North Yorkshire Moors Railway General Discussion

Having not been for years, I thought I’d venture (with some trepidation, given the general tone of this thread!) to the NYMR today.

First, a very big caveat - I am as happy with a Black Five at the head of the train as I am with a 37, but I completely accept a diesel being rostered would’ve been a big turn off to many, enthusiast or not.

I arrived in time to have a wander round Pickering - the gift shop is very skewed towards the child visitor, but both it at the tearoom were well presented. Buying a ticket was simple - the friendly clerk explaining the revised timetable, as well as explaining the situation with Bridge 42 and encouraging donations with the aid of an envelope also issued.

I popped down to Levisham on the Autotrain first. I actually rode in the trailer, and the pair are a delight - something very unique and certainly eye catching.

I then travelled Levisham - Pickering - Goathland- Pickering with the 37s, which were certainly entertaining when given the opportunity. The short Mk1 set was well presented, and ticket checks and rubbish cleaning were carried out regularly.

I should also highlight the staff - everyone I interacted with was cheerful and helpful, and a credit to the railway. There was certainly no outward display of discontent that I noted whilst there.

However, the elephant in the room was that it was very, very quiet. It was an absolutely glorious day, but the main set was never more than about a third full from my estimation, and the warnings about limited capacity on the Autotrain were nowhere near ever becoming an issue. I guess the lack of steam may have deterred some people, but I didn’t see hoards of dejected people walking away from the ticket office; they just didn’t seem to be there in the first place.

So in summary - it is still a glorious line, with great staff and I had an enjoyable day. As a punter with no “skin in the game”, I came away happy. But it must be a worry that numbers travelling were so low at the time the railway needs revenue most.

Andy M

 

……. no steam no go as far as I’m concerned. I guess I’m far from alone?

 

Indeed, I absolutely believe that to be case, but that's why I was surprised to not see at least some disappointed people at Pickering. I'd imagine the average punter isn't going to check the loco roster and would only find out about the diesel service when they arrive, and even for the enthusiast, I think it's only published the morning of the service? That's why I wondered if it was quiet irrespective of what was operating the service, rather than because of it.

Andy M

 

On the note of the Thomas services - I'm absolutely not shocked at the low bookings given the points around price I made a few pages back.