WE know that steam engines hold a fascination for many of our readers.

In 1995 we published a story about a locomotive stationed at Bolton’s Crescent Road engine sheds towards the end of the steam age of British Rail.

It had been a working locomotive and had been rescued by local railway enthusiasts for restoration to working condition.

The engine, British Railways Standard 5MT 4-6-0 number 73156 was then based at the East Lancashire Railway, Bury where the first part of the restoration process took place.

Since then a move to the Loughborough base on the Great Central Railway became necessary to complete the work, explains Stephen Leyland who was a member of the North West Loco Action Group.

Over the last 15 years using a combination of volunteers and professional engineers both at Loughborough and from the original Bolton based society the restoration has been completed, he says.

On September 13 the work was completed and members, shareholders and invited guests attended the official launch of the engine in steam.

Although it will chiefly be based in Loughborough it is hoped it will be able to return North in the future.

Steam engines have always been popular with older readers who recall travelling on them in the 1950s and 1960s and even before that.

The sound of the engine and the smell that would emanate from the loco as it flew along would remain in the memories of many for life.

They were a romantic and fascinating way to travel and although not as fast as the more modern versions we see today many still hanker after those days of steam.

Do you have steam memories you can share with other Looking Back readers?

If so we would love to feature them in a forthcoming edition of Looking Back.

Get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk