Looking South out of platform 2 towards the signal gantry, Thumper 1305 waits to depart with a train for Heywood.

1305 waits to depart for Heywood.

The cabs of 1305 and 5690 at Bury.

Thumper 1305 is seen on platform 2 with a Heywood train and Jubilee, "Leander" is seen on platform 3 with a Ramsbottom train.

A long exposure shot of 45135 with its Christmas headboard creating a trail of colour as it enters Bury.

Members of the public gather in anticipation of the next Santa Special arriving.

Thumper 1305 waits on platform 2 with a Heywood train.

The decorated tunnel at Bury Bolton Street.

45135 on the rear of the Santa Train heading towards Ramsbottom.

The scrap 101690 is seen on Castlecroft as steam loco "Leander" heads once again for Ramsbottom on the Santa Special.

Class 101 car 51435 is stripped of spares to keep the ELR resident 101 going. The unit arrived from Shoeburyness.

Class 101 car 51435 is stripped of spares to keep the ELR resident 101 going. The unit arrived from Shoeburyness.

Having exited Brooksbottom tunnel the steam from Leander can be seen billowing out of the tunnel.

On the rear of the Ramsbottom train, the Santa decoration and the smoke from the steam loco create an unusual view over 45135's bonnet.

Heading out of Suumerseat on the rear of the Santa Special with the rear of the lit Santa decoration on the bonnet.

45135 lit up on the rear of the Santa Train.

Looking out of the cab of 45135 towards Bury South Signal Box

A view from the cab of 45135.

45135 on the South end of the Santa Special gets ready to head towards Bury.

Jubilee 5XP steam loco 5690 "Leander" was on the North end of the Santa Specials and is seen here at Ramsbottom.

A view of Leander at Ramsbottom with the Jinty having just arrived from Rawtenstall. The new station canopy begins to take shape behind Leander.

Dave Hunt (Bully) was the driver of 45135 for the day and his seen next to his machine at Bury Bolton Street.

Looking back to a very busy Bolton Street Station as passengers wait to board the next Santa Special.

Heading into Summerseat on the Santa Special

The sun breaks through the steam of "Leander" at Ramsbottom. This loco was on the other end of the Santa Special.

45135 poses in the sun at Ramsbottom.

45135 complete with lit headboard at Bury Bolton Street

3rd December, 45135 waits to be started up first thing in the morning with its Santa headboard attached.

The 4f heads towards Irwell Vale.

The return trip to Bury heading towards Ramsbottom having just left Irwell Vale. This view is taken from the old disused Accrington line.

Rounding the final bend into Irwell Vale.

56003 heads towards Irwell Vale from Ramsbottom

Leaving Rawtenstall.

Leaving Rawtenstall.

Don't go without me.

56003 at Rawtenstall

Looking back at the train as we have just dropped over the "Ski Jump" and arriving in Bury.

Steve Beniston owner of 56003 drives his "Grid".

At Heywood the loco has run round and is ready to run to Rawtenstall.

Cab view with Bully driving.

Bully in the driving seat

Bully poses for the camera.

Having returned from Rawtenstall we now form the Heywood train.

56003 forms the 14:00 service to Rawtenstall. This is where Dave Hunt (Bully) and I took over from the morning crew.

D2956, class 01 shunter sits on Castlecroft Shed.

The 14:00 service to Rawtenstall passes Castlecroft.

Approaching platform 2 at Bury.

Rounding the corner into Bury Bolton Street Station.

Malcolm Kirkwood drives the 10:20 from Heywood to Rawtenstall

Leaving Heywood Station, viewed from the cab.

Having run round at Heywood the train is ready for its 10:20 departure to Rawtenstall

09:45 to Heywood.

Malcolm Kirkwood driver, waits a brake test before departure.

Waiting the signal to proceed to platform 2 and pick the train up for the 09:45 to Heywood.

D7076 is fired up ready for the morning service.

The cab 0f Hymek (D7076)

26024 sits on shed at Castlecroft

A closer view of 26024 on shed

26024 having arrived at Castlecroft ready for July's diesel event.

45135 on the 14:00 Bury to Rawtenstall about to pass under the A56

45135 leaves Bury with the 14:00 train to Rawtenstall

45135 leaves Bury with the 14:00 train to Rawtenstall

A new crew takes over the train.

Dropping down the ski jump into Bury

Tidds aka Martin Tottle at the desk of 45135

Ready to leave Rawtenstall with the 12:05 train.

A Bury bound train arrives at Ramsbottom

Arrival at Ramsbottom

I think that means stop.

Coloured aspect signalling on the Heywood line

10:20 train to Bury at Heywood

Cab rules

Tidds shows that common sense and good taste always prevails.

10:20 train to Bury at Heywood

Ready for the 09:45 departure to Heywood

A fly pays close attention to the nameplate

Ready for the 09:45 departure to Heywood