Just four weeks prior to this event taking place a disaster hit the River Irwell and had particular effect upon the course of the E.L.R. Seriously high rainfall produced excessive water levels that in turn demolished the central support to the rail bridge south of Ewood Bridge Station. All traffic over this bridge was stopped, and so Rawtenstall and its run round facilities would not be available for the pending diesel event.

Topping and Tailing was the resulting mode of operation, and it was only possible to travel as far as Irwell Vale. The event was divided into five main thematic days:-

* Wednesday Type 1 – 3 Day
* Thursday English Electric Day
* Friday Hydraulic & Sulzer Day
* Saturday ELR Megamix III Day
* Sunday Visitors Day

This first of our ‘SVM triple star productions’ has been made possible with the use of four video cameras on line at peak times. The resident team of ELR locomotives included, D8087, 33117, 45135, D5600, 24054, 40135, D345, D832, D1041, and visiting locomotives include D6700 9016, 33201, 45060, D1023, 47270, 47268, 66510 and 66508. All of which are detailed on video in various Top & Tail combinations, and also as double headers, in the usual ELR fashion. The organisers would like to thank all the travelling enthusiasts who made this event a great hit, despite considerable adversity, and also all the ELR and visiting members who made the event possible.

Approximate Running Time - 160 Minutes