‘spam can’ stands in foR ‘stREak’ at mooRs
A BR green ‘Pacific’ provided the opening act to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s 2019 season – but not the one that was originally planned.
‘A4’ No. 60009 Union of South Africa had been booked for seven days of operation on the Grosmont-Pickering line between March 30 and April 7 – but was unable to attend because new piston and valve rings could not be sourced in time.
‘West Country’ No. 34092 City of Wells, now purchased by the East Lancashire Railway (see story, left) stepped in as a lastminute replacement. In return, NYMR-based ‘Schools’ 4-4-0 No. 926 Repton is to attend the ELR’s Autumn Steam Gala on October 18-20.
The loan of No. 34092 was arranged in just five days; the ELR receiving the request on March 21 and the locomotive departing on March 26.
Said ELR Financial Director David Layland: “The contract was signed, sealed and delivered within 24 hours – it was a great example of cooperation.”
Tickets for the trains had to be purchased in advance, and around 10% of intending passengers requested refunds – but, said NYMR General Manager Chris Price: “Others booked because it was ‘Wells’, and we’re still very happy with the event.”
He added: “We are in early talks about ‘Number Nine’ revisiting the NYMR in 2019.”
The Bulleid is the latest in a series of ‘big name’ locomotives to visit the NYMR as a curtain-raiser to the main season, previous guests having been Flying Scotsman, Royal Scot and Tornado. Mr Price said that the celebrity engine for 2020 is “more than likely” to be ‘A4’ No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, returning to service after overhaul. ●● The ELR also received a request from the Llangollen Railway to hire No. 34092 for its 1940s Weekend on April 13/14, but the plan fell through because the local police force was unable to arrange an escort for the road move.