STEAM buffs should head to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway after it launched its spring steam gala.

The gala, which runs for the rest of this weekend and also from next Friday to Sunday, is expected to involved eight engines in steam.

There will also be demonstration goods trains, a model railway exhibition, family activities and the ‘Last Train to York’ photographic exhibition.

However, the railway said it regretted that, due to factors beyond its control, No 4936 ‘Kinlet Hall’ and Pannier Tank No 5786 were now unable to appear at the gala.

"As you may be aware West Coast Railways, the principle operator of steam traction on the main line network, are currently unable to operate, while Network Rail have also just identified a loading gauge problem on the Esk Valley line for ‘Hall’ class of locomotives," it said.

"In the case of the ‘Pannier,’ the locomotive’s host railway is not now able to release it."

The railway said that with the line-up of locomotives significantly less than advertised, normal rather than gala fares would now apply over both weekends.

"We are very pleased to welcome back Scarborough & District Railway Modellers with model railway layout displays in the learning centre at Pickering station on Saturday & Sunday of the first weekend and Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend."

It said the Fight for Vera fund would be running a pie and pea special and rail ale service next Friday and the P2 Steam Locomotive Company would have an exhibition stand at Pickering Station this weekend.

The LNER Coach Association would also have a display and goods stall at Pickering Station over both weekends and Keith Widdowson would be signing copies of his book “Riding Yorkshire’s Final Steam Trains” between 1 and 4 pm on Friday.

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