| Built: | 1960 English Electric | |
| Robert Stephenson & | ||
| Hawthorns Ltd 2726/8136 | ||
| Traction Type: | Diesel-Electric | |
| Equipment: | English Electric | |
| Power Unit: | EE 16SVT MkII | |
| Power Output: | 2,000 HP | |
| Max Speed: | 90 MPH |
| Train Brakes: | Vacuum Only | |
| Train Heating: | Steam Heat Boiler | |
| Weight: | 133 Tons | |
| Length: | 69' 6" | |
| Height: | 12' 10" | |
| Width: | 9' 0" |
Entering traffic as D306 and later becoming 40106 under the TOPS system in the 1970s, legend has it that, during her last works overhaul at Crewe in September 1978, 40106 was repainted into standard BR Blue, but shortly afterwards, it was decided to revert to Dark Brunswick green with full yellow ends, the repaint apparently being carried out before she left works.
40106 became a favoured loco on railtours and other special passenger workings for several years and also took part in the 'Rocket 150' celebrations at Rainhill, in May 1980. The loco avoided conversion to dual brakes, remaining vacuum only through to withdrawal in April 1983, deemed 'life expired'. D306 was bought by the late Gerald Boden, entering preservation in March 1984, based at the Great Central Railway.
40106 gained world-wide attention in a brief film career, cleverly disguised as D326. The loco was used in a re-enactment of the 'Great' Train Robbery for the hit movie 'Buster'. Filming took place at the Great Central Railway on 29th October 1987.
In November 2015 the 40106 was purchased by the Class 40 Preservation Society, giving the Society a 'full house' in terms of Class 40 design variants. The loco joined sisters 40135 and 40145 at Bury on the 20th of May 2016, with ELR pasenger debut on Sunday the 22nd of May.
July 2016 saw 40106 return to the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for their diesel gala along with 40135 and 33109.
Atlantic Conveyor was based at the Severn Valley Railway on hire from August 2018 to October 2025, where it has proved very popular. 40106 briefly returned to the ELR on 22nd July 2020, hauled by classmate 40145, to be lifted for Segmental Bearing and Steam Heat pipework repairs. 40106 returned to the SVR in Autumn.
40106 returned home to the ELR by rail on Wednesday 8th October 2025 and, following recertification of the Steam Heat boiler, will be assisting with the Santa Special operations.
During 2026, 40106 was taken out of traffic for bodywork attention and full repaint and returned to traffic, without nameplates, in Septmeber at the Autumn Diesel Gala.
Please consider joining the society if you haven't already or make a donation to help keep all three 'Whistlers' going strong.
Please visit the CFPS website for more information
There are a wide range of events at the East Lancashire Railway ranging from Family and Education, Re-enactments, Sci-Fi, Transport and Collector's Fairs.
Selected events are shown below. See the ELR Website for the full event schedule including Family Events.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October |
|
Autumn Steam Gala
including visiting locos Urie S15 30506, GWR Pannier Tank 7714 and SECR O1 No65 |
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October |
| DMU Weekend | Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November |
| Santa Specials |
Saturday 28th November to
Thursday 24th December |
| SEND Family Santa Specials |
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November,
Saturday 5th and Tuesday 22nd December |
All events subject to availability
While every effort will be made to ensure events take place as advertised, rostered locos or units are available
and running to the advertised timetable, the ELR reserves the right to cancel or terminate without prior notice.
