October 2026 sees the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group celebrate its Diamond Jubilee!
In 1966, steam was starting to disappear from Britain’s railways, with a potential for it to become a mere memory, a small group of determined enthusiasts came together on 28th October 1966 in The Bridge Hotel in Newcastle with a shared vision: To preserve North East steam for future generations to experience and enjoy for themselves. Sixty years on and that vision continues to thrive!
From modest beginnings, our group has evolved, operating four steam locomotives, all with ties to the North East of England – a region with an identity inseparable from the story of the railway. Over the years, our engines have hauled services and special excursions among many preserved railways round the country – delighting enthusiasts and families alike.
However, it is not just about metal and loco motion – it is also about the volunteers who, through hard work and dedication, help keep that vision alive! With a membership of over 500 people, a healthy portion of that actively work hard to keep our locomotives (and the group) running.
Generations of volunteers have given their time, skills, and passion to keep these locomotives alive. Engineers, firemen, drivers, fundraisers and supporting members – all have played their part.
What Have We Achieved?
In our 60 years of existence, the group has achieved a remarkable amount. From restoring, repairing and overhauling the 4 locos of our own, we have also been custodians of several locomotives to help upkeep, alongside special milestones we are proud to have been a part of. The timeline below illustrates some important points in our history:
Group Formation
NELPG was founded in The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle on 28th October 1966.
Group Purchases First Loco
The group purchases J27 65894 from British Railways on 1st December 1967.
NYMR Opening Train
Along with being closely involved in the establishment of the NYMR, the group also supplied crews and our P3 2392 for the first passenger hauled service on 1st May 1973.
S&D 175 Celebrations
NELPG provided 4 locos to feature at the Stockton & Darlington 150 celebrations in 1975 as well as playing a major role in organising the event.
K1 Goes To Scotland
Although first appearing on the mainline in 1985, K1 (6)2005 started hauling services on the West Highland Line in 1987 – and to this day still features as a regular loco on the ever popular service ‘The Jacobite’.
Blue Peter Steams Again
As custodians, NELPG successfully overhaul A2 60532 “Blue Peter” to working order, hauling its first passenger trains in December 1991, returning to the mainline in March 1992.
Weardale Opening Train
We once again supplied P3 2392 as the loco to haul the first passenger service over the Weardale Railway in July 2004.
S&D 200 Celebrations
The group took part in the bicentennial of the Stockton & Darlington throughout 2025, including the Q6 at Shildon, P3 at Stainmore Railway and both locos on static display at Hopetown Darlington.
HRA Awards
In 2017, a year after celebrating our 50th anniversary, we were pleased to be presented the Large Group award from the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) with the citation of “providing the defining backbone of North Eastern steam preservation over 50 years”. In 2026, the year in which we celebrate 60 years, we were commended on the work we carried out in fabricating a new cylinder for Q6 63395.
A4 4464 “Bittern” / 2509 “Silver Link“
The locomotive, owned by Mr Drury at the time, arrived with us at the same time as 60532 with the aim of cosmetically restoring it, and renumbering to 2509 Silver Link to take part in the 50th anniversary of class-sister 4468 Mallard‘s world record breaking run of 1938, featuring in a lineup outside the York museum in June 1988 alongside Mallard and 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley.
Q7 63640/901
Owned by the National Railway Museum as part of the National Collection, the Q7 was delivered (as BR 63640) to Grosmont ready for the overhaul to begin. Work began in 1983 and, after a lengthy process, the locomotive entered traffic hauling trains over the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in September 1990. A stalwart of the 90s, the locomotive was withdrawn from service in September 1998.
A2 60532 “Blue Peter“
As mentioned previous, the locomotive, owned at the time by Geoff Drury, was delivered to our works at ICI Wilton in December 1986 where the overhaul was carried out. After a naming ceremony by TV’s Blue Peter presenter Dianne-Louse Jordan, the locomotive commenced a successful (and on a certain October day in 1994, eventful) run in preservation, eventually bowing out of service in November 2002.
J94 68030
The locomotive, which was donated to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, was moved in July 2025 to our works at the 1861 Shed, Darlington for restoration to service by the group. Work is currently ongoing and can be seen as part of the monthly open days.
Preserving More Than Machines
The restoration and overhaul of a steam locomotive is no small undertaking. It demands craftsmanship, patience, and dedication. That we continue to maintain and operate four locomotives 60 years after our founding is a testament to the commitment of everyone involved. Knowledge, that would otherwise be a distant memory, has been passed down, friendships have been formed, and countless hours devoted to ensuring these remarkable machines remain operational and the group lives on.
Looking To The Future
As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee in 2026, we reflect with pride on what has been achieved since our founding. From early preservation battles to major overhauls, special anniversaries, and memorable main line appearances, our story is one of perseverance and passion.
But this milestone is not only about the past, it is about the future….
With continued dedication, our locomotives will operate for decades to come — educating and inspiring the next generation of volunteers to help carry our legacy forward, to tell a story and connect people to the rich railway heritage of the North East.
If you aren’t already, why not become a member and be a part of our history, our heritage and help keep the group moving forwards! Click here to start your membership and we look forward to having you on board.
With Thanks
To everyone who has supported the group since 1966 — members past and present, volunteers, partner railways, sponsors, and friends — thank you. Your commitment has made 60 years of preservation possible.
Here’s to the next chapter!
