ELR Teddy Bear Picnic
 

Last weekends event at the East Lancs turned into a bit of a diesel gala due to the lack of any working kettles. Traction was provided by 37418/40145 and 55022 plus a class 101 dmu and bubble car:D :) :cool:

pics at http://kevindelaney877.fotopic.net/c1721127.html

Daft question but there seems to be more diesel enthusiasts there than children? :D

Also, where there many dissapointed little faces at the lack of steam?

Not that I don't love a good diesel gala, but they'll be having one every weekend at this rate :D

There was quite a few diesel enthusiasts there, but the majority of visitors where families with young children and teddy bears. I was on duty, and I didn't hear any complaints about the lack of steam, but the TTI on one of the other sets did. I'm glad to report that we're no longer an entirely diesel operated railway, as 47324 is now back in traffic.

Go Jimmy. \o/

Any plans for more steam in the near future?

There's a lot of rumours about high profile visitors, nothing concrete though. The Austerity was due to be back in traffic last week, but it failed on a test run to Heywood, don't know why. The Yank is back at Churnet, don't think it's coming back to the East Lancs. Obviously LYR 1300 is still out after the incident at the last war weekend, but I can't really comment on that. And with Ian Riley selling 76079 we're looking very short on motive power for the near future. But, these things seem to sort themselves ut in time for the Santas every year, and the January Gala always has a good selection of engines, so it's a case of watch this space.

I was at the last war weekend and remember seeing it, I don't remember an incident.

What happened? Or is it like, a hush hush or the RAIB will shoot your dog type of incident?

Sorry chief, really shouldn't say.