The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is celebrating a landmark moment in its history following the successful completion of the driving assessment by Steph Elwood, who has become the railway’s first female steam locomotive driver.
Steph’s achievement marks the culmination of a long journey on the railway, following the traditional route through the steam department from cleaner to fireman and ultimately to becoming a qualified steam locomotive driver.
Her success is not only a significant personal achievement, but also an important milestone for the ELR and an inspiration to other women who may aspire to become part of the steam locomotive crew.
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Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said:
“I want to offer Steph my warmest congratulations on this outstanding achievement. Becoming a steam locomotive driver requires enormous commitment, determination, skill and passion, and Steph has demonstrated all of those qualities throughout her journey.
“What makes this achievement particularly special is that Steph has become the first female steam locomotive driver in the history of the East Lancashire Railway.
“She may not see herself as a pioneer or a role model, but she should take a moment to appreciate what she has achieved. By following the traditional route from cleaner through the steam crew ranks to the footplate, she has not only achieved her own ambition but has also helped to open the door for other women who may dream of becoming steam locomotive drivers.
“The ELR depends upon passing knowledge, skills and traditions from one generation to the next, and we hugely appreciate the dedication of all our volunteers who give their time and passion to keep our railway’s heritage alive.
“Steph is now very much part of that tradition, and I hope her achievement will inspire and encourage many more women to consider becoming involved in the fascinating world of heritage railways.”
Steph said:
“I’m so pleased to be able to say that I’ve now successfully passed all my driving assessments to become the first female steam train driver at the East Lancashire Railway. It feels like such a huge achievement, and I still can’t quite believe that I’m now officially a Passed Fireman, allowing me to carry out both firing and driving turns.
“My love of heritage railways goes back to when I was just two months old, when I attended my first Santa Special. To think that, all these years later, I would be here achieving this is something I could never have imagined. From being a little girl fascinated by steam trains to now having the opportunity to drive one myself is a dream come true.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and helped me along the way. There have been challenges and a lot to learn, but every step of the journey has made reaching this moment even more rewarding.
“I hope my achievement will show other women that the railway really is a place for them. If my journey inspires even one woman to take that first step, get involved and discover what they can achieve, then I would be incredibly proud.
“The East Lancashire Railway has given me the opportunity to turn a lifelong passion into something I never thought possible, and I’m excited to continue that journey and play my part in keeping the wonderful tradition of steam alive for future generations.”
Steph’s achievement comes as the East Lancashire Railway continues its commitment to preserving not only historic locomotives and railway infrastructure, but also the skills, knowledge and traditions that make heritage railways unique.
The ELR hopes that Steph’s success will inspire the next generation of railway volunteers and demonstrate that a career or volunteering journey on the footplate is open to anyone with the passion, commitment and determination to succeed.
