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.

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Guest Locomotives

We are very pleased to announce that we will be hosting a pair of Borrows Well Tanks for our Small Engines Gala, both locos are making their ELR debut!

• No. 3036 ‘Willy the Well Tank’ is featuring courtesy of Bill & Dick Parker and the Flour Mill.
• No. 48 ‘The King’ is featuring courtesy of Phil Steer and the Ribble Steam Railway.

Steam

• 0-4-0 1969 ‘J N Derbyshire’
• 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”

All locomotives subject to availability

Brake Van Rides

For the very first time MSC 4002 ‘Arundel Castle’ is heading to Rawtenstall! – Top and tailed with fellow MSC 32 ‘Gothenburg’. This exclusive 8 mile Brake Van Ride is available at a supplement fare to the day ticket.

We are offering two Brake Van Rides on Saturday 21^st February:

08.45 Bury – Rawtenstall with MSC 4002 ‘Arundel Castle’ and 32 ‘Gothenburg’  (Single journey to Rawtenstall)

15.05 Rawtenstall – Bury with MSC 32 ‘Gothenburg’  (Single journey to Bury)

Ticket £15.00 per person – one way.

Max capacity per trip – 28

A £2.50 booking fee is applied per order, not per ticket. This fee is included in the total price shown before checkout. Any optional extras are clearly identified before you complete your purchase

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Throughout the day from 10am until 2pm (30 minute intervals) the Brake Vans will be offering rides along the Bay Platform at Rawtenstall Station, unlimited travel is included with the regular day ticket for these rides.

Terms & Conditions

• Age 10+ Years (10-18 must be accompanied by an adult).
• Minimum height: 5ft / 1.52m
• Must be physically able to board and alight the brake van unassisted

East Lancashire Railway staff may refuse travel to anyone not compliant or deemed unfit to travel.

Due to the age and design of the brake vans, we are unable to accept customers who require the assistance of a mobility scooter, walking aid, or wheelchair.

Customers will not be permitted to board if under the influence of alcohol.

Prince and the King

L&Y ‘Pug’ No. 19 and Well Tank ‘The King’ worked together in their industrial days at United Glass Bottle Manufacturers Ltd in Charlton, London. This weekend will be the very first time that both locos have been paired together since they worked together in the 1960’s.

Irwell Valley Fryer

Friday 20 February 2026

Join us on the eve of our Small Engines Gala for our Irwell Valley Fryer Special, hauled by visiting engine No. 3036 ‘Willy the Well Tank’! – This is the very first chance to ride behind ‘Willy’ on its visit to the ELR accompanied by delicious Fish & Chips!

The train will depart Bury Bolton Street at 6pm and travel to Ramsbottom where we will have Fish and Chips delivered to the train courtesy of Bridge Street Chippy – Whilst you enjoy your food the train will then depart for Irwell Vale where it will then pause before heading back to Bury non-stop, arriving back at 8pm.

Tickets are £25 per person (£20 for children) which includes one portion of Fish and Chips each.

A £2.50 booking fee is applied per order, not per ticket. This fee is included in the total price shown before checkout. Any optional extras are clearly identified before you complete your purchase”

Book Now

Dietary Information
This service is a traditional Fish and Chip Train. Due to catering limitations, we are only able to offer fish and chips and are unfortunately unable to provide alternative meals or cater for specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-specific options.

If you have specific dietary needs, please consider this carefully before booking.