The Cotton Mill Express is Manchester’s new regular steam service, the first in over 40 years. Run by Past Time Rail, the CME Leaves Manchester Victoria and via Stalybridge into the Pennines for the tough slog up to Diggle, and via the long Standedge Tunnel, down into Huddersfield. From here we turn north and west, and head up through the glorious Calder Valley, passing former textile towns such as Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, en route to Burnley and Blackburn, via the spectacular and testing ‘Copy Pit’ route. After taking water at Blackburn the CME returns to Manchester Victoria via Darwen and Bolton.

Riley and Son (E) Ltd are pleased to be provinding the motive power for the Cotton Mill Express in the shape of 76079 and 45407 “The Lancashire Fusilier ”and following completion of her overhaul, 44871 may make an appearance.

Confirmed Dates of operation are:

Saturday 26 July - 45407 or 76079

Saturday 27 September - 76079

Saturday 25 October - 45407 and/or 76079

Saturday 22 Novenber - 45407 and/or 76079

Saturday 06 December - 45407 and/or 44871/76079

Saturday 13th December - 45407 and/or 44871/76079

Saturday 20th December - 45407 and/or 44871/76079

For prices, times and booking information, please Click Here

Cotton Mill Express Gallery

45407 crosses Lydgate Viaduct with the Cotton Mill Express on the 14th June. Photo courtesy of Phil Jones

On the same day, Bob Green catches 45407 on the climb to Diggle

76079 climbs Copy Pit on Saturday 9th February 08 video by rab4472

76079 stands at Castleton after running the CME on Sat 9th Feb 2008

76079 Storms up Copy Pit on 9th February. Photography by Bob Green

76079 passes through Huddersfield on 9th February. Photography by Bob Green

76079 crosses Entwhistle Viaduct on the 9th February. Photography by Bob Green

76079 at Diggle Summit, 9th February 2008. Photo by Phil Jones