The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is pleased to announce the return of three iconic steam locomotives - Lambton Collieries, No. 29, United States Army Transportation Corps S160, No. 2253 and the S15 No. 825.

Chris Price, General Manager said “We are delighted to see these engines back in traffic – they are all in their individual rights, engineering masterpieces, with No. 29 entering traffic over 115 years ago. The Annual Steam Gala is going to be the biggest gala the railway has ever run with over 15 legendary locomotives operating. This will be a sight not to miss.”

Built in 1904 by Kitson of Leeds, for Lambton Collieries, No. 29 is currently having her final touches completed, including the painting of her numbers and lines, before returning to traffic this September. No. 29 has not been an operational engine for the past 5 years when a crack was discovered in her cylinder block in 2014. No. 29 was also overhauled at Philadelphia in 1968, by which time the ‘main line’ running over BR tracks had ceased and it was made redundant with the other remaining steam locomotives on 15 February 1969. With 65 years in service she must be a one of the longest-working steam locomotives in the UK.

The United States Army Transportation Corps S160 Class was designed for use in Europe during World War II for heavy freight work. 2253 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in America in 1943 and shipped to Britain in May 1943. The locomotive has been out of traffic for approximately the past 20 years and will be returning to traffic for the railways Annual Steam Gala this September, before heading to its new home at the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The engine was restored on site at Stockton on Tees and the final part of the locomotives overhaul was completed at the NYMR.

No. 825 is one of three S15 locomotives owned by the Essex Locomotive Society, all of which are stabled at the NYMR. No. 825 has recently passed her boiler test and is currently being weighed before being run in on the heritage line, this September. Originally designed for the London & South Western Railway in 1920 by Robert Urie, the S15 was designed as a heavy freight locomotive to operate between London and the south coast ports.

All three engines will be operational during the NYMR’s Annual Steam Gala which takes place Friday 27th September to Sunday 29th September. Travel along the heritage line (Pickering to Grosmont returns) Adult/Concession £27.00, Child £13.50 and Family (2x Adults & 2x Children) £56.00 Multi-Day Tickets (1 day, 2 day and 3-day ticket options available). For more information visit nymr.co.uk

NYMR is a registered charity which provides a high-quality, safe and authentic evocation of the steam age for the public and is currently fundraising £1m as part ‘Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey appeal. The £9.7m project has received £4.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1.75 million from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), as well as contributions from local organisations and private donors. To donate towards the project or to book tickets, please visit nymr.co.uk

The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.

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Steam Gala