10/06/2008 – 15/07/2008 East Lancashire Railway

It was great to be back at the ELR again !

This massive gala took place over 9 days and 31108 was booked out of 4 of these days. However no sooner had we arrived, we were offered the days ‘steam diagram’ on Sat 14th June due to the unfortunate derailment of 9F 92214. This entailed 3 full round trips of the line from Heywood to Rawtenstall and 31108 shared the line with old March stablemate 37109 on the other train.

The days 31108 worked at the event were Sunday 29th June , Monday 30th June , Saturday 5th July & Sunday 6th July and all turns covered were on our own. 31108 behaved herself throughout although due to a misunderstanding regarding fuelling at Castlecroft shed , 31108 suffered fuel starvation on the final train on the Saturday evening from Bury to Heywood and return. She did however make it back without assistance and was refuelled on arrival at the shed.

On the Saturday night we examined the fuel system , filters etc and bled the system and all was thankfully ok !

A superb event as ever , good to see our many friends down there and a fine Saturday night out with added Kareoke…..hmm !

40145 did the honours of moving 31108 back to Butterley on 15/07/08 following her marathon tour around ! We just need to get 418 sorted now !

Having just arrived from Keighley , 31108 stands in Heywood stn en-route to Bury..10/06/08 photo W Coppack

In glorious sunshine , 31108 waits at Heywood with a train for Rawtenstall..29/06/08 photo W Coppack

What a contrast ! Arriving in a monsoon at Ramsbottom with a Rawtenstall service..05/07/08 photo R Hargreaves