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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 The Class had a relatively short lifespan with BR and Prince was withdrawn in February 1977, just 14½ years.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.

Event Date(s)
Day Out with Thomas Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October
Autumn Steam Gala Friday 11th, Saturday 12th
and Sunday 13th October
DMU Weekend Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th 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.