Four Class 40s at the ELR Diesel Gala

Visiting Class 40 locomotive D213 'Andania' arriving at Ramsbottom on the 11:50 train from Bury

The 2016 Autumn Diesel Gala at the East Lancashire Railway took place over the weekend of 24th & 25th September. The highlight was undoubtedly the rare spectacle of four operational preserved Class 40 locomotives making an appearance at the same event. The locomotives in question were 40106 'Atlantic Conveyor', 40135 and 345 (40145), based on the ELR and belonging to the Class 40 Preservation Society, and the immaculate D213 (40013) 'Andania', which was making a guest appearance for the weekend. Also in use over the weekend were Sulzer powered Peak 45108 from the Midland Railway Centre, Class 37 37109, Class 50 50015 'Valiant', Warship D832 'Onslaught', Hymek D7076 and former EWS Class 31 31466. The photographs accompanying this report are a selection of the first generation BR diesels that were in use on the Saturday.

40135 passing over the level crossing at Ramsbottom ready for the 11:34 shuttle service to Bury

40106 'Atlantic Conveyor' pulling into Ramsbottom station for the 15:04 shuttle to Bury

Class 40 No 345 (40145) at Ramsbottom station on the 14:30 from Bury to Rawtenstall

45108 departing from Ramsbottom on the 11:18 service to Rawtenstall

37109 on the 12:24 shuttle from Bury, moving to the siding north of the station at Ramsbottom