A HERITAGE railway has unveiled a £4 million carriage shed to enable its iconic locomotives to be cleaned and serviced undercover.

Its completion is one of the key projects in the North Yorkshire Moors Railway's (NYMR) £10 million Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey (YMJ) Appeal.

The five-track, single-storey carriage shed, featuring a cantilevered roof, will accommodate up to 40 of the railway’s heritage carriages.

It means that for the first time, servicing and cleaning tasks on the locos can now be completed undercover.

The new facility at Pickering forms part of a larger scheme to transform the railway and secure its future as part of the YMJ Appeal.

The carriage stable is just one of six projects, which also includes a new education coach at Goathland which will bring to life the story of the railway through the people that worked it.

An immersive social history experience is currently being developed, and will include material from the recent oral history project where people recorded their memories.

The education coach is due to be finished and operational by April next year.

Lineside conservation is another important YMJ project and a full habitat survey has been completed along the 18-miles of track.

All special or scientifically significant flora and habitats have been mapped and will form part of the ongoing conservation management plan.

The next stage is a survey of animal species, including bats, butterflies, reptiles and turtle doves.

Other YMJ projects in progress include the conversion of four carriages to provide easier access, with tailored seating for wheelchair users and accessible toilets on every train.

Next February, the YMJ funding will also see the renewal and reconstruction of bridges at Goathland Station.

John Bailey, NYMR Trust Chairman, said: “Fifty years ago our founders had the vision and determination to re-open the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Today we face challenges of a similar magnitude.

"We share their vision and determination, manifest through these projects that make up Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey.

"They mean that 50 years hence, people will still be learning from and enjoying the experience of steam across the Moors.”

 

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