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Northern Association of Model Engineers Efficiency Trial For Narrow Gauge Locomotives Saturday, 14th / Sunday, 15th June 2008
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| The NAME narrow gauge locomotive efficiency competition (otherwise Narrow Gauge IMLEC, in the hope of any overseas / international entrants) was designed for the Welsh slate quarry type of coal-fired locomotives of 31/2" or 5" gauge. With entries of between 15 and 20, the event takes place over the weekend of 14-15th June and involves measured runs in which the locomotive using a measured quantity of coal runs for a maximum of 30 minutes hauling loaded slate wagons. The winner is that locomotive and driver which uses the least amount of coal over the greatest load/distance. However, whilst being highly competitive, the Narrow Gauge IMLEC is not as strict as the National Locomotive Efficiency Competition, being much more of a social occasion. The Rochdale SMEE track is at Springfield Park, Bolton Road (A58), Rochdale. It is slightly less than a third of one mile and includes a tunnel, immediately followed by reverse curves and then a long outward run to traversers which bridge the gap leading to the adjacent golf club. Then begins a long climb at a gradient of between 1:70 and 1:100, which enters a curve into the cutting. The climb doesn't end until the cutting opens out again and has been the 'killer' for a number of smaller locomotives. After this, there is a long, fairly straight descent and here drivers could inadvertently find themselves disqualified if they exceed the maximum speed allowed in the Rules. Acceptance will be on a first come, first served basis. Drivers, however, may request either a Saturday or Sunday, or a morning or afternoon run. Obviously those applying first will get their preference in priority to latecomers. Current boiler certificate, proof of insurance and membership card are to be produced on the day of the run. It is unlikely that spark arrestors will be compulsory. For those coming from afar, there are camping / caravan facilities available within a short distance of the track and details can be provided, if required. We also have a number of bed and breakfast establishments (of varying quality). Finally, of course, entrant's wives or partners may want to take in the benefits of Manchester's shopping or the Trafford Centre shopping mall. If you are making a weekend of it, we also have The Museum of Science and Industry (with a full scale Garratt), the East Lancashire Railway and the Worth Valley Line plus Bronte country. To obtain
an APPLICATION FORM, please click here (Word format *).
Complete the form, save it and attach it to an email addressed
to the organiser at ngimlec@rsmee.com,
together with any digital photos. (We
have broadband, so file size is not a problem). Alternatively,
you may mail the completed application form, together with any
photos, to the return address on the application form. To obtain the RULES, please click here. Further information may be obtained from the event organiser, Richard Guthrie, by e-mail. When we hosted the NAME Narrow Gauge IMLEC in 2003, this proved both popular and successful:
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