Climb aboard for the first large scale steam event of the year. This is your chance to ride up and down the line behind a strong line-up of express steam locomotives.
East Lancashire Railway’s celebration of Railway 200 continues thanks to legendary locomotives with film and royal connections.
The second such ‘Legends of Steam’ event (14 – 16 March 2025) will welcome locomotive icons, LNER A1 Peppercorn Class 60163 ‘Tornado’, LMS Black Five 44871 and a pair of ‘Bulleid’ light pacifics, 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and the recently arrived Battle of Britain Class, 34081 ’92 Squadron’.
‘Tornado’ courtesy of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust – the first 21st century steam locomotive built in the UK since 1960 – made the headlines as it steamed for the first time in 2008. In just over 15 years, the engine has continued to impress, hauling Royal Trains and appearing on the big screen in the film ‘Paddington 2’, as well as on numerous television programmes including Top Gear. Tornado is also the fastest steam engine to run since the 1960s, reaching 100mph on a test train in 2017.
Black Five 44871 is now added to the lineup in place of 45407 courtesy of Riley & Sons. 44871 was made famous for its appearance on the Carlisle-Manchester stretch of the 1968 1T57 ‘Fifteen Guinea Special’, 44871 has then gone on to a long and successful preservation career.
The line-up also features a pair of Southern Region ‘light pacifics’, 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and the recently-arrived Battle of Britain Class, 34081 ’92 Squadron’. Both are instantly recognisable for their ‘air-smoothed’ flat sides, affectionately known as ‘spam cans’.
An intensive timetable is planned for this extended weekend, with dining options featuring ‘Tornado’ on the Saturday night, whilst the Friday night features an authentic ‘Golden Arrow’ menu, hauled by one of the Southern locomotives.
(Images courtesy of Liam Barnes and Matt Hainsworth)
Locomotives:
- LNER A1 60163 ‘Tornado’
- LMS Black 5 44871
- SR 34081 ’92 Squadron’
- SR 34092 ‘City of Wells’
Please note: Locomotives are subject to availability and may not run everyday, or on a passenger service. See the timetable where locomotive allocations are provided. We reserve the right to substitute another locomotive.
Day Rover and Dining tickets now on-sale.
Fares:
| Ticket |
On The Day |
Advance Online |
| Adult (Age 18+) |
£39.00 |
£35.00 |
| Adult 2-Day Rover |
£65.00 |
£58.50 |
| Adult 3-Day Rover |
£87.00 |
£78.50 |
| Young Person (Age 16-17) |
£30.50 |
£26.50 |
| Young Person 2-Day Rover |
£47.50 |
£43.50 |
| Young Person 3-Day Rover |
£60.50 |
£56.50 |
| Child (Age 3-15) |
£25.50 |
£23.00 |
| Child 2-Day Rover |
£42.50 |
£38.50 |
| Child 3-Day Rover |
£55.50 |
£51.00 |
| Family (1 adult, 2 children) |
£75.00 |
£67.50 |
| Family (2 adults, 3 children) |
£99.50 |
£89.50 |
| PRIV Adult |
£22.00 |
£22.00 |
| PRIV Child |
£17.50 |
£17.50 |
Advance discount fares are available to purchase up until midnight the day prior to travel.
Discounted One Day Rover Family Packages are available for:
- 2 Adults and up to 3 Children/Young Persons: £89.50 (Advance) / £99.50 (On The Day)
- 1 Adult and 2 Children/Young Persons: £67.50 (Advance) / £75 (On The Day)
Select the number of tickets you need, and the discount will applied to the basket.
Day Rover Tickets are also available for the following (please show your pass on day of travel):
- Resident Permit Holders
- ELRPS Members
- ATOC (RST) Pass Holders
Caravan and Motorhome Day Rover tickets are not valid at this event
HRA Passes are not valid at this event.
Children under sixteen years of age are only permitted to enter the company’s trains, stations or other premises when accompanied by a responsible adult. Tickets for Children aged 3-15 years can only be purchased with an Adult ticket.
Luxury Evening Dining Options
Sit back and relive the glamour of the late 1940’s and 1950’s in one of our opulent Pullman-style carriages and let the years slip away, as you enjoy fine dining in luxury.
Friday, 14th March – ‘Golden Arrow’
Step back in time and imagine ‘newly built’ (as it was then) 34081 ‘Squadron 92’, in its striking green livery with sunshine stripes, hauling the ‘Golden Arrow’ Pullman and other prestigious named expresses through Kent. Sit back in one of our opulent Pullman-style carriages and let the years slip away, as you enjoy fine dining in luxury with an authentic original Golden Arrow menu.
Tickets are priced at £77pp for adults and are for over 16’s only. Price includes train fare.
Saturday, 15th March – ‘Legends of Steam’ with ‘Tornado’
Relish the glamour of the fastest steam locomotive of the 21st Century ‘Tornado’ hauling our Pullman-style carriages, while you sample fine cuisine. Enjoy luxury treatment as this film star locomotive transports you to another time.
Tickets are priced at £72pp for adults and are for over 16’s only. Price includes train fare.
What’s Included?
- Authentic steam-hauled ride through the Irwell Valley in beautifully restored Pullman-style carriages
- Sparkling wine welcome drink
- Four course, silver served meal
- Tea or coffee, and after dinner chocolate
Dietary requirements of Vegetarian/Vegan/Pescetarian/Gluten Free/Halal/Dairy Free/Diabetic can now be chosen after seat selection on the menu pop up, alongside any alternative menu choices and celebration fizz.
If you have further dietary requirements, please contact us in advance at dwd@eastlancsrailway.co.uk
The dress code is smart/casual for both trains.
Boarding commences at approximately 6:45pm with a prompt departure of 7:30pm. You will be advised of your table number and carriage when welcomed aboard. The journey lasts just under 3 hours with a return time of 10:15pm.
