NYMR converts steam locomotive Omaha from coal to oil

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) carried out the transformation on USATC S160 class locomotive No. 2253 Omaha, marking the first full-size steam locomotive oil conversion in the UK since the end of steam.

Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1943, Omaha was originally shipped to Britain during the Second World War and later served with the Polish State Railway before returning to the UK in 1992.

The Omaha at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Image: John Hunt)

Paul Middleton, director of mechanical engineering at NYMR, said: "Completing the oil conversion of No. 2253 is a huge achievement for the railway.

"This project not only advances our sustainability strategy by reducing particulate emissions but also ensures operational resilience during hot weather periods.

"With the cost and availability of high-quality steam coal becoming increasingly challenging, converting Omaha to oil secures the future of steam operations for our visitors and volunteers alike."

The conversion was carried out by the NYMR engineering team in partnership with FMW Solutions, a US-based railroad contractor.

Key components were manufactured in Tennessee and at the railway’s own Grosmont workshops.

As part of the commissioning process, the railway will trial the use of cold-pressed rapeseed oil as a fuel source, working with Phoenix Group.

No. 2253 can run on different types of liquid fuel without further modification, supporting future adaptability in fuel supplies.

The engine will re-join NYMR’s fleet this summer.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced plans to convert another locomotive to oil, the Austerity class engine No. 3672 Dame Vera Lynn.

This work is dependent on ongoing fundraising efforts by the railway and its volunteers.

More information can be found at www.nymr.co.uk.