Bachmann Collectors Club 2016 Members Day
The 2016 Bachmann Collectors Club Members Day took place at the East Lancashire Railway. Members enjoyed train rides along the line, behind the scenes tours and had the opportunity to speak with the railway volunteers and members of the Bachmann team. The railways’ premises at Bury are extensive and our tours encompassed both the Carriage & Wagon Works and the Baron Street Locomotive Works – which was until recently home to Riley & Son Engineering Ltd, where ‘Flying Scotsman’ returned to steam at the start of 2016. These impressive works were built in 1856 for the East Lancashire Railway Company and were later used to service the Class 504 ‘Bury Electrics’ which were used on services between Bury and Manchester Victoria. The sheds are now wholly occupied by the East Lancashire Railway and club members were able to view several projects which were currently in progress – including A4 Class No. 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ which had arrived ‘under the radar’ just days before the event for scheduled maintenance.
The Bury Transport Museum is home to a variety of transport exhibits and this was expanded for one day only with the addition of the Bachmann Showcase. Other attractions included guided tours of a Class 40 locomotive cab and engine room and a drive a locomotive opportunity. The lucky members took the controls of 0-6-0T steam locomotive ‘Gothenburg’ within the station limits at Bolton Street.
LEFT: Members arrived at Heywood ready to check-in as the first drops of rain started to fall.
RIGHT: A DMU vehicle nearing completion of renovation works in the Carriage & Wagon Works.
LEFT: The size of the Baron Street Locomotive Works can be appreciated in this view.
RIGHT: Members had the chance to experience driving 0-6-0T steam locomotive ‘Gothenburg’.
LEFT: BR Standard 4MT Tank No. 80080 was the third and final locomotive hauling members along the line and is seen here prior to running round at Rawtenstall.
RIGHT: Members were surprised to see A4 Class No. 60009 ‘Union of South Africas’ in Baron Street shed – the locomotive had arrived at Bury just days before for routine maintenance.
The Bachmann Collectors Club would like to extend its thanks to the East Lancashire Railway for hosting us, and to all of the volunteers who gave their time to make the day such a success. Keep an eye out on our website for details on future events.
