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/10/2014]](/images/49000/49013.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Ex LMS Crab no. 13065 at the head of the East Lancashire Railway's <I>Red Rose Diner</I> at Bury Bolton Street on the evening of 10 October, featuring intending passengers, as well as those visiting the hostelry on the platform.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/10/2014]](/images/49000/49041.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![<I>Harrington Humps</I> are normally installed to access the front door of trains but there is limited clearance on the Down platform at Pleasington and the hump has been set up for rear doors, leading to a trio of <I>2 Car stop</I> signs for drivers of the 142, 150 and 156 units used on local services. 158793 passes through the Up Platform, which has been raised along most of its length, on a York-Blackpool working. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/11/2014]](/images/49000/49419.jpg "Pleasington")
![46233 <I>Duchess of Sutherland</I> is the centre of attention at Blackburn station on 31 January 2015, following arrival with the southbound 'Cumbrian Mountain Express.'<br><br>[John McIntyre 31/01/2015]](/images/50000/50206.jpg "Blackburn")
![Colas 66849 <I>'Wylam Dilly'</I> passes Blackburn with the Carlisle New Yard to Chirk Kronospan log train on 31 January 2015.<br><br>[John McIntyre 31/01/2015]](/images/50000/50232.jpg "Blackburn")
![The surviving main station building at Blackburn, fronting on to The Boulevard. The forecourt canopy and the building itself are in very good condition. To the left the much newer platform canopy can be seen, a replacement for the huge train shed that was demolished some years ago. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/05/2015]](/images/51000/51349.jpg "Blackburn")
![Sprinter 150146 calls at Blackburn with a service from Blackpool South to Colne in May 2015. From a low point in the 1970s when Blackburn only saw Preston to Colne and Manchester to Blackburn trains it now has frequent regular services on the Clitheroe to Manchester via Bolton route, Blackpool South to Colne, Blackpool North to York and the new services that run from here to Manchester via Burnley and Todmorden. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/05/2015]](/images/51000/51359.jpg "Blackburn")
![Black 5 no. 45231 shows very little sign of hard work as it brings the returning <I>Fellsman</I> railtour towards Pleasington on the evening of 10 June 2015.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/06/2015]](/images/51000/51670.jpg "Pleasington")
![Blackpool South to Colne meets Colne to Blackpool South! 142005 and 142055 call at Pleasington station on 10 June 2015. Pleasington is a request stop but both services had passengers to drop off and collect on this occasion.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/06/2015]](/images/51000/51675.jpg "Pleasington")
![A Northern Rail York to Blackpool service approaches Pleasington in the early evening of 10 June 2015.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/06/2015]](/images/53000/53486.jpg "Pleasington")
![A Clitheroe to Manchester Victoria service passes through Church and Oswaldtwistle on 13 June 2015. With engineering work taking place on the line via Bolton, this service currently reverses at Blackburn and runs via the recently reopened Todmorden curve.<br><br>[John McIntyre 13/06/2015]](/images/51000/51661.jpg "Church and Oswaldtwistle")
![Northern 158908 approaching Church and Oswaldtwistle non-stop on 13 June 2015 with a York to Blackpool service. The platforms have been reduced in length here by approximately 50% over the years - although you could say that the unused parts have been put out to grass!<br><br>[John McIntyre 13/06/2015]](/images/51000/51682.jpg "Church and Oswaldtwistle")
![Jubilee 45690 <I>Leander</I> approaching Hoghton with <I>'The Fellsman'</I> on 17 June 2015 during the return trip from Carlisle.<br><br>[John McIntyre 17/06/2015]](/images/51000/51706.jpg "Hoghton")
![Blackpool South to Colne meets Colne to Blackpool South once again, this time on 17 June 2015 near Hoghton as 142038 on the left heads east passing 142053.<br><br>[John McIntyre 17/06/2015]](/images/51000/51712.jpg "Hoghton")
![Northern 158752 crosses Hoghton level crossing heading west on 17 June 2015 with a York - Blackpool service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 17/06/2015]](/images/51000/51722.jpg "Hoghton")
![LMS Hughes Crab 13065 standing in the rain at Rawenstall on 20 June 2015.<br><br>[Peter Todd 20/06/2015]](/images/51000/51837.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![LMS <I>Crab</I> 13065 reverses smartly out of a distinctly dappled Bury Bolton Street station on 19 July to stable the stock of the Sunday dining train.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52061.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Conversation piece at Bury on 19 July 2015, prior to 13065 reversing out of the station [see image 52061].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52109.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![37109 enters the East Lancashire Railway station at Bury, Bolton Street, on 19th July 2015.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52242.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![The Scammell Townsman was the replacement for the venerable Scarab [see image 43459]. The fibreglass cab certainly looked more modern than the rounded Scarab; while the new vehicle featured such advanced technologies as servo assisted brakes and a built-in interior heater. Although a Townsman could do 50mph, it had no brake on the front wheel; which omission contributed to the very short (1967-1968) production run.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52290.jpg "Bury Transport Museum")
![<I>'Would suit railway enthusiast.'</I> The boiler from 47298 will hopefully one day be mated with a frame, a cab, and quite a few other parts to form a steam locomotive once more. Photographed in the yards south of Bury Bolton Street station on a BLS visit in July 2015. [See image 52303]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52296.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![A cooking lesson from the East Lancs: add 09204 to stock, and simmer gently. Viewed from the North end barrow crossing at close of play on 19 July 2015.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52374.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![There's been a lot of tidying up since Mark Bartlett's earlier photograph [see image 32404], but it's a shame about that lamp post.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/52000/52645.jpg "Bury Transport Museum")
![When you get to a certain age, it's good to have a snooze in the sun before doing anything strenuous. 09024 demonstrates the technique at Bury Bolton Street on the East Lancs Railway in July 2015. [See image 52374]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2015]](/images/53000/53265.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![<i>The Fellsman</i> railtour returning to Lancaster on 29 July 2015, with 46115 <I>Scots Guardsman</I> passing through Cherry Tree, heading for Preston.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/07/2015]](/images/52000/52404.jpg "Cherry Tree")
![A very welcome return - 60103 'Flying Scotsman' at Bury Bolton Street on the East Lancashire Railway prior to it's first public test run to Heywood following its lengthy restoration at Ian Riley Engineering (See news item). Mr Riley's Black 5 45407 was coupled inside the train in support. <br><br>[Dennis Langley 08/01/2016]](/images/53000/53831.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![60103 <I>Flying Scotsman</I> hauls the first southbound ELR service of the day on 9 January 2016. The train is approaching Townsend Fold level crossing on one of its public test runs. [See recent news item]. Behind the grey pacific is the 'insurance policy' provided by 31466 (later replaced by a Black 5).<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/01/2016]](/images/53000/53851.jpg "Townsend Fold")
![Having a bit of an identity crises at the moment, number 502/103/60103 (depending where you look) <I>Flying Scotsman</I> (but without nameplates) on it's second round trip at the East Lancashire Railway on 9 January 2016. The track gang is out with the Land Rover carrying out some packing and lineside clearance work just south of Summerseat station.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/01/2016]](/images/53000/53854.jpg "Summerseat")
![West Country Pacific no. 34092 <I>City of Wells</I>, waits with a northbound service at Ramsbottom on 9 January 2016. Running as simply <I>Wells</I> for a while it has now received it's full name again.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/01/2016]](/images/53000/53860.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A Liverpool-bound service rolls into Town Green on the Ormskirk line on 29/06/2016.<br><br>[David Panton 29/06/2016]](/images/55000/55821.jpg "Town Green")
![Northern 150220 on the rear of a 4-car Sprinter heading from Colne to Blackpool South pulling away from the stop at Chaffers Siding level crossing. The barriers were previously operated by the driver [see image 17157] but are now automatic. However, trains are still required to stop and ensure the crossing, at the foot of a steep hill, is clear. [Ref query 30873] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 30/07/2016]](/images/55000/55988.jpg "Nelson")
![Signalman Peter Bendall winds the wheel in Ramsbottom signal box to close the level crossing gates to road traffic on 3rd August 2016. Peter believes these are the only wheel operated gates on a UK heritage railway so they are a cherished asset, if a little heavy to work. The large windows give excellent views of the railway and also the road on both sides of the crossing. Image taken with kind permission of the East Lancashire Railway during a supervised visit. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/08/2016]](/images/56000/56062.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![The display panel in Ramsbottom signal box in August 2016. In addition to the detail of the station area it shows the whole line from Bury to Rawtenstall and track circuits indicate the position of the trains. Photo taken with kind permission of the ELR during a supervised visit. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/08/2016]](/images/56000/56214.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T 80080 approaches Ramsbottom with a train from Rawtenstall to Heywood on 3rd August 2016. The fireman is holding the single line token outside the cab, ready to be collected by the Ramsbottom signal man <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/08/2016]](/images/56000/56232.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![Although the Pressed Steel Class 117 suburban DMUs did not operate in the North West the ELR set looks quite at home in Rawtenstall prior to working to Heywood on 3rd August 2016. Rawtenstall was a through station but the new terminus building sits across the trackbed of the line to Bacup, closed in 1966.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/08/2016]](/images/56000/56289.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Signalman's view of Ramsbottom level crossing and the station on 3rd August 2016 as the gates are closed across the road to allow a DMU to depart for Rawtenstall. View from the cabin taken during a supervised visit. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/08/2016]](/images/56000/56356.jpg "Ramsbottom")
![A view south across the former King Street coal yard in Blackburn on 11 September 2016. The site is being cleared and the new Blackburn Train Maintenance Depot will be constructed in the coming months.<br><br>[John McIntyre 11/09/2016]](/images/56000/56528.jpg "Blackburn King Street Goods")
![Grab shot from a Blackburn to Bolton train in October 2016 showing the clearing work in connection with the new Northern DMU maintenance depot, on the site of the old Blackburn King St coal depot. The old sidings have been lifted, leaving just a short stub of the main line connection visible on the right of the picture. [See image 56528]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/10/2016]](/images/56000/56926.jpg "Blackburn King Street Goods")
![For the first twenty five years after the ELR reopened the line to Rawtenstall the gates at Rawtenstall West were manually operated [See image 32794]. However, box controlled barriers and associated signalling have now been commissioned. Visiting BR Standard 2-6-0 76084 departs Rawtenstall with a Heywood train passing the new barriers on 11th February 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/02/2017]](/images/58000/58077.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![Newly restored BR Standard 4MT 76084 is wintering on the ELR and taking its turn on services in between main line runs. The 2-6-0 is seen leaving Irwell Vale for Rawtenstall with the first train of the day on 11th February 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/02/2017]](/images/58000/58212.jpg "Irwell Vale")
![Peak 1Co-Co1 45108 was operating the diesel roster on the East Lancs Railway on 11th February 2017. The former D120 has previously operated in BR Green but now sports Rail Blue livery and is seen approaching Townsend Fold level crossing heading for Rawtenstall.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/02/2017]](/images/58000/58222.jpg "Townsend Fold")
![<I>Peak</I> Class 1Co-Co1 45108 passes the closed station at Ewood Bridge & Edenfield with a train from Rawtenstall on 11th February 2017. In the background the now very dilapidated goods shed can be seen, looking like the next bad storm will finish it off. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/02/2017]](/images/58000/58233.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![The old goods shed at Ewood Bridge & Edenfield is still (just) standing. From the goods yard entrance as seen here it doesn't look too run down but from the other side it reminds me of the crumbling station building at Moniaive [See image 55949]. The ELR running line is just beyond the building.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/02/2017]](/images/58000/58404.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![A view north from a passing train on 24 February 2017 of the track renewal for the new Blackburn TMD which is being built on the site of the old King Street coal yard. Compare the view with 4 months earlier [See image 56926].<br><br>[John McIntyre 24/02/2017]](/images/58000/58662.jpg "Blackburn King Street Depot")
![Galligreaves St bridge, on the short Blackburn King St spur, has been rebuilt as part of the construction of the new Northern DMU depot. Latterly the location of Blackburn Coal Concentration Depot [See image 21404] King St has been closed for many years but will soon see a brand new servicing depot for the new Class 195 trains that are on order. This view looks east and the depot will be on the left with the bridge carrying the link to the main line near Blackburn station. [Ref query 985]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/03/2017]](/images/58000/58593.jpg "Blackburn King Street Depot")
![Northern 150139 heads west from Blackburn passing over Darwen Street Bridge with a service from Colne to Blackpool South on 23rd March 2017. Although greatly reduced there is still a significant track layout at Blackburn, soon to be further enhanced with the opening of the new DMU depot. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/03/2017]](/images/58000/58795.jpg "Blackburn")
![The steam heating boiler of 40106 <I>Atlantic Conveyor</I> was completed and passed its insurance test on 22nd March 2017 allowing the loco to haul (and heat) passenger trains on the ELR on the following weekend. This was the first time in thirty years that it had steam heated a train. There's a tell tale wisp of steam from the front bogie as the shiny EE Type 4 slows to collect the single line staff from the Bury South signalman as it leaves Bolton Street heading for Heywood. Ironically, this was probably the warmest day of 2017 so far. [See image 24898] of the same loco taken in 1982. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/58000/58581.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Visiting 8F 2-8-0 48624 climbs up the steeply graded curve from Bury Knowsley St to Bolton St with a train from Heywood to Rawtenstall on 25th March 2017. This is the view from the rear windows of Bury South signal box taken during a supervised visit.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/58000/58600.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Interior of Bury South signal box taken during a supervised visit on 25th March 2017 with kind permission of the ELR. This view looks south along the old electric line towards Buckley Wells sheds. The operational Heywood line runs behind. After closure in 1980 this box became little more than a shell and everything in this picture is new, including the 65 lever frame. The few white levers illustrate that the vast majority in the frame are operational and the whole box is a credit to the Signalling Department of the East Lancashire Railway. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/58000/58619.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![Tucked away in a siding behind Bury South signal box, former Southampton Docks Ruston & Hornsby shunter 07013 awaits attention. This 275hp DE 0-6-0 should be a useful addition to the fleet in due course. Picture taken with kind permission of ELR during a supervised visit to the signal box. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/58000/58635.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![After a very cold night and then hot sun during the day a bit of routine adjustment is required in the locking room underneath Bury South signal box. This frame and all the associated interlocking and electrical equipment was entirely installed by the East Lancashire Railway signalling volunteers. Photo taken with kind permission during a supervised visit in March 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/58000/58770.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![4MT 2-6-4T 80097 was rescued from Barry in 1985 by the Bury Standard 4 Group. For a long time restoration proceeded very slowly in the open but the loco is now housed in a purpose built shed at Bolton Street station and the team are making good progress. The loco first worked on the LTSR, hence the 33A Plaistow shed plate. It later ran in Wales and was finally withdrawn from Machynlleth. When complete it will join classmate 80080 on the East Lancashire Railway and work will turn to the group's other loco, 2MT 2-6-0 46428. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/58000/58980.jpg "Bury Bolton Street")
![GCR based 8F 2-8-0 48624 draws into Rawtenstall on 25th March 2017. The loco had been part of the <I>Lostock Hall</I> themed steam gala earlier in the month (along with 76084, 45212 and 45407) and covered some additional turns. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2017]](/images/59000/59004.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![The dilapidated old wooden goods shed at Ewood Bridge in March 2017, as seen from a passing train on the East Lancashire Railway. The goods yard actually closed in November 1959, over twelve years before passenger services finished, but has been in commercial use since that time. [See image 58404] for the view of the building from the other side. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/03/2017]](/images/58000/58877.jpg "Ewood Bridge and Edenfield")
![New track has appeared leading from the main line, into the site for the new Blackburn TMD, as seen from a passing train on 19 April 2017.<br><br>[John McIntyre 19/04/2017]](/images/58000/58986.jpg "Blackburn King Street Depot")
![<I>No.9 back on the line.</I> Following overhaul, and prior to being used on the <I>Great Briton X</I> tour, A4 60009 took a test train round the Carnforth to Carnforth loop. The LNER Pacific is seen here passing through Hoghton on 26th April 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2017]](/images/59000/59016.jpg "Hoghton")
![The ELR Small Engines weekend took place on 3rd/4th June 2017, coincidentally the 45th Anniversary of the last BR passenger train to Rawtenstall. Newly repainted 09024 runs through the woods near Summerseat on a short working from Bury to Ramsbottom. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/2017]](/images/59000/59570.jpg "Summerseat")
![In addition to two train sets running between Heywood and Rawtenstall the 2017 ELR Small Engines Weekend also featured a variety of shunting locos working between Bury and Ramsbottom. Resident Class 03 D2062 is seen here paired with Drewry Class 04 D2298, visiting from Quainton Road, near Summerseat station on a three coach set.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/2017]](/images/59000/59579.jpg "Summerseat")
![Severn Valley based GWR 0-6-0ST 813 was a visitor to the ELR Small Engines 2017 gala and is seen here approaching Summerseat with the first train on 3rd June, five coaches for Rawtenstall. Already some twenty minutes late here it lost further time on its way northwards which impacted on other services as the day progressed.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/2017]](/images/59000/59589.jpg "Summerseat")
![In their all too brief BR lives the Class 14s only carried two-tone green livery but in preservation there has been a big variety. D9551, visiting the ELR 2017 Small Engines Weekend from the Severn Valley, sports <I>Golden Ochre</I> livery as originally carried by Western D1015. Seen here double heading with ELR resident D9531 on a train for Rawtenstall approaching Summerseat on 3rd June 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/2017]](/images/59000/59608.jpg "Summerseat")
![Immaculate Drewry Class 04 D2298, operating a train at the ELR Small Engines Gala, seen at Summerseat in June 2017. The inset picture shows the previous time I had seen the loco, at Dunnington on 6th January 1973, when it hauled a railtour to the Derwent Valley Light Ralway near York. The tour from Manchester ran along the DVLR in near darkness due to a loco failure near Wakefield. Sister loco DVLR No.2 (D2245) shared the haulage on the light railway section.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/2017]](/images/60000/60047.jpg "Summerseat")
![A Colne to Blackpool South service calls at Mill Hill on 03 June 2017. Although the train has 4 carriages (a Class 150 and 142) the rear unit is locked out of service as far as Preston due to platform length at some stations on the line.<br><br>[John McIntyre 03/06/2017]](/images/60000/60260.jpg "Mill Hill")
![A Blackpool to York service waits in Platform 1 at Blackburn while a Clitheroe service clears the short section to Daisyfield Junction. The original station building can be seen on the right contrasting with the newer platform buildings. [See image 51349] for an exterior view. .<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2017]](/images/59000/59768.jpg "Blackburn")
![A Blackpool North to York service leaves Blackburn station on 16th June 2017, heading towards the tunnel. The very useful <I>Railway Codes</I> website advises that this structure is 437 yards long. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2017]](/images/60000/60706.jpg "Blackburn")
![Ex LMS Jubilee no.45690 Leander passes Pleasington nearly an hour late with the return Cumbrian Mountain Express on 15 July 2017. The train was heading to the stop at Farington Jct where Leander was replaced by 86259 for the run back to Euston.<br><br>[John McIntyre 15/07/2017]](/images/60000/60164.jpg "Pleasington")
![WCRC's 'Scarborough Spa Express' heads east at Huncoat with 40145 making a special appearance on the tour on 17 August 2017. Nice to see a Class 40 on the East Lancashire lines again. [See image 19324]<br><br>[John McIntyre 17/08/2017]](/images/60000/60466.jpg "Huncoat")
![EE Type 4 40135 has been based on the East Lancashir Railway since 1988. It went to Barrow Hill in late 2016 for bodywork repairs, followed by a full repaint at Derby. Looking resplendent in its new coat of BR Blue it whistles away from the Irwell Vale halt heading for Rawtenstall on 19th August 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/08/2017]](/images/60000/60545.jpg "Irwell Vale")
![Visiting from the Worth Valley Railway, <I>Spam Can</I> West Country 4-6-2 34092 <I>City of Wells</I> slows to call at Irwell Vale whilst running tender first from Rawtenstall to Heywood on 19th Augst 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/08/2017]](/images/60000/60572.jpg "Irwell Vale")
![In a sudden downpour, that thankfully was quickly over, 40135 approaches Irwell Vale halt with a five coach train for Rawtenstall on 19th August 2017. The steam heat fitted Class 40 has been based on the East Lancashire Railway since 1988 and recently underwent a body overhaul and repaint into BR Blue. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/08/2017]](/images/60000/60580.jpg "Irwell Vale")
![From a fairly humble access, at a point where the railway line originally crossed Nuttall Street on a bridge, the Hyndburn Greenway forms a rural bridleway that leads two miles up the 1:38 incline to Baxenden. Oh to have seen and heard a Stanier 2-6-4T or Cravens twin power car DMU making the ascent prior to the 1966 closure. 16th October 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2017]](/images/61000/61369.jpg "Accrington")
![Something missing here. Preston Power Box took over the East Lancashire line signalling in 1972 but Huncoat signalbox remained to cover the level crossing until 2014. It was a tall and impressive structure [See image 18971] but sadly is no more. 158850 speeds past the box site with a York service on 16th October 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2017]](/images/61000/61384.jpg "Huncoat")
![Sprinter 150201, working from Kirkby to Blackburn via Manchester and Todmorden, almost made an unscheduled stop at Huncoat station on 16th October 2017 but the colour light protecting the crossing cleared just in time. This view looks south from the bridge that used to be the access point for Huncoat Colliery, which closed in 1968. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2017]](/images/61000/61584.jpg "Huncoat")
![One highlight, amongst many at the East Lancs Railway <I>Scenic Railcar Gala</I>, was the debut of the resident Cravens Class 105 DMU after a 21 year restoration. The unit looked immaculate and I understand the interior is of a similarly high standard. The green power-car trailer set is seen here approaching Summerseat on 4th November 2017. [See image 21627] for a much earlier view of a Cravens at this station.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61548.jpg "Summerseat")
![A feature of the ELR 2017 railcar gala was a number of DMUs running with trailing loads. GRC&W single unit 55001 runs across Summerseat viaduct coupled to a CCT van on a short working from Bury to Ramsbottom on Day 1, Saturday 4th November.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61556.jpg "Summerseat Viaduct")
![The newly restored BRC&W <I>Calder Valley Set</I>, back on the ELR after a period on the Wensleydale Railway, is seen at Summerseat taking a 6-wheel <I>Stove</I> van as a trailing load as far as Ramsbottom during the 2017 railcar gala. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61694.jpg "Summerseat")
![The special guest at the ELR <I>Scenic Railcar Gala</I> was the unique Wickham lightweight DMU. This has recently been restored to as built condition and was making its first ever trip away from its usual base at the Llangollen Railway. Seen here arriving at Summerseat from Bury on its way to Rawtenstall on 4th November 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61719.jpg "Summerseat")
![Looking rather like it has been posed for one of those 1950s <I>new train</I> publicity photos the BRCW Class 110 <I>Calder Valley</I> 3-car set slows for the Summerseat stop running towards Bury during the ELR railcar gala on 4th November 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61730.jpg "Summerseat")
![09024 cuts a rather lonely figure as it proceeds light engine over the River Irwell on Summerseat Viaduct on 4th November 2017. The shunter was making its way to Ramsbottom where it spent the day attaching and detaching vans to and from DMUs participating in the ELR <I>Scenic Railcar Gala</I>. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61742.jpg "Summerseat Viaduct")
![The newly restored Cravens DMU slows for the Summerseat stop on 4th November 2017. It is sobering to think that from over 400 Cravens DMU vehicles built only one power car and two driving trailers have survived. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61759.jpg "Summerseat")
![There's a lot of variety on the East Lancs Railway these days but this is the first visit by a Wickham DMU and the first time Mildenhall has appeared on a destination blind on the line. The only UK example of a class of five 2-car sets (two were exported to Trinidad after withdrawal) owes its survival to being selected for departmental use as the Eastern Region General Manager's saloon. Seen here at Summerseat during the Scenic Railcar Gala weekend on 4th November 2017. The standard of restoration is a credit to all concerned. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61805.jpg "Summerseat")
![Resident GRC&W <I>Bubble Car</I> 55001 approaches Summerseat, with a CCT van in tow, on a Ramsbottom to Bury service during the ELR Scenic Railcar Gala on 4th November 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61822.jpg "Summerseat")
![A deserved winner of the Railcar of the Year award 2017. The quality of the interior restoration, including the distinctive curved seat backs, of Cravens Class 105 Sc51485 can be appreciated as it leaves Heywood on 1st January 2018. Not only does it look the part of the Newton Heath sets which used to work the Bury to Rawtenstall branch prior to closure in 1972 but the restoration team has succeeded in replicating both the distinctive rattle of the windows in the saloon and the sticking windscreen wiper which regularly needs manually moving out of the driver's line of sight!<br><br>[Malcolm Chattwood 01/01/2018]](/images/62000/62577.jpg "Interiors")
![Despite fading light and heavy rain the quality of the restoration of Cravens Class 105 Sc51485 shines through as it awaits departure on the 15:35 from Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway on 1st January 2018.<br><br>[Malcolm Chattwood 03/01/2018]](/images/62000/62452.jpg "Rawtenstall")
![The Carlisle to Crewe infrastructure trains are often lengthy and heavy [See image 47899] but on 14th February 2018 DRS 66432 ran light engine through Platform 4 in Blackburn. In Platform 2, 150117 was ready to depart for Wigan via Todmorden and Manchester. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2018]](/images/62000/62940.jpg "Blackburn")
![Clitheroe services pass at Blackburn on 14th February 2018. Both trains had three coaches, formed of a Class 150/2 and a 153. That on the left in Platform 4 is heading for Manchester Victoria via Bolton and the other in Platform 2 for the Ribble Valley. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2018]](/images/62000/62970.jpg "Blackburn")
![Pacer 142041 leaves Blackburn with a Colne to Preston stopping service on 14th February 2018. This is probably the unit's last full year of operational service. The signals control the junction with the Bolton line, which diverges near the large road bridge. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2018]](/images/63000/63044.jpg "Blackburn")
![The East Lancashire <I>Class 40s at 60</I> gala ran from 13th to 15th April 2018 and featured six of the seven survivors, with five being operational. Here, immaculate 40012 <I>Aureol</I> approaches Summerseat station heading for Bury with a morning train. The last time I saw this loco was in 1985 when it was briefly in departmental service before final withdrawal [See image 23791]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/04/2018]](/images/63000/63605.jpg "Summerseat")
