New EU-funded carriage shed for North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway re-opens on August 1 - and passengers will catch a glimpse of a brand-new carriage maintenance facility that has been built during lockdown.
North Yorkshire Moors RailwayNorth Yorkshire Moors Railway
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Contractors have erected the steel frame for the new carriage shed at Pickering, which has been funded by National Lottery and EU cash.

Customers will be able to gain an idea of the scale of the building, and a new road access bridge to the site has also been completed.

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When finished, the five-track, single-storey facility will accommodate up to 40 of the railway’s heritage carriages and for the first time enable servicing and cleaning tasks to be completed under cover with protection from the weather.

The new carriage maintenance facility from the airThe new carriage maintenance facility from the air
The new carriage maintenance facility from the air

One track will have a pit along its whole length to facilitate inspections and brake block changing.

Work began in January and there was some disruption during the lockdown period, with contractors not returning until late April. The project completion date is early 2021.

Steam and diesel trains are currently undergoing trial runs on the railway in anticipation of services beginning again this weekend.

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The NYMR's season usually begins in April and runs until October. This year, they were forced to postpone the start of the season and cancel several events, including the 1960s music festival.

The popular autumn steam gala is still expected to go ahead.

Patrick Horton from Hull-based contractors Hobson & Porter, who are building the carriage shed, said: “This first erection of steelwork is an exciting milestone for the new carriage stabling facility at Pickering, for the first time people are able to really appreciate the scale of the project.

“Following the fantastic news that the railway will soon re-open to passengers at the beginning of August we are delighted to be back working on-site and progressing. It will be great for passengers to see the work we have completed so far as they pass the site on the trains."

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NYMR general manager Chris Price added: “After a delayed start to 2020, it’s great to be able to see this project well underway ahead of our season opening this Yorkshire Day. It’s a real symbol of progress for us, of moving forwards, and is a real significant step in the development of our highly-anticipated new stabling facility.

"Thanks are due to the people of Pickering for their patience during this major construction project, which will help ensure that the railway continues to bring jobs and economic benefit to the town.”

The facility at Pickering forms part of a larger scheme to transform the railway and secure its future as part of its £10million Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey appeal.

It will help sustain the NYMR and is funded by the European Union, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the supporters of the NYMR.

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The other six Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey projects include:-

• The renewal of old bridges at Goathland Station

• The conversion of four carriages to provide easier mobility access, tailored seating, wheelchair facilities and accessible toilets on every train

• Conservation of the railway lineside through the North Yorks Moors National Park

• The recruitment of a new staff member to drive awareness of volunteering and a new volunteering centre

• Improved interpretation and education facilities on the railway.

• The recruitment of 12 apprentices

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