14/09/2011

With only a few days to go, the National Railway Museum in York has announced the cast of its steam shuttle services - the steam star of the Harry Potter movies, Olton Hall and National Collection favourite No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell.

The steam icons will take centre stage at the first ever cross-site venture between the National Railway Museum in York and its sister Museum, Locomotion in Shildon. Steam and diesel shuttles will operate from both Museums on 17-18 and 24-25 September with Royal Class 47 Prince William hauling diesel services at the beginning and end of each day. Members of the public living near Northallerton and Darlington North Road Stations are also invited to jump aboard with all of the shuttles picking-up and dropping-off at the two additional stops.

Olton Hall, the crimson steam star of the Harry Potter movies, has been a regular visitor to the York Museum, but has only appeared in full operational steam on a handful of occasions. Members of the public now have chance to ride behind the famous engine and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the magnificent operating locomotive. The second confirmed locomotive, No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell, is a celebrity of equal status in the world of rail as it pulled British Rail's very last steam-hauled train and will now head the first steam-hauled service of the four day timetable from Locomotion in Shildon.

Helen Ashby, Head of Knowledge and Collections at the National Railway Museum said:"We're delighted to finally announce the names of the two steam locomotives expected to haul our September shuttles, especially as both are railway icons in their own right. The shuttles provide a rare opportunity for members of the public to ride on an operational steam locomotive and take advantage of two Museums dedicated to railways at either end of the line. It seems only fitting that such big names in steam take centre stage at this milestone event in the history of the two Museums."

Locomotive lovers can enjoy even more steam action on the second weekend of the shuttles (24 - 25 September) with free steam events at both Museums. A two day celebration at the National Railway Museum in York will pay tribute to the largest of the ‘Big Four' railway companies, the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). LMS Duchess of Hamilton is set to be the star of the event when the streamlined beauty is paired with a carriage which has been restored to match the stunning, Art Deco design of the locomotive. Other attendees at the LMS Steam Weekend include visiting locomotives LMS Princess Royal Class No.6201 Princess Elizabeth, LMS Fairburn 2-6-4T No. 42085, LMS No.45305 Black 5, LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T No. 41241 which will join a number of LMS engines from the Museum's own Collection.

To coincide with the event, Locomotion in Shildon will celebrate its 7th Annual Steam Gala with steam rides behind a number of locomotives, cab access, trade stands and the chance to see a number of visiting locomotives including City of Truro.

Tickets for the steam and diesel shuttles can be purchased on the Railway Touring Company website www.railwaytouring.net or by following the link from the National Railway Museum's webpage at www.nrm.org.uk/shuttle  . Members of the public can also purchase tickets on the shuttles, but are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Operating times and locomotives may be subject to last minute changes.

ENDS