The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced the appointment of Tim Bruce as its new Infrastructure Manager.

Tim joins NYMR post-retirement from infrastructure and engineering specialists Amey and brings with him over 40 years’ experience of working on mainline UK railways, the last 20 years of which were in asset management.

His role sees him take overall responsibility for all aspects of NYMR’s infrastructure along its 18 miles of track - which covers 36 structures and additionally stations, buildings, track and signalling.

As well as his day-to-day duties, Tim has been overseeing a number of long-term projects at NYMR, including the new carriage stable (opening soon) and the introduction of controlled emission toilets (CET).

The next big project is the delivery and installation of two new bridges at Goathland in February 2022, as part of the NYMR’s Yorkshire Magnificent Journey Project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund aimed at ensuring the future of this popular visitor attraction.

“If it doesn’t move, apart from I.T., we’re responsible for it,” Tim jokes. “It’s been a real eye opener - I knew NYMR as a visitor, but to get a full understanding of everything that goes into running the railway is fascinating. In some respects it’s going back 40-50 years; in other ways it’s very modern.”

Tim had originally applied to be a volunteer, but when he attached his CV to the volunteer form, bosses at NYMR called him “for a little chat”.

“And that was that!” he laughs.

Chris Price, General Manager at NYMR, said: “Tim is one of the many specialists we’re employing at the NYMR; his key focuses will be to modernise the infrastructure department, introduce new technology to help maintain the railway, and thus help safeguard the future of the heritage railway for the next generations to enjoy.”