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Narrow Gauge Locomotive Efficiency Competition (NGLEC)

Originally the brainchild of Joe Holdsworth of the Wrexham Society of Model Engineers, the idea was to give the little engines of the narrow gauge railways a chance to show their paces on their own turf, without being overshadowed by the bigger locomotives, as they tend to be at the long established International Model Locomotive Efficiency Competition (IMLEC).  The competition rules have evolved over the years and are now pretty much in line with the mainstream IMLEC rules. The main difference is that the load comprises the driver's choice of loaded loose-coupled slate trucks, rather than the more usual passenger trucks, and the speed limit is 5mph, both making for some challenging driving. This must be hauled around the track by the competing locomotive for half an hour, as in IMLEC.  The work done, or 'output’, is measured by a dynamometer car, and the coal used is measured and converted into potential energy 'input'. The efficiency of the engine is then calculated by dividing 'output' by 'input' and converting to a percentage.  The result rarely exceeds 2 or 3 percent!

June 28/29

Narrow Gauge Locomotive Efficiency Competition

June 28th-29th 2025, Oswestry and North Shropshire MES, SY11 4AB

Flyer
Entry form

Reports

2005 - Wrexham

2007 - Oswestry

2009 - Erewash Valley

2011 - North Staffordshire

2013 - South Cheshire

2015 - Birmingham

2017 - Oswestry & North Shropshire

2019 - Ribble Valley

2021 - Ribble Valley

2006 - Southport

2008 - Rochdale

2010 - No Competition

2012 - Southport

2014 - Erewash Valley

2016 - Sale

2018 - No Competition

2020 - No Competition

All Videos

All Videos

All Videos
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NGLEC 2021 - Narrow Gauge Locomotive Efficiency Competition - Live Steam - IMLEC
22:42
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NGLEC 2021 - Narrow Gauge Locomotive Efficiency Competition - Live Steam - IMLEC

N G L E C  2017
20:29
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N G L E C 2017

Narrow Gauge Locomotive Efficiency Competition NGLEC 2016
18:24
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Narrow Gauge Locomotive Efficiency Competition NGLEC 2016

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