VISITORS to a historic railway will be able to see a converted off-road vehicle on the tracks this weekend.

The 1957 Series I Land Rover, specifically-adapted by its owner to run on rails as well as the road, will be at Tanfield Railway, near Stanley,

Known as ‘Plimsoll’, it’s fitted with a custom-made set of a wheels made from aluminium and magnesium alloy, which can be swapped for road wheels and tyres in under an hour.

Plimsoll belongs to devoted enthusiast and Land Rover Owner magazine assistant editor, Mark Saville.

He is currently trying to cover as many of Britain’s steam railways in Plimsoll as possible and was keen to put the 1997cc petrol-engined machine to test on the world’s oldest railway.

Mr Saville said: “Driving on this massively historic railway will be genuine a privilege, and tremendous fun, too.”

The trip by Plimsoll is expected to take place between around 9am and 11am on Saturday, and spectators are welcome.

The North-East Rover Owners rally is at the railway on Sunday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Tanfield Railway director David Watchman said: “We’re much more used to steam power, but when Mark asked if he could try Plimsoll on the world’s oldest railway we found it hard to say no.

“When the railway was built in 1725 it had wooden rails and the waggons were pulled by horses.

“For many years stationary steam engines hauled trains using a rope, and of course, we’ve had steam, diesel and electric powered locomotives here too.

“But I think this is probably the most unusual thing we’ve ever seen on the railway.”