The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is set to make history by converting its iconic USATC 2253 “Omaha” locomotive from coal to oil. This groundbreaking project will be the first of its kind in the UK since the end of steam.
The conversion is a vital step in securing the future of the country’s busiest heritage railway, as rising coal prices and environmental concerns have posed significant challenges. By switching to oil, the NYMR aims to reduce emissions and ensure the continued operation of its steam trains.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is set to make history by converting its iconic USATC 2253 “Omaha” locomotive from coal to oil. This groundbreaking project will be the first of its kind in the UK since the end of steam.
The conversion is a vital step in securing the future of the country’s busiest heritage railway, as rising coal prices and environmental concerns have posed significant challenges. By switching to oil, the NYMR aims to reduce emissions and ensure the continued operation of its steam trains.
The NYMR will collaborate with US-based FMW Solutions to complete the conversion over the winter of 2024/2025. FMW solutions have extensive experience in in alternative fuel technology.
While acknowledging the importance of coal in railway heritage, NYMR Director of Mechanical Engineering Paul Middleton said: “In recent years, domestic sources for high-quality steam coal have dried up in the U.K. and sourcing coal from across the world is extremely expensive. Pre-pandemic we were paying £165 per ton and at its peak reached £540 per ton.
“The conversion of No. 2253 to oil is key to ensuring the NYMR is resilient and can operate during the peak summer months.”
Login to continue reading
Or register with RAIL to keep up-to-date with the latest news, insight and opinion.
More articles on:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Book your table today for RAIL’s National Rail Awards 2025, celebrating railway excellence from individuals and organisations.
The ‘Railway Oscars’, Britain’s biggest and most respected rail awards ceremony, celebrates outstanding achievements across the industry over the past year, highlighting those which demonstrate innovation and deliver measurable performance improvements.
Those recognised range from senior management to frontline staff, while the event also salutes engineering successes, environmental sustainability, and safety improvements.
All form part of the NRA’s aim to promote the rail industry’s longer-term success and sustainability, in which a highly skilled, diverse, motivated and engaged workforce can thrive under first-class leaders.
ENTER TODAY
Richard is RAIL's Industry Editor. He covers industry news from across the rail sector in the UK - including developments on policy, innovation, manufacturing and the wider industry.
He has written for rail publications across the UK for several years and contributes to news, analysis and features for both web and the magazine.
Login to comment
Comments
No comments have been made yet.