Brief Overview
1985 found IMLEC held for the first time at Urmston. Having driven this track myself when IMLEC returned to Urmston in 2016 I can fully agree with Laurie Lawrence's view that "some competitors may have been intimidated by" the track. Measuring a rather long 2,120ft the track includes three sets of reverse curves or "S" bends within 900ft of each other. At the other end of the lap the track drops sharply under a roadbridge and then climbs immediately back into the station on a curve, another very tricky section.
Victorious this time out was Alan Crossfield with his 5in. gauge Nigel Gresley, the first of three IMLEC titles for Alan. Laurie Lawrence provides more details:
"Back in 1982 at Leyland, Alan Crossfield had attempted to straighten out a severe 30 ft. reverse curve with unhappy results. Locomotives do not fly through the air with the greatest of ease! Later that day, Alan was given another run with his 5 in. gauge L.N.E.R. 2-8-0 Nigel Gresley and returned a low figure of 0.717% to occupy 15th place. He has done no work on the locomotive since, aside from knocking out the dents, and on this occasion, took a load of driver, observer and 9 passengers. In my report of the 1982 event I mentioned his 'meteoric progress' which ended in disaster and, as a reminder of that occasion, he had made a headboard bearing the legend 'IMLEC METEOR 1982'. I said a remainder but apparently it was not entirely a cautionary one. The start was careful, but as the train gathered speed up the first bank, it was obvious that Alan was determined on making a good run and not a slow one at that. He used Welsh steam coal and fired regularly; I first thought the shovelfuls were generous, but he fired only about twice per lap, sometimes three times and I became aware that here was a possible winner (Fred Winsall had collected the Trophy with a Nigel Gresley at Bristol a few years ago). The realisation dawned on me that I should do something about a possible front cover and, with an anxious eye on some dark clouds, gravid with evil intent, I hastily made my way to a suitable spot. Alan was a worthy winner; his run was entirely without incident, the locomotive always comfortably master of the train, Alan's driving was very good indeed and speed was virtually constant at around 10 m.p.h."
Interesting Facts
Iain Mackenzie recorded the most distance covered in IMLEC History - 31,800ft with his Standard Class 4 Tank built to his own design from works drawings. One lap was timed at 1 min 52 seconds, which I calculate as an average speed of 12.9 mph!
1985 was the only IMLEC entry for Brian Andrews, who would go on to officiate multiple IMLECs over the following 25 years.
Trackside commentary was provided by Lloyd Williams and a comprehensive video was produced of the competition.