Index

Welcome to the wonderful world

the Jinty

The best, strongest and safest small engine ever built

East Lancashire Railway

Jimmy the Jinty is based on the East Lancashire Railway and regularly hauls passenger trains between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

Jimmy has had books written about him and even has a song.

Click on the links below to see more about Jimmy

.First built in 1924, the "Jinty" was a design by Henry Fowler based on the Midland class 2441 locomotive designed by Samuel W. Johnson in 1899. They were based on Fowler's rebuilds of the older Midland locomotive with an improved Belpaire firebox and a redesigned cab. Altogether 422 were built between 1924 and 1930. Ten have survived into preservation. They were used as local passenger and freight engines.

Jimmy the Jinty 47324 was built in 1926 in Glasgow.

Forthcoming attractions for children

Family Fun Days starring Jimmy the Jinty

Saturday / Sunday 7th and 8th August 2010 and Saturday / Sunday 2nd and 3rd October 2010

The activities will include magicians, puppet theatres, clowns, fairground rides and Jimmy's special train (all in Bury) All the fun of a fair BUT on the railway. There are things to do at EVERY station and therefore visitors should plan to spend at least 4 hours on the railway.

Please note that a special fare structure will be in operation for the Family Fun Days.

KIDS FOR A QUID

Adult fares will be £14.00, concessions £10.00

Normal travel tickets for adults will be available but this will not include admission to any of the special events.

Passengers with passes - Residents and ATOC pass holders will also have normal fares.

Teddy Bear's Picnic
Monday 30th August 2010

All children carrying a Teddy Bear can travel free from their station to Ramsbottom where the picnic is held in the park next to the railway. There they can join in all the fun AND have a picnic.

Halloween Night trains
Saturday 30th October 2010

All children wearing Halloween costumes can travel free on the special trains leaving ONLY from Bury in the evening. A scary but fun evening for all children.

Prior booking for this popular event is necessary.

Santa Specials
The highly praised trips along the East Lancashire Railway featuring a visit from Santa himself with a gift for EVERYONE will begin on Saturday 27th November and be held each weekend until 18th December They will also run on the three days up to and including Christmas Eve. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

War Time Experience
Each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from April to July parties of children (usually from schools) visit the railway to look, listen and experience and learn about what life was like in the early 1940s. The trip includes a train ride to Rawtenstall to see the Billeting exercise and is based on a visit to the newly opened Bury Transport Museum. This is part of the primary schools education curriculum.

Rail Trail
Primary and Secondary school pupils in KS2-4 are able to explore the central part of the River Irwell Valley from Rawtenstall to Irwell Vale to learn about the geographical aspects of erosion, deposition, land use etc. This hike includes the services of a qualified guide and involves a gentle two hour walk along the river side.
The walk can be extended to Ramsbottom taking nearly two hours more and / or include a visit to the new Bury Transport Museum.
The walk begins with a train ride on a heritage steam train from Bury to Rawtenstall.
This guided walk is also available to private parties wishing a gentle stroll on any weekend as long as it includes a journey along the railway.

For further details of all these activities please visit the East Lancashire Railway website

or phone the enquiries desk on 0161 764 7790

Books in the Tales of Jimmy the Jinty series

Jimmy the Jinty has many exciting adventures on the East Lancashire Railway and occasionally he makes trips away from the line on special trains.

You can read all about Jimmy's adventures in the following books published by the East Lancashire Light Railway Company.

Let's meet Jimmy is now available from the East lancashire Railway