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.

Brake Van Rides

We’re offering the chance to ride behind a selection of our industrial locomotives in our brake vans. Get up close and experience a unique perspective at this event (terms and conditions apply).

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.

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

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.