JUNE 12 saw King Charles travel on the Royal Train behind LNER A3 Pacific 4-6-2 steam locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as part of the line’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Royal Train travelled over the whole of the heritage railway route from Grosmont to Pickering, where the king unveiled a plaque and took the opportunity to view the legendary steam locomotive, which is celebrating its centenary throughout 2023. For the occasion, 60103’s cab roof was specially painted white and new lamps were fitted, in line with the tradition for locomotives hauling the Royal Train.
NYMR chief executive Chris Price said: “It’s an honour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NYMR with a visit from King Charles III. For all these years we have preserved our heritage railway, and to celebrate this with royalty is a privilege. It gives us the enthusiasm and joy to continue for generations to come.”
IN BRIEF
Staff from Northern’s Heaton depot have carried out repairs to a retired Class 144 Pacer, now used as a classroom at The Dales School in Blyth, and have built a level crossing walkway, complete with safety signs, so children can understand more about railway safety. The group, led by Northern’s senior production manager Gary Barnes, fixed a leak on the roof of 144002, replaced window seals and gave the vehicles a general sprucing up. The Pacer was donated to the primary school, which provides education for children with a variety of additional needs, by Porterbrook following withdrawal.
More than 500,000 water bottles have been refilled free of charge by railway passengers as part of an initiative by Gr
