Steam locomotives to be replaced during hot spell

The Nene Valley Railway runs between Peterborough and Yarwell, with stops at Orton Mere, Overton Station, and Wansford

A heritage railway has replaced its steam services for diesel for a second weekend.

The Nene Valley Railway (NVR) in Peterborough made the switch because of the hot weather and an increased risk of fire.

It said sparks from its steam locomotives, either from the chimney or ashpan, could easily ignite dry grass and vegetation, especially when carried on the wind.

The changes have also been made to protect crews as the temperature of the fireboxes in their steam locomotives can rise to more than 400C (752F).

The Thomas Branch Line will still run at the weekend as its locomotive is smaller and travels through a tunnel

With the weather set to reach temperatures of up to 30C, the spokesperson said reducing its steam operations "helps us ensure safe working conditions for our teams".

They added: "Due to the ongoing extremely hot and dry weather, our lineside fields and embankments are at an elevated risk of fire.

"To help manage this risk, we're temporarily replacing some steam-hauled services with our heritage diesel locomotives.

"These diesels pose no fire risk to the lineside, allowing us to continue safe and enjoyable operations."

NVR said the Thomas Branch Line would still run at the weekend as it uses a smaller steam locomotive over a shorter section of line between Wansford and Yarwell, via Wansford Tunnel.

"The tunnel provides a cooler environment for our crews and reduces fire risk, making it ideal for operation in hot weather," the spokesperson added.

"Additionally, due to Thomas's size and lighter workload, the physical demands on the crew—especially the fireman—are significantly lower."

NVR is one of the UK's leading charity heritage railways. Last year it launched an urgent appeal to raise £300,000 to keep it running in the face of financial challenges, and has since raised £120,000.