The visit of 31271 became the fourth time we had graced the ELR Diesel Gala with one of our engines and with 31271 arriving at Bury over a week early , we were slotted into the Saturday roster and given the service train along the railway on 3rd July including the newly opened Heywood line. As well as this , due to the lack of a serviceable steam loco , we were given the service train on the following day too…
31271 stands at Ramsbottom awaiting the’right away’ to Rawntenstall and then at the destination running-round.. 03/07/04
Thankfully no problems were encountered and we had 2 very enjoyable days.The ‘Ski Jump’ over the MetroLink is ‘ interesting ‘ however the climb from the other side up to Heywood is far more impressive , giving plenty of ‘ thrash ‘ for the many people on board. Following these running days , 31271’s air receiver certification expired so arrangements were made prior to attending the ELR to have them re-certified by our insurance company on site.
31271 stands next to stripped 31467 at Buckley Wells during air receiver examination..08/07/04
Just arrived from with a train from Rawtensatall are 31271 & 5600 (31435) at Bury ELR..10/07/04
The Gala itself was a 3 day event and with the Friday being ‘ Type 4 Day ‘ , 31271 didn’t appear until the Saturday and Sunday. Most runs were singular , which we like , although for operational reasons a loco was attached to the rear from Bury to Heywood to avoid ruuning round. This also had the benefit of making the train engine work hard , hauling load 8 as well as a dead loco on the back…! Other locos taking part were 31435 , 33117 , 37515 , 40135 , 40145 , 45041 , 45135 , 47769 , 47839 , 50007 and 2 Class 66s.An excellent event as ever and once again at the ELR , we were made very welcome. Just need to get there now with 31418 at some point …..! ! 31271 was returned to Butterley along with 45041 and the 50 on the Monday morning.