A LOCOMOTIVE that hauled trains carrying children on the first day of the Second World War evacuations of London will be among the star attractions of an autumn steam gala.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) three-day gala, starting today (September 26) will feature locomotives from the Great Western Railway, including 2807 Heavy Freight, 1501 Hawksworth Pannier and celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, 5029 Nunney Castle.

The Castles were first introduced in 1923, and from then until the end of steam were the railway’s primary express passenger locomotives, with 171 being built.

After the evacuations, 5029 Nunney Castle was used to haul the Royal Train from London to Gloucester.

It is one of eight locomotives of this class that were saved from the scrap man’s torch for preservation.

The 2807 Heavy Freight locomotive is 100 years old, the oldest survivor of the standard classes of the railway's steam locomotives introduced by engineer George Jackson Churchward.

Philip Benham, NYMR managing director said: “Never before have we had such a line-up of Great Western Railway power in Yorkshire and we are planning to put on a spectacular show bringing locomotives to the NYMR that have never before worked our line with 2807 paying the first visit of its class to a heritage railway this far north.”

Alongside the three guest locomotives the NYMR’s 75029 engine Green Knight will support the Steam Gala, alongside a Class A4 Pacific 60007 and LH&JC 0-6-2T No 29.

To book tickets, visit nymr.co.uk or call 01751-472508.