(Image: Wensleydale Railway)
A popular North Yorkshire heritage railway is set to welcome diesel enthusiasts from across the region as it stages its third annual Industrial Diesel Weekend.
Wensleydale Railway will run the event on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, bringing together fans of heritage diesel locomotives for a full weekend of train rides and railway nostalgia.
A special timetable will be in operation throughout the weekend, with services running between Scruton, Leeming Bar, Bedale, and Leyburn.
Nick Keegan, marketing and fundraising manager at Wensleydale Railway, said: "As the summer holidays draw to a close, it’s great to once again be able to showcase some of our collection of preserved heritage diesel locomotives, lovingly restored stations, and stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery to visitors.
"This event will be the first time that the Sentinel diesel locomotive will be operating trains in its new livery and it’s also a great opportunity to visit Scruton Station.
"This delightful example of a small rural Edwardian station is only open to the public a few days each year, so this weekend provides an excellent opportunity to visit and meet the amazing living history volunteers who brought this station back to life."
The current planned line-up includes a Class 14 (D9523) formerly used at British Steel Corby, a WL4 locomotive ex Tyne & Wear works loco, the Sentinel ‘Derwent’ from Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire, and a Class 37 (37250).
Other locomotives may also appear, including a Class 03 (03144) from the Ministry of Defence and another Class 14 (D9513) from NCB Ashington, depending on operational requirements.
In addition to the train rides, visitors can explore the railway’s award-winning station museums at Leeming Bar and Scruton.
Free guided tours will be offered by costumed volunteers who bring Edwardian railway life to life through storytelling and interpretation.
The stations, restored with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, offer a unique glimpse into early 20th-century railway history.
A wide range of refreshments will be available at stations along the route, including hot and cold drinks, ice cream, sandwiches, crisps, and snacks.
The Engine Shed Brewery will serve draft and bottled beer from the platform next to the Leeming Bar buffet car.
At Leyburn Station, visitors can enjoy homemade cakes prepared by Mandy, one of the railway’s dedicated volunteers.
The station gift shop will also be open, offering railway-themed books, memorabilia, and gifts.
The event will run from 9am to 5.30pm on both days.
An all-day ‘Ranger’ ticket, priced at £25, is recommended for those who wish to spend the full day exploring the line and enjoying unlimited travel.
Standard return and single fares are also available.
Families are encouraged to attend, with children aged three to 15 able to travel for just £1 when accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets can be purchased in advance via the Wensleydale Railway website or at station ticket offices on the day.
Parking will be available at the O’Brien Fine Foods factory overflow car park on Low Street, behind the main factory site, using the What3Words location ///grows.raven.fetching.
Leeming Bar Station parking is limited and will be prioritised for visitors with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Wensleydale Railway is a 22-mile volunteer-led heritage line that operates between Scruton and Leyburn, offering visitors the chance to experience railway travel on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The railway is currently working to restore services from Leyburn to Redmire, a 5.5-mile section that has been closed since 2020 due to track and infrastructure issues.
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Fundraising and renewal works are ongoing, with hopes to reopen the line by the end of 2027.
The charitable arm of the railway, the Wensleydale Railway Trust, supports the operation through educational programmes and community engagement, as well as funding essential maintenance and repairs.
More information about the Industrial Diesel Weekend and ticket booking is available at wensleydale-railway.co.uk/industrial-diesel-weekend.