First item of rolling stock welcomed at Yorkshire Wolds Railway (From York Press)

First item of rolling stock welcomed at Yorkshire Wolds Railway

9:19am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

THE delivery of a vintage railway carriage to the Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR) means the line will welcome its first item of rolling stock in more than half a century.

The British Railways Mark I Brake Gangway coach, which arrived yesterday, will now be restored to its former glory and form the basis of the railway’s planned Visitor Centre near Sledmere.

The YWR hopes to open the attraction to the public later this year.

James Russell, YWR chairman, said: “2012 was a busy and exciting year for us, but 2013 is going to be even better. The delivery of this coach means there is rolling stock on this part of the line for the first time since 1958.

“Having something on site that people can see with their own eyes is hugely important in increasing our visibility and our ability to generate income and attract funding, which in turn is vital for our plans to run trains on the line for the first time in more than 50 years.”

The coach would have originally been used as a guard van and luggage store. The YWR said its large internal space, rather than seating compartments, made it ideal for use as a visitor centre.

The coach was previously owned privately and based at the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. The YWR said it was bought using “existing reserves and by generous loans and donations from YWR members”.

The visitor centre will feature archive documents and objects from the railway, which closed in 1958, along with exhibitions about the line’s history, the memories of those who worked and travelled on the line, and the YWR’s own plans for the future. A platform will be constructed to enable access for members of the public.

The YWR said and anyone interested in becoming a member, volunteering, making a donation or wanting more information should visit yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk or phone 01377 338053.