Small Engines Gala

Big Power Comes in Small Packages

Get ready for a rare treat on the East Lancashire Railway as the smallest members of our fleet take centre stage! For one special weekend, the full length of the ELR will echo to the sights, sounds, and steam of the industrial workhorses that powered Britain’s factories, mills, docks, and collieries.

These compact locomotives—built for grit, power, and practicality—once played a vital role in making the UK an industrial giant. Now’s your chance to see them unleashed across our main line, working harder and running further than they ever would have in their industrial days.

Get Hands On: Drive a Locomotive!

The adventure doesn’t stop trackside. We’re offering exclusive taster driver experiences on both steam and diesel locomotives, giving you the chance to climb into the cab, take the controls, and feel the power for yourself.

Which engines will be available to drive? That’s still under wraps—but we’ll be announcing them soon. In the meantime, why not join the conversation on our social channels and tell us which locomotive you want to take for a spin?

A Special Guest Appearance

Our events team are also working behind the scenes to secure a very special visitor—a locomotive making its first-ever appearance at the ELR.

Watch this space for details!

Locomotives Scheduled to Appear

(All locomotives subject to availability.)

Steam

• 0-4-0 L&Y Pug 19 – No. 11243
• 0-6-0 L&Y 752 – No. 51456
• 0-6-0 Hudswell Clarke No. 32 “Gothenburg”
• 0-6-0 LMS ‘Jinty’ 47298

Diesel

• MSC Hudswell Clarke D4002 “Arundel Castle”
• Class 01 – D2956
• Class 03 – D2062
• Class 08 – 08164 “Prudence”
• Class 08 –  08479 
• Class 09 –  09024
• Class 14 – D9531 “Ernest”