The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

So, after a brief walk round Bradfield, we returned to the minibus to set off on the long return journey. To while away the time we exchanged old folk tales and medieval fables. Eventually (about 11.15 p.m.) we reached York. J.J.B.

Recently re-named the North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust (but still known as N.Y.M.R.), the railway is a steam preservation society, the country's first passenger railway to become a registered charity. The Duchess of Kent re-opened the railway on May 1st this year. The line is an 18-mile stretch from Grosmont (B.R. connections) via Goathland and Levisham to Pickering. Pickering station is currently undergoing major renovation by members of the York Area Group; but, as the station platforms have been declared unsafe, a temporary platform has been erected at High Mill, 600 yards down the line. Services are operated every day, but not all trains are steam, due to heavy costs. The School is a member in itself, but junior individual membership costs 50p per annum. Details are available from the Trust Offices at 36 Westgate, Pickering.

School Visit to the Railway

At about 09.45 on 29th April, 1973, a party of boys set off in the two school buses to visit the line. We arrived at the Pickering station car park at half past ten. After stocking up in coke and crisps from the kiosk, we walked down to the temporary wooden platform where a diesel railcar was already waiting. This was the 11.00 to Grosmont, 10 minutes late; a flood of officials descended on us, and we set off. The countryside round the line is, in parts, wooded; very picturesque, but rather annoying— steam locomotives are forbidden on this part of the line, as they are a fire risk.

After a long wait at the signal, we arrived at Goathland, and all got out. The train did go right through to Grosmont, but the object of our visit was to ride on a steam train, so we waited for the 12.30 to Grosmont. While waiting, we ate our packed lunches and visited the station shop.

The engine arrived : an 0-6-2T ex-Lambton Railway tank, No. 29.

After a short journey, we alighted and dispersed; we admired some engines, renovated and repainted, but pitied others, rusty and in a dilapidated condition. Some went to inspect the engine shed which is in the building stage. During this interim period, we successfully lost Richard Hind and Martin Smith, and this loss was not discovered until we had set off on the 13.15 to Pickering. The train was a mere DMU—the arrival of which also appears unsatisfactory to members of N.Y.M.R., to judge from "Mailvan", the letters section of the railway's quarterly magazine "Moors Line". One letter says: "This (the purchase of two 3-car DMU's) can only be regarded as somewhat of a retrograde step." Hear, hear!

We had a short walk round Pickering Station and met Mr. Kemminoe, who came to talk last year to the Junior Science Society.

After having ascertained the safety of the two wanderers, we set off, and arrived in York just before 4 o'clock.

Our thanks go to Mr. Wise and Mr. Craine for arranging the trip and taking us. H.C.G. 49