HAVE you ever wondered what it takes to run a steam train, operate a signal box or look underneath a locomotive?

Well wonder no more as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) opens up its stations to reveal what goes on behind the scenes.

On Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, four different stations will open their doors and play host to anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of a heritage steam railway.

At Pickering station, visitors can see just what goes on in the carriage and wagon depot. The archive department will open its doors and display hidden railway memorabilia.

Levisham station will have Pickering Experimental and Model Society on display, and junior volunteers will be on site to deliver talks and demonstrations.

At Goathland, visitors get a chance to learn the importance of railway bridges, even having a go at making their own bridge.

Meanwhile, there will be steam crane demonstrations at Grosmont station, which will also open its deviation pit so visitors can have a look underneath a locomotive.

Laura Strangeway, marketing manager at NYMR, said: “This event is a first for the NYMR and we can’t wait to show everyone the secrets of our railway. Everyone who works here is incredibly passionate about what they do, and it’s such a joy to be able to share our passion with our visitors.”

The Gazette & Herald and the NYMR has joined forces to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a family passes for the railway.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question and send your answer, along with your name, address and daytime phone number, to the NYMR Competition, Gazette & Herald, 84-86 Walmgate, YO1 9YN, or email gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk, by Wednesday, May 24.

Question: How long is the NYMR’s line?

Terms and Conditions apply. The attraction will supplying three family passes. Winners may visit the attraction on any day during the 2017 season (subject to availability). The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The prize will automatically be void if sold, offered for sale or if any attempt or offer is made to transfer the prize for value. The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. The attraction reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to refuse entry and to close and/or alter all or any part of its facilities including removal of figures for technical, operational, health and safety or other reasons including over capacity. The prize is subject to the terms and conditions of the Attraction available at www.nymr.co.uk which also contains details of the attractions opening times and operating calendar.

For details, go to nymr.ritdns.co.uk/Event/behindthescenes