THE clock will be turned back to the great days of steam this year when legends from the railways' golden era return to service.

The National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, is bringing out three of its greatest locos for the first time in its 30-year history for an extended range of rail excursions.

In addition to its established season of summer steam excursions between York and Scarborough, the museum also intends to run trains over the Settle-to-Carlisle line, and from York to London King's Cross.

Museum head Andrew Scott said: "We have a great opportunity during 2006 to offer people the rare chance to experience not one, but three icons from the National Collection, including newly restored locomotives that have not been seen in action for many years.

"Having established the popularity of the seaside specials over the past two seasons, we hope that this new stable of locomotives and the newly-extended range of excursions will help to bring history to life for more people than ever before."

With the help of the 5305 Locomotive Association and the Eastleigh Railway Preservation Society, the NRM will run a Scarborough Spa Express service with three greats from its collection - Green Arrow, Sir Lamiel and Lord Nelson.

In response to public demand, the new service will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from July 18 to August 31.

Other new steam excursions planned are:

* The Westmorelander - August 28. From York, through the Yorkshire Dales to Carlisle, across the North Pennines and down the Tyne Valley to Newcastle, before returning to York. Steam hauled throughout by Green Arrow, or an alternative steam locomotive.

* The Dales Discoverer - September 17 and 24. Between York, Leeds and Carlisle. Steam hauled one way by Green Arrow or alternative steam loco, and one way by heritage diesel.

* The London Lights Express - November 18. Steam hauled from York to King's Cross and heritage diesel hauled on the return leg to York.

* The York Festive Flyer - November 22. Steam hauled outward from King's Cross to York and heritage diesel hauled on the return journey.

For more details, visit www.nrm.org.uk or call 0870 421 4472.