YOU can wait ages for a train and then along come two at the same time.

Although not exactly synchronised, the New Earswick Musical Society’s production of E Nesbit’s evergreen saga does come hot on the tracks after York Theatre Royal’s soon-to-be-revived production at the National Railway Museum.

This musical adaptation by Julian Woolford and Richard John is a rosy, sepia period piece chronicling the adventures of Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter played by Emma Craggs, Gaby Richardson and William Hartley respectively, during their summer in Yorkshire in 1905.

Upon arrival, the youngsters soon befriend the amiable station master Perks, so warmly played by Stephen Tearle, and win over the entire village after diverting a rail catastrophe with the aid of torn-up red petticoats.

Of course, the Railway Children share the impact of a shameful secret.

It transpires that politicians in the halcyon days of Edwardian Britain also spread smear campaigns against each other. Hence both Bobbie and the children’s mother (Carol Richardson) face their anguish in secret.

Despite their worries, the family befriend a lonely Russian, tend to a wounded schoolboy and entirely enchant a well connected, benevolent old gentlemen.

The most enjoyable numbers are the boisterous ensemble pieces Christmas Is Here, All On Time and the perky A Once In A Lifetime Day, all of which feature some rather nifty tap dancing sequences from the ensemble, expertly directed and choreographed by Ann McCreadie. All aboard now!

* The Railway Children, The Musical, New Earswick Musical Society, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 768182.