2007

IMLEC returned to Wales for 2007, Llanelli and District Model Engineers hosting the event across the 7th and 8th July. Llanelli is a challenging track with a long climb after the station and a vicious "S" curve before the summit through the tunnel. The area near the summit has become known as "Vultures Corner", with spectators gathering to feast on the unlucky challengers who fail to crest the summit.

Strangely this year there was no previous winners competition, therefore no locomotives entered had won the competition before. The only former champion in the field was Glyn Winsall (2004), but his chosen stead was his Metro tank, not his title winning Thompson O1.

Taking the crown this year was Steve Eaton in his 11th IMLEC, and having already won the best 3 1/2 in. gauge locomotive on two occasions (1992 and 1997). Neil Read and Michael Jones give details of the run:

"(Run No.29) Another entrant representing Chesterfield was Steve Eaton with his 4-6-2 Britannia Rough Diamond. Steve was unlucky in the timing of his run as it coincided with a passing shower. Not surprisingly this gave him traction problems and at one point he reversed back from the incline all the way to the bridge. He also dropped off one truck and three passengers. Never the less the run was completed and a very creditable overall thermal efficiency figure of 2.259% achieved."