The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has had one of its most successful Annual Steam Galas, with record breaking passenger numbers over the three-day event (29^th, 30^th September & 1^st October). Over 4,000 visitors experienced nine different locomotives in steam, traction engines and annual beer festival along the heritage line.

Chris Price, General Manager at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said: “It has been a pleasure to see so many visitors traveling along the line; the volunteers have worked exceptionally hard to show the railway at its very best. This year’s steam gala has been a huge success with revenue up 14% on last year’s event. The income will support the charitable trust and enable vital work to take place over the winter months.”

Visiting locomotives included 5199 from Llangollen Railway, along with 1501 and 7714 from the Severn Valley Railway*, brought a western feel to the heritage line. It was also the first time that the railway had two visiting Pannier Tanks travelling double headed through the North York Moors National Park.

Home locomotive, SR No. 926 “Repton”, which recently returned to traffic after a major overhaul, was also one of the big draws to the annual event. Other home fleet engines included “Standard Class 4” 76079, “Standard Class 4 Tank” 80136, “B1 Class” 61264 and “Black Five Class” 44806. Ian Riley's "Black Five Class" locomotive 45212, also made a welcomed last-minute addition to the event.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust is a not-for profit charitable organisation run as part of the local community. The railway is one of the most historic lines in the North of England, taking visitors on picturesque journeys along an 18-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains. For more information on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust fundraising appeals visit  nymr.co.uk/appeals

One of the UK’s fastest steam trains, Tornado, will be chuffing up and down the iconic North Yorkshire Moors Railway line from Saturday 3rd March to Sunday 11th March. For more information about NYMR, or to book tickets, visit nymr.co.uk/tornado  

For regular news, updates and competitions, the attraction is also on Facebook facebook.com/northyorkshiremoorsrailway  and Twitter twitter.com/nymr

*1501 and 7714 appeared care of 1501 Pannier Tank Association, SVR Pannier Tank Fund and Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc.

Pic: Graham Staples