About NELPG
About Us
The NELPG was formed on 28th October 1966 during a meeting in The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle with one aim – to preserve examples of the last remaining classes of North Eastern Railway locomotives operating on British Railways. One year later, this small band of enthusiasts managed to raise the £1,400 needed to purchase its first locomotive, J27 No. 65894. Immediately after that, all efforts were turned to save the last Q6 No. 63395 in April 1968. Building upon this success, the K1 No 62005 was donated to us in 1972 and, finally, we acquired J72 No.69023 in 1982.
For 60 years the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG) has been the custodian of the last remaining classes of North Eastern Railway locomotives. Not only operating our 4 locomotives, we have also been contracted to overhaul and maintain various other locos as well:
- J94 No. 68030 – full overhaul: Arrived with us in July 2025, overhaul ongoing (owned by North Yorkshire Moors Railway)
- Q7 No. 901 – full overhaul: Ran in service on NYMR from 1991-1998 (part of the National Collection owned by the National Railway Museum)
- A2 No. 60532 “Blue Peter” – full overhaul: Ran in service from 1992-2002 including the National Network (owned at the time by Geoff Drury)
- A4 No. 4464 “Bittern” – cosmetic restoration: Repainted and renumbered to 2509 “Silver Link” from August 1987 to June 1988 for Mallard’s World Record 50th anniversary
Today the locomotives principally operate on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), with visits to other heritage railways. In addition, our K1 class locomotive participates on the ‘Jacobite’ service in Scotland. Where possible, we seek to keep them in full working order for the benefit of enthusiasts’ and public enjoyment.
How Can I Help?
We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, we have no paid members of staff. We are funded predominantly by member subscriptions and have previously raised money through locomotive appeals, but the primary source of our funding for locomotive upkeeps is from donations. No matter what amount, every penny makes a huge difference to our aim. To make a donation to our group please visit our donate page and follow the instructions to donate to the group.
Helping the group doesn’t just stop at donations. We are always welcoming of new members, whether you want to keep updated with the groups work as a member or would like to help in restoring and operating our locomotives. Joining our organisation and helping preserve our unique collection of locomotives doesn’t mean getting your hands dirty (although previous experience isn’t necessary as help, guidance and advice is always available). We have various roles from mechanical, administration, retail and promotion which all help keep the group going and the wheels turning.
We have volunteer bases at Grosmont (on the NYMR), Darlington and, from time to time, at Carnforth. Becoming a member also offers the opportunity to experience steam on the main line.
By becoming a member, you will receive a regular newsletter with up-to-date reporting, notice of social meetings, and the opportunity of seeing your locomotives operating. By becoming a volunteer, you could be hands on, maintaining the locomotives, or assisting in the operation of our charity.
If you would like to become a member of the group, click here to download and fill in a membership form. We look forward to welcoming you to our group and helping us keep our dream alive.
