Railway photographers and enthusiasts gathered at Leeming Bar Station on Saturday, 25 January, for a unique evening photo shoot hosted by Wensleydale Railway. The event offered over 20 photographers the chance to capture stunning images of the railway’s recently acquired Class 47 diesel locomotive, number 47714, in various locations around the station.
The event was organised by members of the railway’s Diesel Traction team and provided participants with exclusive access to areas that are normally closed to the public. Funds raised from the evening will go toward the repairs and repainting of 47714, scheduled to begin soon.
The star of the evening, the Class 47 locomotive, also known as a Brush Type 4 diesel, is a classic of British engineering. Built between 1962 and 1968 by Brush Traction in Loughborough and British Railways’ Crewe factory, 512 Class 47s were originally produced. The railway’s new addition, 47714, arrived at Leeming Bar on 11 November 2024 after being purchased from The Harry Needle Railroad Company in Derbyshire.
Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Wensleydale Railway, said, “This is the first time in many years that we’ve hosted a photo shoot event at the railway. It was very well supported, and we will certainly consider organising similar events like this again. We are grateful to the organisers Tom Robson, Rob Cooper-Williamson & Chris Gee and to everyone who supported this event on a rather cold Burns Night!”
The railway’s 2025 operating season is set to begin during the February half-term holiday, starting with a Valentine’s Day Lunch Train on 16 February. The full running schedule will launch on 1 March and continue until 19 October, with the festive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides returning in November and December.
Wensleydale Railway’s Diesel Traction team is already looking ahead to hosting more events like the photo shoot to engage enthusiasts and fund future projects. For more information about upcoming events and the 2025 season, visit the Wensleydale Railway website.
