Scorching weather has led heritage railway near Peterborough to replace vintage steam locomotives with classic diesel trains.

A nationwide ‘steam ban’ has forced the Nene Valley Railway to temporarily stop using steam trains

The ban has been brought in to counter fears that lineside and embankment fires could be sparked by the coal-fired engines which characterise the much-loved heritage locomotives. In addition, these measures have also been brought in to ensure safe working conditions for train crews.

The NVR’s Commercial Manager, Chris O’Regan confirmed the news to the Peterborough Telegraph:

A temporary steam ban has seen most - but not all - of Nene Valley Railway's steam services replaced with heritage diesel trains.

placeholder image — A temporary steam ban has seen most - but not all - of Nene Valley Railway's steam services replaced with heritage diesel trains.

“It has been incredibly hot [so] we are currently in a steam ban,” he said.

“In fact the whole country is in a steam ban - Network Rail have introduced that and we have taken it on as well.”

Chris confirmed that the ban has indeed been introduced to counteract fears of blazes being caused by steam train activity:

“We’ve not been able to run steam [locomotives] as the line sides are so dry due to this prolonged period of hot dry weather [which] creates a significantly high risk of lineside fires - which none of us want.”

While the steam ban is undoubtedly a blow for both the heritage line and steam buffs alike, Chris did have some positive news to share about one of the NVR’s most popular attractions:

“We are very fortunate in that our Thomas… can still run from Wansford to Yarwell and he will be doing so… as most of it is through the tunnel which means the risk of lineside fires is significantly reduced.”