Brief Overview
IMLEC 1992 was held in the grounds of Eggborough Power Station for the second time, the home of Leeds SMEE. We were guaranteed a new champion, with no previous winners in the field. The Birmingham dynamometer car was used throughout the weekend . The crowd was kept entertained by the brilliant and satirical Arthur Bellamy on the microphone, he produced a never ending flow of information and anecdotes for the whole weekend.
David Sutcliffe had come close to winning IMLEC at Leyland in 1989 with his GWR "Star", for 1992 he brought along his S&D 7F and claimed the title with a superb run. Ted Joliffe gives us more details:
"The last run on Saturday was made by Dave Sutcliffe with his Somerset and Dorset 2-8-0, headcoded The Pines Express. The engine thundered around the track as if the bank, which had caught a few out, was not there at all. His only mishap occurred on the bank when he managed to drop his shovel. Some nifty legwork by an onlooker, in returning the missing implement at the station before he ran out of fire, prevented a catastrophe. Dave had a faultless run which brought him to the top of the scoreboard where he remained until the end of the event."
Unfortunately, IMLEC 1992 was tinged with sadness, when during his run, Bev Fallows collapsed entering the tunnel and despite the best efforts of first aiders, Bev sadly passed away.
Interesting Facts
Leeds SMEE initiate the "passing over of the flag" ceremony to next years host society (Leyland). This traditional has continued to this day.
Prizes were awarded by Philip Spencer, manager of Eggborough Power Station
Although there were no former winners in the field, Roy Amsbury, Les Pritchard, Lionel Flippance, Fred Winsall and Kevan Ayling had all travelled to the competition to spectate.