The East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) Railway 200 celebration continues from 14th-16th March, showcasing iconic locomotives with ties to both film and royalty.
Back for a second year, the ‘Legends of Steam’ event will greet locomotive legends LNER A1 Peppercorn Class 60163 ‘Tornado ’ and LMS Black 5 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’.
As well as a pair of ‘Bulleid’ light pacifics, 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and the recently arrived Battle of Britain Class, 34081 ’92 Squadron’.
‘Tornado’, the fastest steam engine to run since the 1960s, is also set to hit the tracks. Owned by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, it made headlines in 2008 as it steamed for the first time, and notably reached 100mph on a test train in 2017.
Since then, the locomotive has continued to impress, transporting royals and appearing on TV shows and films, such as ‘Top Gear’ and ‘Paddington 2’.
Made famous by its appearances over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Harry Potter films, fans of the ‘Jacobite’ steam train have the chance to ride behind one of the regular locomotives from the Ian Riley fleet, 45407 – formerly of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS).
Adding to the lineup is the instantly recognisable pair of Southern Region Light Pacifics, 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and the recently-arrived Battle of Britain Class, 34081 ’92 Squadron’. With their flat, ‘air-smoothed’ sides, fondly referred to as ‘spam cans,’ they’re impossible to overlook.
Rail enthusiasts can enjoy an authentic ‘Golden Arrow’ menu on Friday 14th March, aboard a traditional Pullman-styled carriage hauled by one of the Southern locomotives.
Additionally, visitors can book the unique opportunity to ride and dine with the iconic ‘Tornado’ on Saturday 15th March. Indulging in fine dining options while riding through the picturesque Irwell Valley, it’s sure to be a breathtaking experience.
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said: “Following the outstanding success of this event in 2024, we wanted to host another ‘steam fest’ this year. We’d like to pay a huge tribute to our much-loved express steam locomotives, which were the ‘F1 icons’ that evolved through innovation and design and transformed long-distance travel across the UK throughout the 30s, 40s and 50s.
“We are very proud to continue welcoming a great number of iconic locomotives to the ELR. It is such a privilege to provide access to these express steam engines to the thousands of rail enthusiasts and families across the country, and also a great opportunity to introduce these legendary locomotives to first-timers wishing to experience the magic of rail travel.”
Legends of Steam returns on 14th-16th March 2025, with day ticket and dining options available. For more information please visit the ELR website: www.eastlancsrailway.org.com.
