RAILWAY enthusiasts are in line for a rare treat, with the first joint venture between two of the region’s leading attractions.

The National Railway Museum NRM) in York and its sister museum, Locomotion, in Shildon, County Durham, are to link up with a series of shuttles featuring the pride of their collections.

Both steam and diesel services will operate between the two museums and will also be calling at Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and North Road station in Darlington.

The link-ups will take place over the weekends of September 17 and 18 and September 24 and 25. The full line-up of locos has yet to be revealed.

However, it will include Royal Class 47 Prince William, which will haul diesel trains at the beginning and end of each of the four days.

The other engines will be selected from a pool of No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell, No. 30777 Sir Lamiel, No. 5972 Olton Hall and, if its restoration is completed, No. 4472 Flying Scotsman.

The NRM’s head of knowledge and collections, Helen Ashby, said: “This is the first time we’ve operated a service like this and we are very proud to be able to offer such a unique experience with not just one, but two free National Railway Museums at either end.

“Visitors can take in the sights, sounds and smells at either site and join us on a relaxing ride along the East Coast Main Line.”

The Head of Steam Museum at the North Road station in Darlington will also take part in the event, offering free admission to their site on both weekends.

On the second weekend, there will also be free steam events at the Shildon and York museums.

Tickets for the shuttles are on sale via the Railway Touring Company website with a return journey costing £30 for adults and £10 for children.

For more details, visit railwaytouring.net or follow the link from nrm.org.uk/shuttle