As a £10 million, 7-year railway project reaches its final stretch, North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has looked back on the project's achievements and thanked the organisations and individuals who contributed.
The NYMR's Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project was launched in 2017 and funded in large part by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Seven large-scale initiatives sought to keep the heritage project steaming on for another 50 years at least.
Laura Strangeway, CEO at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said: "As the Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project comes to an end, I am filled with pride for all we have achieved.
"This initiative has helped preserve our historic railway and elevate our visitor experience.
"Our infrastructure improvements have enhanced the safety and efficiency of our operations, so we can offer a more reliable and enjoyable service to our passengers whilst ensuring our beloved railway is here for future generations.
"The success of Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.
"It has been a remarkable journey of collaboration and innovation, and we are excited to build on this legacy.
"Although this particular project has come to an end the work involved to keep our railway steaming on will forever be ongoing."
Successes delivered over the past seven years include a brand new learning coach, opened at Goathland in 2023 and featuring exhibitions and displays open to schools and the public.
Meanwhile, a smartphone app called Station Stories enables visitors to explore Goathland and Grosmont Stations in new and exciting ways, delving into the stories of the people behind the station buildings.
A learning programme was created for schools and families, including hands-on activities during key school holiday periods.
Bridges, some more than 150 years old, were replaced, ensuring that they are fit to carry traffic for future generations.
One of the bridges repaired was the so-called Bridge 27, known to Potter fans as the track leading to Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
New accessibility features have been installed including accessible carriages, improved signage, and accessible maps.
A £4 million carriage care facility was unveiled in 2021, providing shelter for up to 40 heritage carriages at a time.
The Outstation, a facility for volunteers and residential groups, was adapted from a former school and outdoor activity centre and opened in the summer of 2022.
The NYMR has been conducting apprenticeships in Mechanical Engineering, with four apprentices currently on track to complete their training in 2025 and 2026.
A joint initiative between the NYMR and the North York Moors National Park has funded 12 two-year Countryside Apprenticeships, offering a unique opportunity to learn about conservation within a heritage environment.
Volunteers working in lineside conservation have contributed to fencing, dry-stone walling, species surveys, boundary surveys, research, and bridge maintenance.
At the Heritage Open Days events at the NYMR, from September 6 to September 15, visitors will be able to learn more about the new developments.
More information about the Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project is available at www.nymr.co.uk/ymj.
More information about the Heritage Open Days is available at www.nymr.co.uk/heritage-open-days.
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