Back to Pickering

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage line operated between Pickering and Grosmont on the North York Moors. Some locomotives are licensed to operate on the national network beyond Grosmont to the holiday resort of Pickering.

The serious drought this summer has meant that for several weeks they have not been able to operate steam locomotives because of the fire risk, so vintage diesel locomotives have been used instead. However some rain has now fallen and a decision was taken last week to use steam locomotives again. Only one of the three locomotives used each day was steam last weekend, so I was quite fortunate to get a shot of this as it entered Pickering station from the north. This shot was taken on only the second day of a steam locomotive being used.

The locomotive is a Southern Railway S15 class, number 825, built in 1927 at Eastleigh works. It worked for the Southern Railway and later British Railways for over 36 years before it was taken out of service and sent to Woodhams scrapyard in South Wales. Woodhams is famous amongst railway fans, since many locomotives from there were resold for preservation, and this was one of the rescued locomotives. Its latest overhaul was completed around 3 years ago, and it is a popular sight on this railway.

Ian

[Sarah Bremner]

Such splendid machines.

[Judith Johnson]

I thought it might have been the same engine as yesterday Ian! Just shows how much I know about trains! Glad to hear the steam engines are back.

[Casablanca]

So glad they can run again! Love this line…..as you know!

[Bill Davidson]

Nothing beats a steam locomotive.

[Peter Dulis]

nice

[Margaret Brown]

I lovely capture, yes it has been tinder dry over the moors so can see why the alternative was used.

[gloria jones]

Neat, clear capture of this locomotive

[Renee Salamon]

Nicely captured

[Pyrrhula]

Great capture of this beauty. Reminds me to take a visit to our steam railway station on of this day`s. Fav.

[Christine Sztukowski]

This is very special

[Kathy A]

I like the pop of red on the front

[Wylie]

it looks very functional here!

[bkb in the city]

Beautiful shot

[Dione Giorgio]

Beautiful shot. These steam engines are too cute.

[Fisher Family]

@sarah19 @busylady @casablanca @billdavidson @pdulis @craftymeg @seattlite @rensala @pyrrhula @365projectorgchristine @kjarn @pusspup @bkbinthecity @sangwann

Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.

I'm quite pleased that the railway feels able to run steam locomotives again, since in two weeks time they are due to hold their annual Steam Gala, with three visiting steam locomotives from other preserved railways, as well as their own locomotives, and which is usually a great event for photos.

Ian

[Paul Williamson]

Another great steam shot Ian.

[Nina Ganci]

brilliant steam train

[Vesna]

Excellent photo!

[Fisher Family]

@alfsson @ninaganci @vesna0210

Thank you all - hopefully more steam shots quite soon!

Ian