NEWS RELEASE: 23/07/2017 10:47

Heartbreak after vandals attack heritage railway carriages

In the early hours of Sunday 23rd July 2017, North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s (NYMR’s) historic teak carriages were deliberately vandalised. The carriages were parked in the siding, at the far side of the main visitor car park at Pickering.

North Yorkshire Police are currently onsite, assessing the situation.

The beautiful varnished teak carriage set, comprised of eight carriages, dating from 1930 to 1950. These carriages have regularly appeared in films and television, recent appearances including ‘Downton Abbey’ and the remake of ‘Dad’s Army’.

Chris Price, NYMR’s General Manager said, “We were absolutely devastated to discover that the carriages had been damaged overnight. The set was found with the windows smashed and the furniture and fixings completely ruined, obviously all the staff and volunteers are extremely upset.

Until the set has been completely assessed we will not know the full extent of the damage caused, I doubt very much that the set will run again in the 2017 season.”

Saturday 22nd July was the launch of the new bigger and better ‘60s Fest’ event which was taking place over the weekend. The railway welcomed thousands of passengers, who enjoyed live music, just meters away from where the carriages were vandalised.

Laura Strangeway, NYMR’s Marketing Manager said, “Unfortunately there will be service disruptions today and any visitors wanting to travel along the line will need to check the website, nymr.co.uk or call customer services, 01751 472508 for updates. The live music and displays planned for ‘60s Fest will go ahead along the line as planned.”

The teak carriages are owned by several groups and individuals and were restored by the London and North Eastern Railway Coach Association (LNERCA - a volunteer run, charitable organisation which restores heritage coaches) which are used and maintained by the NYMR.

The North York Moors Historical Railway Trust is a not for profit charitable organisation run as part of the local community. Day to day operation is carried out by volunteers with railway operations and business experience. A core team of paid staff together with approximately 100 full time staff and 50 seasonal staff, plan and operate the train service and work steadily to improve the quality of the infrastructure, the railway vehicles and experience to our visitors travelling on the railway.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most historic lines in the North of England, taking visitors on picturesque journeys along an 18-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains. The railway passes through stunning scenery, from wooded valleys to beautiful countryside, stopping at charming villages and spectacular seaside locations.

For regular news, updates and competitions, North Yorkshire Moors Railway is also on Facebook facebook.com/northyorkshiremoorsrailway and Twitter twitter.com/nymr.

For further information please contact Laura Strangeway, Head of Marketing on 01751 473799 (Ext 249) or 07780115346 or email [email protected]

ENDS

For further information please contact Gough Bailey Wright on 01527 579 555

Louise Iles – PR Account Director: [email protected]

Sara Gillespie – Junior Account Manager: [email protected]

Sam Wright – Account Executive: [email protected]

Notes for editors

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a not for profit charitable trust providing memorable experiences for visitors and fulfilment for volunteers and staff through the operation of Britain’s most popular heritage railway between Whitby and Pickering.