The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is asking for help to fix one of its most popular steam trains.
‘The Green Knight’ locomotive has been out of service since 2015 because of a crack in its firebox, the part where the fire heats the water to make steam.
The railway needs to raise £400,000 to fix the train, with an initial goal of £200,000 to get the work started.
Paul Middleton, who is in charge of fixing the trains at the railway, explained why this locomotive is so important: “The Green Knight is a true workhorse for us. It can handle many different jobs, including running on the main railway line to Whitby. We really need it back in service.”
The restoration will include making a brand-new copper firebox that should last for about 60 years.
How to Help
The railway has set up a special group called “The Round Table Club” for people who donate to the project. Members will get updates about the restoration and invitations to special events.
You can join by:
- Giving £30 to become a club member
- Donating £100 to sponsor one of the 1,600 parts needed for the boiler
- Contributing £2,000 to be one of just ten people who can write their name on the locomotive
The project is happening during the Railway 200 anniversary year, which celebrates 200 years of passenger railways in Britain.
Share Your Memories
The railway is also asking people to share their memories of The Green Knight. Maybe you saw it carrying the Olympic Torch, or you have photos from family trips to the Yorkshire Moors.
You can email your stories to fundraising@nymr.co.uk or share them on social media with #RestoreTheGreenKnight.
The work will be done by the railway’s team of staff, volunteers, and apprentices, helping to train the next generation of engineers who can keep these historic trains running.
To donate or learn more about the project, visit www.nymr.co.uk/thegreenknight.
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