2016

For 2016, IMLEC returned to Urmston, the competition had not been held in Abbotsfield Park since 1985 when Alan Crossfield took the title with his Nigel Gresley 2-8-0. Another 8-coupled locomotive came out on top in 2016, although at a distance many spectators may have thought they were seeing the 6th triumph of "George Evensis", that wasn't the case. Diane Carney explains some more:

"IMLEC stalwart, Lionel Flippance was the final run of the day. I had spoken with Lionel as he prepared the engine on the steaming bays and he was very candid about his expectations. This engine had only run once before, at his home track in Worthing, and he had no reason to believe that today's was going to be a sterling performance. This is the second to be completed, of three locomotives he is building to the same design - BR's proposed 2-8-2 - a considered alternative to the ten-coupled 9Fs that were eventually built. The first of the three, readers may recall, was entered into IMLEC at Nottingham in 2012 where not only did it win the competition but achieved a remarkable 4.98% efficiency. This second locomotive, however, has not got the same overall weight as the first and Lionel was a little concerned about traction on the banks. He requested 16 passengers and set off but, once again, the climb got the better of him and he had to set back, pushing the train as far back as he could without slipping again. This time, having slightly more of a run at it, the train crept over the top and away he went. There was no looking back and a steady run at a good pace ensued. A free running engine, 1.8 lbs of coal and, most importantly in my view, an expert driver - and this run stole the title away from Ben! (Above photograph) shows the
victor holding the trophy for the sixth time; he was quite emotional as he received it here at Urmston because it was at this track, at his first attempt in the competition 31 years ago!