The driver of the Hunslet train
by Emma Kirwan and Caroline Grandjean
A Hunslet charity will celebrate the 150th anniversary of a legendary Leeds locomotive company this weekend.
The gala event is celebrating the Hunslet Engine Company, who were one of the first major locomotive builders in the world, and will include an appearance by the 3890, one of the locomotives to have been constructed by the company.
Middleton Railway Trust, in Moor Road, Hunslet, will pay tribute to the firm, which closed its neighboring Jack Lane works in Hunslet during the mid-1990s, having built locomotives since 1865.
Train standing on the tracks
On the day train enthusiasts can expect to see several locomotives as well as passenger and freight trains, which will be operating over the whole line.
Train enthusiast Chris Giles, 50, from Kent said: “I’m really excited about this gala. I know a huge amount of work has gone into this. I’m sure all the people will have a wonderful time, especially if the weather’s nice.”
Steam train, Hunslet
Visitors can drive an engine for £5 on the day, enjoy real ale, workshop tours, a vintage bus service and hot food at the event, for which the trust has already sold more than 70 advanced tickets.
See our video of the trains here:
Follow the event on Twitter @Hunslet150event.
Visit hunslet150.webs.com for further information.