Iconic steam locomotive once based in Grantham to return to service

An iconic steam locomotive is set to return to action on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

The No 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ will be in operation between Pickering and Grosmont for special services on March 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30.

The locomotive, built at Doncaster works, is a member of the LNER A4 Pacific class, which was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley himself.

The train entered service in 1937 as No 4498 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley,’ with the honour of being the hundredth Gresley Pacific built by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER).

The locomotive was mainly used at London King’s Cross, with a spell at Grantham before World War Two, and was briefly re-numbered as No 7 before becoming No 60007 when the LNER was merged into British Railways.

Gresley is one of several railway engineering giants to have a thoroughfare named after him in Grantham.

Nick Simpson, head of mechanical engineering at the NYMR, said: “Sir Nigel Gresley is not just a locomotive; it’s a masterpiece of engineering that represents an era of innovation and national pride.

“We are delighted to have this iconic engine back at the NYMR, allowing visitors to witness its power first-hand as part of our Railway 200 celebrations.”

The Railway 200 celebrations mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the UK.

Each day of the Sir Nigel Gresley services, two round-trip services will operate between Pickering and Grosmont.

Tearooms at Pickering and Grosmont stations will be open for refreshments, and passengers can enjoy the buffet bar onboard.

To find out more and to book tickets, please visit www.nymr.co.uk/gresley