Historic postcards found
Photographs reveal North Bay Heritage Railway during the line’s earliest days
A discovery of two historic postcards shows off Scarborough’s North Bay Heritage Railway during the line’s earliest days.
The discovery was made by Mike Swift, a founding shareholder in the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway, which took over the running of the Scarborough North Bay Heritage Railway earlier this year.
Mr Swift had been asked to look for heritage photos of the railway in Lincolnshire for their archive when he came across the historic Scarborough photos.
The detailed postcards show evocative scenes of pre-war holiday crowds enjoying a ride on the famous miniature line.
A booklet commemorating the railway’s Golden Jubilee – published 40 years ago – was also uncovered.
The booklet was published in 1981 by Scarborough Borough Council, who ran the landmark attraction until it was sold in 2007.
John Kerr and Peter Bryant were announced as the new owners of the Scarborough heritage railway in March, which is celebrating its 90th year.
At the time the new owners said they were looking forward to working with a dedicated team to take the railway to its centenary and beyond.
It is thought there may be many more previously unseen photos from the early days of the Scarborough railway – particularly old family holiday photos tucked away in long-forgotten albums. Copies or originals will be particularly appreciated for the railway’s archives.
Discoveries can be emailed to Chris Bates at chrisbates31@ btinternet.com or posted via Skegness Water Leisure Park, Walls Lane, Ingoldmells, Skegness, PE25 1JH.
History of the railway ...
Founded in 1931, the railway, which has a steam engine and four diesel hydraulic locomotives, runs between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills, mainly carrying tourists.
The line was upgraded by its first private owner, David Humphreys, with new station buildings and lakeside attractions, and new steam locomotive Georgina was introduced in 2016. The four diesel engines - Neptune, Triton, Poseidon and Robin Hood - have been in service since the 1930s.
Do you have fond memories of the heritage railway in Scarborough?