This was our first railway visit of the year, thanks to Covid 19. We studied all the precautions NYMR were taking and decided it looked safe enough so booked our compartment for the non stop run from Pickering to Whitby, with about 3 hours in Whitby before the return journey.

We selected the 9.20 departure so it was an earlyish start to the day as Pickering is over an hours drive from home. We had an uneventful drive and arrived in plenty of time to have a cuppa before setting off.

We stopped at one station for what seemed like an eternity but couldn't see why. It all became clear when we arrived in Whitby as we were pulled by a different loco from the one we set off with. We set off with  92134 and arrived with Southern 825. Two for the price of one...can't be bad.

The journey was wonderful and the autumn colours looked great even if a bit damp, but wet weather is to be expected and it didn't dampen our enthusiasm. All too soon we arrived in chilly wet Whitby.  We had plenty of time for fish and chips in a warm chippy before having a damp stroll around the shops. We saw loads we liked but didn't buy much.

Eventually it was back to the station for our return journey, once again hauled by Southern 825. On the outward leg our carriage was towards the back of the train but now we were close to the front and were delighted to be able to hear 825 working hard up the hills. A lovely sound!

Eventually we arrived back in Pickering with just enough time for another cuppa and wander round the well stocked gift shop before they closed.

All in all it was a superb day out and all the staff and volunteers were great. The organisation for Covid control was well done and everywhere was well marked out for social distancing. Most of our fellow travellers kept to the rules too which was a bonus.

This very short video gives a flavour of the day. I would have liked to make a longer one but I couldn't chance getting the camcorder too wet.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day with NYMR and would recommend anybody to visit them for a great time. Disclaimer. I am a new member of NYMR but I paid for my ticket and being a member has not influenced my opinion of the day or the organisation

This is the only 9 1/2 inch guage steam railway that is open to the public in the UK.

The trip round the lake is just short of 1/3 mile and has quite a variety of scenery ranging from the brick walls of the cafe complex to the open views over the lake before running through an avenue of trees and open views before arriving back at the station.

Fare is £1.50 a head and well worth it. They say that all trains will be steam hauled which justifies the exta cost over some we have travelled on. There's nothing worse than going to a steam railway only to find they are operating diesels.

We spent a pleasant couple of hours there including some time to eat in the excellent but very busy cafe.

Thanks to Pam for the pictures.

For more information about the railroad visit their website. More up to date information about changes to running times can be found on their Facebook page

On our way home from a great day out on Saturday we took a look at this railway. We'd often passed it but never visited. We bought the tickets online at £11.00 a head at concession rates and to be honest it wasn't worth it.

The whole place was run down and scruffy, the rolling stock wasn't well cared for at all. The windows were filthy. It looked as though they hadn't seen soap & water for months and the coachwork was the same.

The staff weren't well turned out at all and seemed totally disinterested in what they were doing. When we showed our tickets we asked if steam was running as we'd seen a diesel hooked up to the train. The guy we spoke to didn't know. I realise that sometimes steam isn't available but If I'd turned up to buy tickets on the day I would have been highly ticked off If I'd had to take a chance. He should have known.

There was a coach party on the train and one of the staff was quite vocal in his dislike of coach parties. Not on at all.

The line is pretty boring and the 20 minute trip seemed to drag. We'd travelled from Embsay to Castle Bolton and when we got to Castle Bolton there was little to see. The miniature railway there was closed up, which is fair enough in October, but the line seemed to be a few feet long and at £1 a ride wouldn't have seen us using it.

We ended up getting the train straight back to Embsay where we sampled the tea room. Coffee was £2.30 a cup, which doesn't seem too bad but it was only a spoon of instant and some hot water. I've had better and expected better.

We left after that, the whole experience was depressing. If we'd made the journey from home specifically to visit we  would have been even more disappointed.

Thanks to Pam for the photos. I didn't take any video.

This event was a two day event but we could only go on Saturday because of other commitments on Sunday. It turned out that we had the better day as Sunday was very wet.

We set off from home in good time to have a cuppa and for Pam to check the timetable before getting the first train from East Tanfield. We picked East Tanfield for our start as it has easier access which suited us as we both have some mobility issues.

The all day rider tickets cost £8.50 each at concession rates and allow unlimited travel for the day with the ability to get on & off at any station which was pretty good value and we made good use of it.

Our first ride was from Tanfield East to the end of the line, Sunniside, and back, by which time it was lunch time so we headed straight to Tommy Armstrong's Tea Room and beat the rush of all the other passengers who were looking at the locomotives. The meal deal of sandwich, drink and cake was really good and exceptional value at £6 a head.

Hunger and thirst satisfied we once again took to the rails, this time stopping at Andrews House where we trudged over the hill to Marley Hill to wander round the engineering works and the yard. We unfortunately missed the band.

From there it was off to Sunniside again and back to Causey Arch for a look around before heading back to East Tanfield.

We were surprised whe we realised that we had been there for about six hours. There was so much to see that we were never bored in that time.

Thanks to Pam as always for the photos.

The video roughly chronicles our trip.

There was just time to nip back into Tommy's for coffee and cake before heading for home.

We had an amazing day, met some lovely people, rode behind some super locos and had some good grub. What could be better?

We also found out about two narrow guage railways that we haven't visited. Both within about an hours drive from home so watch this blog.

To find out more about Tanfield Railway check out their website or Facebook page.

Still trying to get to the bottom of Numbum's misfire we took a test drive to Tees Cottage Pumping Station to have a look around there. We didn't know there was a small guage railway but the Cleveland Association of Model Engineers have quite a nice set up.

The 5" & 7 1/4" track is 0.27 miles long with a turntable at one end and is an enjoyable ride. At the time of writing rides cost £1 per person and all funds go to supporting the group and maintaining the track. I have been informed that the track is due to be relaid over the winter which should make it a bit smoother.

For up to date information visit their Facebook page

This friendly group are based at Hurworth Community Centre.  They run trains, weather permitting, on the first Sunday of the month from 10 am to 12.30pm and it costs the princely sum of 50p per ride. All trains are operated by members and all funds go towards supporting their activities. We enjoyed our first ride so much we had another two.

This year is the 50th anniversary of both the Society and the Community Centre and their celebration day is 14th of this month. As well as the riding trains, they have also been building an outdoor model railway track which will be officially opened on the anniversary celebration.

Thanks to the guys who were there for their welcome and for allowing me inside the track to get some of the video shots.

For more information on this railway check out their website or Facebook Page.