(Image: NYMR)
More than 5,500 passengers attended the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s four-day Annual Steam Gala, making it one of the railway’s most successful in recent years.
The event ran from September 24 to 27 and featured a packed timetable of locomotive journeys.
Nick Simpson, head of mechanical engineering at the NYMR, said: “A lot of hard work went into preparing for the Annual Steam Gala.”
563 at Abbots House, south of Goathland (Image: John Hunt)
“An event of this scale takes a huge amount of team work to put together and there is so much that goes on behind the scenes, from getting the engines ready to securing our iconic visiting locomotives.”
“None of it would be possible without the help of our visiting engine owners, volunteers and staff.”
“It is brilliant to see everyone’s efforts come together over the four days and hear such great feedback from visitors.”
2253 arrives at Goathland (Image: John Hunt)
This year’s gala featured three guest engines: Sir Nigel Gresley (No. 60007), Pendennis Castle (No. 4079) and T3 class No. 563.
These locomotives were loaned by the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd, Didcot Railway Centre, and Swanage Railway Trust.
Visitors also enjoyed rides behind the NYMR’s home fleet, including 9F No. 92134, Black 5 No. 44806, SR Schools No. 926 ‘Repton’, Lambton Tank No. 29 ‘Peggy’, Cockerill No. 8 ‘Lucie’, NER Class P3 No. 2392 and No. 2253 ‘Omaha’.
A quick brew (Image: Supplied)
Passengers praised the event through a post-visit survey, with many highlighting the excitement of seeing so many engines in steam.
One visitor said: “The sheer number of engines in steam was a delight to behold. Our first trip behind an A4 Pacific which I waited 40 years for!”
Another said: "I loved seeing all the steam locos operating and being able to travel along the railway with them."
The railway is planning more special events this season, including Mad Alice’s Ghost and Santa Express services.
4079 passes Abbotts House, south of Goathland (Image: John Hunt)
Fans who missed Sir Nigel Gresley and Pendennis Castle can see the locomotives in action again this October.
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A visitor said: "Our first trip behind an A4 pacific which I waited 40 years for!"
Another said: "I loved seeing all the steam locos operating and being able to travel along the railway with them."
Full details of upcoming events, including ticket information and dates for future galas, can be found at www.nymr.co.uk/events.
More than 5,500 passengers attended the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s four-day Annual Steam Gala, making it one of the railway’s most successful in recent years (Image: Supplied)