Pop producer, Pete Waterman, is offering a private tour of his model railway to help keep the future of the East Lancashire Railway secure.
The opportunity is the top lot in an online auction which hopes to raise £10,000 for the heritage railway, which runs from Heywood to Rawtenstall.
Believed to be the largest O gauge model railway in the UK, Pete's layout shows Leamington Spa from the late 1950s.
Pete, president of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society, has been working on the layout since 2003.
The auction provides a chance for bidders to get their hands on rare and unique memorabilia, including:
- Set of ELR nameplates from Class 37418
- Footplate rides, with a choice of 34092 City of Wells, 60009 Union of South Africa, 45596 Bahamas and a diesel locomotive
- Private carriage ride with Pete Waterman
- Personalised headboard
- Tornado memorabilia
- Theatre tickets
The auction will run until the 20th of June 2020.
Pete Waterman O.B.E commented: “The East Lancashire Railway is one of the most important heritage railways in Britain.
“I'm delighted to take part in their fundraising efforts. My model railway has provided me with countless hours of enjoyment. I look forward to sharing it with the lucky auction winner.”
East Lancashire Railway Chairman Mike Kelly said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support the public has shown the ELR during these unprecedented times.
“Our online auction will raise vital funds to ensure the future of the railway for generations to come.
“It's a chance for railway enthusiasts to get their hands on some prized memorabilia and money-can't-buy experiences.”
Visit www.32auctions.com/elr to take part in the auction.
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Furthermore… I also aim to wishfully revisit the East Lancashire Railway ‘in-person’ once again someday, Even to check out the Bury Transport Museum.
And possibly ride A Brake Van train ride along the ELR’s so-called Buckley Wells stretch, near to where I also believe the ELR could (At A Possible Buckley Wells halt/station) interchange with the nearby ”Manchester Metrolink” whom run the Modern Bury Tram Line en-route pass the former ex-British Rail junction and under the ELR Ski Jump Bridge into Bury Interchange.
If anyone knows how I know, I check out and research through/via Google Maps/Bing Maps in-between.
I too also agree, The East Lancashire Railway (which I myself previously visited and rode aboard for a train ride along the line ‘in-person’) is indeed one of the most Important and very Popular Heritage Railways within the British Isles.
Mr Pete Waterman sure does A Jolly good job being Vice President of the ELR and conjuring up cleverly good ideas to keep on expert-funding and Skilfully Run A Heritage Railway in-between.
I also like to Wish him and the whole of the ELR over in Greater Manchester/Lancashire Good Luck on this Appealing Idea, Especially to keep on combating/fighting back
Covid-19 in Anyways Possible.