With the long dark nights of January now well established, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced something to look forward to during the upcoming February half-term, from the 15th to the 23rd of February.

North Eastern Railway Electric Autocar No. 3170, will be visiting the Yorkshire Moors courtesy of the NER 1903 Electric Autocar Trust. Its visit to the line is part of the Railway 200 celebrations at the NYMR this year.

Built ahead of its time No. 3170 was the first train in the world to run using an internal combustion engine which generated electric power.

The 1903 Autocar by Vincent Raven also included electric track brakes, and proved its worth at hill climbing, against the steam powered autocars that had already been built by various pre-grouping railway companies.

The Autocar ran until the 1930s when it became holiday accommodation for tourists visiting North Yorkshire.

Since then it has been preserved and restored to full working order, with its appearance at the NYMR this February a fitting tribute to mark Railway 200 so enthusiasts and family’s can experience the pioneering era of the internal combustion engine on rails.

As well as the visit of the Autocar, the North Yorkshire Moors home fleet of steam locomotives will be in operation offering steam train rides through the Moors, where passengers can visit Whitby, Grosmont, Goathland and Pickering stations.

Though a limited service will be running from Goathland to Whitby due signalling works.

Children can enjoy the free download of the February Fun Kid Kit. This information kit is ideal for exploring Grosmont and Goathland Stations and visiting the award-winning Rail Motor Hut and Station Weighbridge Office while learning about their past and preservation, as well as their starring roles in films such as Harry Potter. The Kit also has information on the heritage trains and locomotives.

There is something for everyone in the North Yorkshire moors no matter what age you are. Back in October 2024 many different organisations visited the line, as its a great way to get out and about while enjoying the scenery that the Yorkshire Moors has to offer.

“The NER Electric Autocar is a great example of early railway innovation, and we are so glad to feature it as part of our February half-term activities. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to experience a piece of railway history while enjoying the magic of NYMR’s steam services.”

Laura Strangeway, CEO of the NYMR