East Lancs Railway 30th Anniversary (Pioneer) Special with Gothenburg loco.

The 25th July was the 30th Anniversary of the first ELR train to run to Ramsbottom. This video is a celebration for both the ELR and all those people (pioneers) who have taken the railway to where it is today. The loco that hauled that first service in 1987 was No. 32, Gothenburg and the very same loco hauled a train of invited guests to recreate that first run. Ian Riley was the first person to drive the train 30 years ago and again today he was invited to drive this commemorative train. David Layland invited Sir William McAlpine to unveil a plaque on Ramsbottom Station, marking this point in history. The ELR’s new General Manager, Tracey Parkinson was also there to hopefully oversee another 30 years of growth and “pioneering”. Ian Riley, Tracey Parkinson and John Lewis all say a few words for the camera. Ian Riley drove the first train 30 years ago. John Lewis was the Guard on the second train 30 years ago but did travel on the first one. Unfortunately Barry Worthington who was the Guard on the first train 30 years ago, passed away very recently and it was sad he didn't get to ride this train.

Extra line side footage was kindly supplied by Stuart McDonald. Please take a look at his YouTube Channel "atlanticstu" for some more great videos including the 30th Anniversary train run for ELR working members the previous weekend.

• #travel_events
• #elr
• #east_lancs_railway
• #bury_bolton_st
• #ramsbottom
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• #ian_riley
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• #gothenburg
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