Nene Valley Railway back on track after steam ban lifted as heatwave fears cool
Steam-hauled passenger services have been restored at Peterborough’s Nene Valley Railway as a steam ban imposed during the summer heatwaves is lifted.
The steam ban was ordered during the exceptionally dry conditions to reduce the associated fire risk from operating steam locomotives.
But now with temperatures cooling, the Nene Valley Railway has announced the return of steam-hauled passenger services.
It means the steam-powered Danish Tank Engine No. 656 ‘Doc’ will be hauling passenger services at the railway on September 5 and September 6.
The UK’s hottest summer on record, which saw five heatwaves, has been particularly challenging for the railway and even its famous Thomas engine was sidelined for a period.
A spokesperson for the Nene Valley Railway said that Thomas can normally continue operating during steam bans because much of his short branch line journey between Wansford and Yarwell runs through the railway’s tunnel, significantly reducing the risk of lineside fires.
However, this summer conditions were so severe the railway took the decision to suspend his steam operation as well.
The spokesperson said: "It is difficult to put into words just how pleased we are to be able to say that steam is back at the Nene Valley Railway.
"This has been an exceptionally challenging summer. There are occasions when we have to restrict steam operation because of dry conditions, but this year even Thomas had to be sidelined for a while, which demonstrates just how seriously we had to take the fire risk.
“Throughout it all, our staff and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to keep the railway running.
"Our diesel crews in particular have stepped up and taken on a considerable amount of additional work, and we owe them a huge thank you.
"We’d also like to thank our visitors for sticking with us and continuing to support the railway while steam wasn’t available.
"Safety must always come first, but steam is an incredibly important part of what we do.
"Hearing a steam locomotive working along the Nene Valley again this weekend is going to be a very welcome sound.”
Throughout the restrictions, the railway maintained passenger services using its diesel locomotives, railcars and other available traction.
What’s running at Nene Valley Railway?
On September 5, steam engine 656 ‘Doc’ will haul passenger services as part of the railway’s Freedom Travel day, offering unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel along the line.
The celebrations continue on September 6 with the return of the Senior Steam Day, designed for visitors aged 66 and over, it offers up to 15 per cent off travel, alongside a programme celebrating the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the railway.
Visitors can also enjoy shed and signal box tours, miniature, garden and model railways, and live entertainment from The Singing Major between 11:30am and 2:30pm at Wansford Station.
On October 25, Shrek will make a special visit to Wansford Station with a chance to meet everyone’s favourite ogre and enjoy heritage train travel.
The following weekend brings more family fun for Halloween, with Thomas’ Halloween Branch Line Weekend offering train rides with Thomas alongside trick-or-treat fun, while the Wizards Express will bring a little magic to the railway over the Halloween weekend.
The railway will then move into its traditional festive season, with its popular Santa Specials and Thomas Specials returning in the run-up to Christmas.