NYMR news and updates.

[ChrisC]

We did notice ‘internal’ service was relatively quiet. If there is no spare stock maybe taking a coach off this and adding it onto the Whitby set for peak times would be a good idea.

I’m sorry if this has been discussed already but this is rather a long thread to have to read through.

Looking at the fares and reading the discussions about the high price of £49.50 for an All Line Rover Ticket, I would have thought that an ‘internal‘ service day rover ticket would be viable. In the past, when staying in Pickering I've have enjoyed a day on the NYMR, travelling up and down between Pickering and Grosmont, and getting off at intermediate stations for walks. I’m not bothered about going into Whitby with the crowds and would be quite happy to pay up to £30 for a non reservable walk up day rover ticket, for travel on the quieter services which terminate at Grosmont. I‘m in Pickering at the end of July for a week but will be using my car and perhaps local buses instead to travel around.

 

[Iskra]

I’m sorry if this has been discussed already but this is rather a long thread to have to read through.

Looking at the fares and reading the discussions about the high price of £49.50 for an All Line Rover Ticket, I would have thought that an ‘internal‘ service day rover ticket would be viable. In the past, when staying in Pickering I've have enjoyed a day on the NYMR, travelling up and down between Pickering and Grosmont, and getting off at intermediate stations for walks. I’m not bothered about going into Whitby with the crowds and would be quite happy to pay up to £30 for a non reservable walk up day rover ticket, for travel on the quieter services which terminate at Grosmont. I‘m in Pickering at the end of July for a week but will be using my car and perhaps local buses instead to travel around.

I agree that this would be a sensible product to offer, but if is offered it’s probably time to do away with offering any singles.

 

[jamestclarkson]

Any News on Repton? I think i remember it going in for winter maintenance later than the other steam locomotives but still havent seen it running this year. Is it out of ticket or is there a bigger issue?

This Question was ignored does anyone have an answer?

 

[Egton]

Repton is said to be "still on the wheeldrops" but expected to be re-united with whatever wheels were removed for whatever reason sometime "soon".

 

[htafc]

Can I ask, is breaking your journey on a two station NYMR return ticket permitted?

 

[Skipness]

Can I ask, is breaking your journey on a two station NYMR return ticket permitted?

In a word “yes” (subject to the constraints of this timetable)

 

[htafc]

In a word “yes” (subject to the constraints of this timetable)

Brilliant, thank you

 

[Jan Mayen]

I agree that this would be a sensible product to offer, but if is offered it’s probably time to do away with offering any singles.

Well, as I found out the hard way, they have done away with singles. Anyone know when and why?

 

[sycamores]

Well, as I found out the hard way, they have done away with singles. Anyone know when and why?

Thought it was a requirement for being classed as "public transport" was to be able to offer single journeys? Without that, isn't it classed a pleasure - and therefore VAT-able???

 

[NER1621]

Thought it was a requirement for being classed as "public transport" was to be able to offer single journeys? Without that, isn't it classed a pleasure - and therefore VAT-able???

They do offer single journeys. It’s just that the price of a single journey ticket is the same as an All-Line Rover…

But seriously - the All-Line-All-Year Rover isn’t the only ticket the NYMR offers. From their website:

“Shorter Journeys​

Our 5 stations are – Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby.

Our Shorter Journey Tickets offer day return travel between neighbouring stations. To travel 1 Station (e.g. Pickering – Levisham) £13.50 per adult (16+) and to travel 2 Stations (e.g. Whitby – Goathland) £25.00 per adult (16+). Children (0-15) travel free.

For longer journeys please see details of our All Day, All Line Rover Ticket.”

Nonetheless, I suspect that at the root of most of the complaints about the NYMR All Line Rover is the fact that a lot of enthusiasts have no idea of the current costs of running an 18-mile-long-plus-Whitby steam railway, and still expect to have a day out for a fiver plus the price of a can of Tizer.

 

[DarloRich]

Nonetheless, I suspect that at the root of most of the complaints about the NYMR All Line Rover is the fact that a lot of enthusiasts have no idea of the current costs of running an 18 mile plus Whitby steam railway, and still expect to have a day out for a fiver plus the price of a can of Tizer.

never a truer word spoken!

( and the year long return pass IS great value)

 

[Sheldonian]

Wholeheartedly agree.
Runing costs must be eye watering.
Day travelling on the NYMR with possibility of numerous free return trips is still less than half the price of most railtours.
People pay more than that for 90 mins at a football match, concert etc.
I dont like it being that expensive but totally understand why.

 

[Belperpete]

Nonetheless, I suspect that at the root of most of the complaints about the NYMR All Line Rover is the fact that a lot of enthusiasts have no idea of the current costs of running an 18-mile-long-plus-Whitby steam railway, and still expect to have a day out for a fiver plus the price of a can of Tizer.

And even with these ticket prices, it is still doubtful that the NYMR are going to break even this year, after several years of hefty losses.

When a business is making a loss, it generally has two options, either charge more or make cost savings. With most businesses, a significant part of the costs are usually staff costs, and savings can be made through redundancies, but that is much less of an option with a business where most of the staff are unpaid volunteers. I don't really see much scope for significant cost savings without seriously impacting on what the railway is offering. And with the dramatic rise in the cost of coal recently, I fear that ticket prices on most preserved railways are going to have to rise significantly.

 

[Iskra]

And even with these ticket prices, it is still doubtful that the NYMR are going to break even this year, after several years of hefty losses.

When a business is making a loss, it generally has two options, either charge more or make cost savings. With most businesses, a significant part of the costs are usually staff costs, and savings can be made through redundancies, but that is much less of an option with a business where most of the staff are unpaid volunteers. I don't really see much scope for significant cost savings without seriously impacting on what the railway is offering. And with the dramatic rise in the cost of coal recently, I fear that ticket prices on most preserved railways are going to have to rise significantly.

Do you have a source for this unfounded claim you keep making?

The cost of coal is also stabilising.

 

[Belperpete]

Do you have a source for this unfounded claim you keep making?

The cost of coal is also stabilising.

See previous posts where it was stated that the NYMR hope to break even this year, after several years of significant losses.

Agreed that the cost of coal is stabilising, but at a significantly higher cost than what it was.

 

[Iskra]

Does anyone have any advice for particularly good locations for photography or videoing the locomotives working hard on the NYMR at all, ideally in the bit between Levisham and Grosmont? I can use the car if needed but would prefer to walk from one of the NYMR stations if that’s viable and use their trains.

 

[nanstallon]

Wholeheartedly agree.
Runing costs must be eye watering.
Day travelling on the NYMR with possibility of numerous free return trips is still less than half the price of most railtours.
People pay more than that for 90 mins at a football match, concert etc.
I dont like it being that expensive but totally understand why.

Quite so. Railway enthusiasts too often have short arms, and pockets near their ankles - time to wake up and smell the coffee!

 

[LMS 4F]

Does anyone have any advice for particularly good locations for photography or videoing the locomotives working hard on the NYMR at all, ideally in the bit between Levisham and Grosmont? I can use the car if needed but would prefer to walk from one of the NYMR stations if that’s viable and use their trains.

Beck Hole between Goathland and Grosmont would be a good place to leave a car although it is a steep climb either way out.
Next choice park at Goathland and follow the rail trail towards Grosmont. Plenty of spots down there not to far from the trail.
Another alternative park at Grosmont and follow the trail the other way with good views down onto the line initially and then places to access the bank further on. Enjoy.

 

[DarloRich]

Quite so. Railway enthusiasts too often have short arms, and pockets near their ankles - time to wake up and smell the coffee!

exactly - a long standing problem!

I live a considerable distance from the NYMR. If they are offering me an unlimited usage pass i am going to go back up there. I will be spending money in the local economy and on the railway.

it seems a no brainier to me!

 

[Iskra]

Beck Hole between Goathland and Grosmont would be a good place to leave a car although it is a steep climb either way out.
Next choice park at Goathland and follow the rail trail towards Grosmont. Plenty of spots down there not to far from the trail.
Another alternative park at Grosmont and follow the trail the other way with good views down onto the line initially and then places to access the bank further on. Enjoy.

Thank you!

 

[Meole]

Does anyone have any advice for particularly good locations for photography or videoing the locomotives working hard on the NYMR at all, ideally in the bit between Levisham and Grosmont? I can use the car if needed but would prefer to walk from one of the NYMR stations if that’s viable and use their trains.

Goathland station, gate onto moor at lower end of the shelter side platform , walk left up the bank and the classic gallery over Darnholm awaits. This location can be accessed down the lane from parking in Goathland.

Thomason Foss , Waterark are accessed from a footpath running alongside the last large house on the right on the road to Beckhole ex Goathland past the right turn to Darnholm, as you climb the stile above the line you need to traverse off the footpath along a rough path by the fence and scramble down as you see a fence ahead of you, very slippy, needs boots. Unfortunately this famous viewpoint is being lost to trees beyond reach but is still superb.

The road down to Moorgates from the A 169 provides continuous opportunity to film climbing the bank with plenty of parking on the open side facing the line over the valley, early arrivals can use the parking spaces, later use the verge.

The walk up the old line from Grosmont, over the tunnel, or from the limited parking at Esk Valley cottages to the well known locations at Green End and Hollin Garth takes about 20 mins, a very pleasant easy walk being an old railway grade, at Beckhole the incline which was of course rope hauled begins.

 

[Iskra]

Goathland station, gate onto moor at lower end of the shelter side platform , walk left up the bank and the classic gallery over Darnholm awaits. This location can be accessed down the lane from parking in Goathland.

Thomason Foss , Waterark are accessed from a footpath running alongside the last large house on the right on the road to Beckhole ex Goathland past the right turn to Darnholm, as you climb the stile above the line you need to traverse off the footpath along a rough path by the fence and scramble down as you see a fence ahead of you, very slippy, needs boots. Unfortunately this famous viewpoint is being lost to trees beyond reach but is still superb.

The road down to Moorgates from the A 169 provides continuous opportunity to film climbing the bank with plenty of parking on the open side facing the line over the valley, early arrivals can use the parking spaces, later use the verge.

The walk up the old line from Grosmont, over the tunnel, or from the limited parking at Esk Valley cottages to the well known locations at Green End and Hollin Garth takes about 20 mins, a very pleasant easy walk being an old railway grade, at Beckhole the incline which was of course rope hauled begins.

Amazing, thank you

 

[Ploughman]

Until recently it was almost compulsory that Loco's faced South from Grosmont. However more engines are facing North so rarer viewpoints in Newtondale are possible.

 

[LMS 4F]

Goathland station, gate onto moor at lower end of the shelter side platform , walk left up the bank and the classic gallery over Darnholm awaits. This location can be accessed down the lane from parking in Goathland.

Thomason Foss , Waterark are accessed from a footpath running alongside the last large house on the right on the road to Beckhole ex Goathland past the right turn to Darnholm, as you climb the stile above the line you need to traverse off the footpath along a rough path by the fence and scramble down as you see a fence ahead of you, very slippy, needs boots. Unfortunately this famous viewpoint is being lost to trees beyond reach but is still superb.

The road down to Moorgates from the A 169 provides continuous opportunity to film climbing the bank with plenty of parking on the open side facing the line over the valley, early arrivals can use the parking spaces, later use the verge.

The walk up the old line from Grosmont, over the tunnel, or from the limited parking at Esk Valley cottages to the well known locations at Green End and Hollin Garth takes about 20 mins, a very pleasant easy walk being an old railway grade, at Beckhole the incline which was of course rope hauled begins.

The best thing about Beck Hole is the pub.

 

[D6130]

The best thing about Beck Hole is the pub.

Agreed....it's almost unique in Britain nowadays - a tiny pub-cum-village shop with one person serving behind the counter and the two bars either side. i believe that there are still a few similar ones in remote parts of Ireland.

 

[Royal Male]

I love researching locations and I have found for the NYMR is to jump on a train and ride the line with a map and mark the places on it and then plan a route etc to get there. For those who havent travelled the line in a while it should be noted that the area from Levisham to the tip of Northdale has had some serious tree felling and it is open a lot more these days, giving more opertunities.

 

[Iskra]

Thanks all for the above responses!

I travelled the line today all the way to Whitby on the 0920 from Pickering and it was very busy, but generally the railway coped okay and I think everyone got a seat. Two trains doing a set swap at Grosmont on the return was a bit chaotic, but that was as bad as the summer crowding got.

I had the Black 5 44806 on the NYMR proper and 31128 on the Whitby line, both were entertaining locomotives.

The Moors themselves were looking stunning and vibrant and it was nice to finally get some pleasant weather on a NYMR trip

 

[Ryry]

Too a tour round the shed at Grosmont snd noticed the class 47 in there. Is it broken again ?

 

[kje7812]

Too a tour round the shed at Grosmont snd noticed the class 47 in there. Is it broken again ?

From the DEPG dated 28th July

[47077] has had to be withdrawn from service for a few weeks to allow a leaking exhaust silencer to be repaired and a split turbo input bellows to be replaced.

 

[D Williams]

Whilst having a quiet " google" I noticed that membership of the NYMR supporters group is £40 a go. Is this one of, or the highest, of the heritage railways?