Full steam ahead for rail weekend (From Gazette & Herald)

Full steam ahead for rail weekend

PREPARATIONS for this weekend's railway extravaganza in Ryedale are going full steam ahead.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway gala steam weekend will coincide with the Pickering model railway show to make it a date to remember for rail enthusiasts.

Scarborough and District modellers are expecting thousands to flock to their show in Pickering Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, where model railways from across the country will be displayed.

Miniature steam train rides will also be on offer outside the hall by members of the Pickering experimental engineers and modelling society.

"We are hoping this year will be the best ever," said one of the organisers, Michael Metcalfe.

"We had a record number of people turn up last time around and we think we can top that this year."

The show is open for 10am to 5pm on both days and admission costs £2 for adults, £1.50 for concessions and is free to children under five.

For life-size specimens, pop along to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line where a variety of seven different locomotives will be providing an intensive service between Friday, October 3, and Sunday, October 5.

It is hoped that the weekend will include the chance to travel on the NYMR after dark on both Friday and Saturday night, and refreshments will be offered as part of the exciting experience.

With a grand bazaar, a variety of trade stalls, a memorabilia sale at Grosmont and a hog roast at Levisham station the weekend promises to be a fun-packed event.

Updated: 13:13 Wednesday, October 01, 2003