A Blast From The Past

Summary

The article recounts the history and preservation of 'Repton', a historic steam locomotive now operated by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

Abstract

'A Blast From The Past' details the story of 'Repton', a 1934 steam locomotive from the 'Schools' class, which has been preserved and is now owned by the NYMR. It highlights the locomotive's journey from service in the UK to museums in the USA and Canada, and its eventual return to the UK. The NYMR, a not-for-profit organization and accredited museum, maintains 'Repton' and uses it to carry passengers through the North Yorkshire countryside, contributing to the local economy and preserving railway history. The article is a response to Randy Runtsch's story about abandoned diesel locomotives, contrasting it with 'Repton's' fortunate fate.

Opinions

The author, David Acaster, expresses a fondness for steam locomotives, describing them as "mechanical monsters, hissing steam and spitting sparks," indicating a sense of awe and nostalgia.
The author values the preservation of historical trains, emphasizing the importance of the NYMR in maintaining both the locomotive and the heritage of Britain's railways.
There is an appreciation for the NYMR's role in the local economy, noting that visitor support helps sustain the railway line and its historical significance.
The author thanks Mary Chang Story Writer for her Six Word Photo Story Challenges and playfully wonders about her performing a headstand in a railway station, suggesting a personal connection or admiration for her work.
The author invites readers to join Medium through their referral link, indicating a vested interest in supporting fellow writers and the platform, while also acknowledging the small commission they would receive.

Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Freestyle

Reconditioned, so just let me go

In response to Randy Runtsch’s story ‘All Aboard for Dreamland’ about four old diesel locomotives, their paint long-faded, abandoned in Eureka, California, I have a happy tale of an old locomotive being saved from such a fate.

The steam locomotive ‘Repton’, number 30926, celebrates its 88th birthday in May. It is a survivor, now owned by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

‘Repton’ was one of 40 engines of the same ‘Schools’ class built between 1930 and 1935, all named after English public schools. It commenced service in 1934 carrying the British Southern Region’s distinctive livery of bright malachite green above plain black frames, with bold, bright yellow lettering.

For 28 years it plied its trade mainly between London’s Waterloo Station and Portsmouth before that line was electrified. In December 1962 it was withdrawn from service. Only three engines of the ‘Schools’ class survive; the others were scrapped.

After withdrawal it was preserved. In 1967 an American bought it, shipping it to Steamtown, a steam locomotive museum in Vermont, USA. The museum loaned it to the Cape Breton Steam Railway in Canada, where it operated a regular passenger service. In 1979 the locomotive returned to the United States.

In 1989 the North Yorkshire Moors Railway bought it, and it was shipped back to the UK. The NYMR is a not-for-profit organisation and accredited museum. Annually it carries upwards of 355,000 passengers on its 18 miles of preserved track through some of the county’s most stunning countryside.

I love these mechanical monsters, hissing steam and spitting sparks, whilst standing at the platform waiting to run. By visiting and riding on the NYMR trains visitors help maintain the line and the history of Britain’s railways, as well as putting welcome coffers into the local economy.

Thanks go to Mary Chang Story Writer for providing the Six Word Photo Story Challenges, and I wonder if Mary has ever performed one of her famous head-stands in a railway station?

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