Brief Overview
IMLEC returned to Kinver for 1995, John Heslop was back to defend his title, but this year with his new LNER P2 "Earl Mareshal". Alan Crossfield reappeared after a hiatus of 8 years and 1992 champion David Sutcliffe returned with his title winning S&D 7F. The weather was pretty much perfect, bright and clear with a gentle breeze. I would love to give my own account of this particular IMLEC as it was the first one that I attended, however, at only 4 weeks old, forgive me if I don't remember much!
As expected it was tight at the top, John Heslop just pipping Alan Crossfield by a mere 0.03% to take his third IMLEC title in a row and draw level with Percy Wood and Lionel Flippance as the only competitors with 3 titles to their name. Ted Joliffe provides a brief summary of the run:
"Run No.11: There was great interest in John Heslop's run. He has won twice with his 5in. gauge tank engine and this year he ran his Duke of Edinburgh award winning LNER P2. There were 13 on the train but this was certainly not unlucky for John who turned in an absolutely faultless performance. He seemed never to fire or take water and the locomotive was immaculate in every way, as we have come to expect of from this stable. Romping home with ease, it went to the top of the board with an efficiency of 3.32%."
Interesting Facts
John Heslop only burnt 1.042Ib of coal, the second lowest ever behind 1969 champion John Drury (0.56Ib).
In John Heslop's short IMLEC career (1992-1995) his record as a rather impressive: 4th, 1st, 1st, 1st.
The Guildford dynamometer car was used, the first time it had been used outside of it's home track.
John Ellis's Freelance loco was originally built in 1937 to 4 1/2 in. gauge, John completely rebuilt the loco and thoroughly enjoyed his run, finishing in 16th place.
1995 marked the IMLEC debut of 2017 champion and the 3rd most experienced IMLEC competitor of all time, Paul Tompkins.