Winter Diesel Day

PLEASE NOTE: The Winter Diesel Day is redated to Saturday 8th February, 2025

Join us for the first ELR enthusiast event of the year, with the sound of diesel locomotives powering through the Irwell Valley.

We are celebrating the Class 33 – the first such locomotive (D6500) was delivered 65 years ago on 30th January, 1960. Affectionately-known as ‘Cromptons’, these locomotives can still be found on the mainline and have provided a useful traction resource for both freight and front-line passenger services in the days of British Rail.

Last running day of 33109 – this resident Class 33 will be running in it’s 18th year at ELR, having first run on 2nd February, 2008. ‘Captain Bill Smith RNR’ has featured at enthusiast galas – and with its Electric Train Heat capability, also on the Santa Specials. This historic locomotive will be retired after the Winter Diesel Day, so the plan is to showcase this important member of the ELR home fleet before retirement for overhaul and refurbishment.

Features:

• Celebrate the Class 33 with:
  • 80 miles of travel behind 33109
  • Lunchtime opportunities to visit the cab of 33109 whilst static
• Popular Station Shuttles featuring shunters 01, 03, 09 & MSC 4002 ‘Billy’ – see ‘Special Traffic Notice’
• Intensive 12-hour timetable
• Both Sulzer & English Electric ‘Beerex’ services featuring 33, 45, 47 and 37, 40 and 50
  respectively
• Unusual double headers featuring 40/50, 37/40, 33/45 and 33/47

Home Fleet – Shunters:

• Class 01, 11506
• Class 03, D2062
• Class 09, 09024
• MSC 4002 ‘Billy’

Home Fleet – Locomotives

• Class 33, 33109 ‘Captain Bill Smith RNR’
• Class 37, 37109
• Class 40, 40012 ‘Aureol’
• Class 45, 45108
• Class 47, 47765
• Class 50, 50015 ‘Valiant’

DMU (Diesel Railcars):

• Class 105 ‘Cravens’
• Class 122 ‘Bubblecar’
• Class 144 ‘Pacer’

Tickets on-sale soon!

Fares

Please note: when booking a family ticket, the appropriate discount will be applied at checkout.