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D1041 Western Prince
Status: Major Restoration Project
Livery: BR Blue
Running Number: D1041
Built: 1962 BR Crewe Works
Traction Type: Diesel-Hydraulic
Transmission: 2x Voith L630rv 3-Speed
Power Unit: 2x Maybach MD655
Power Output: 2x 1,350 HP (2,700 HP)
Max Speed: 90 MPH
Train Brakes: Air and Vacuum
Train Heating: Steam (removed)
Weight: 108 Tons
Length: 68' 0"
Height: 12' 11¾"
Width: 8' 8"
D1041 is one of seven preserved Class 52 'Westerns' from an original 74 built by British Railways at Swindon and Crewe. D1041 is a Crewe example and entered traffic in October 1962. The Class had a relatively short lifespan with BR and Prince was withdrawn in February 1977, just 14½ years.

Western Prince was bought for preservation in May 1977 and is one of the original diesel locomotives based at Bury in the very early days of the ELR, part of the Bury Hydraulic Group fleet. As of May 2013, D1041 will have had 36 years in preservation.

D1041 has always been a popular peformer but following 'A' End reverser and cooler group problems it was stopped in 2004. An attempt to revive Prince in 2006 failed and the decision made to give the loco a thorough overhaul including a full re-wire as electrical issues had also become a massive problem.

The Western Prince project is ongoing with massive progress made on the re-wire and restoration of the cabs. Significant metal rot has damaged the cab floors and nose end structure at both ends, all of which is being cut away and replaced with new steel. Detailed restoration reports and photos can be seen at the Western Prince Website

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For archive overhaul information and details of how you can help with a donation please visit
www.westernprince.co.uk
ELR Events

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)
Santa Specials Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th December
Mince Pie Specials Friday 26th December
40106 Running Day Saturday 27th December
2026
Whisky Chaser Thursday 1st January
Open House Weekend Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January
Diesel Running Day Saturday 7th February
Small Engines Gala Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February
Legends of Steam III Friday 10th, Saturday 11th
and Sunday 12th April
Day Out with Thomas Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd
and Monday 4th May
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July
Day Out with Thomas Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July
Autumn Diesel Gala Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September
Day Out with Thomas Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October
Autumn Steam Gala Friday 16th, Saturday 17th
and Sunday 18th October
DMU Weekend Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November

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.

ELR Website
Check out the ELR Website for the full event schedule.