FAMILIES and enthusiasts ensured the Steam Spectacular was a success on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Railway bosses reported that the popular annual event was even busier this year than in the past.

Seven locomotives were in operation last Friday, Saturday and Sunday along the Railway Children heritage line.

Highlights included a debut appearance by the prestige express locomotive 34092 Wells, and a rare appearance by LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ which was restored by the Bahamas Locomotive Society.

Also taking part in the Steam Spectacular were engines including 5820 Big Jim, in its USA grey plumage, and a long-term visitor to the K&WVR, Black 5 No 45305.

Railway spokesman Jim Shipley said the line was a very busy throughout the three days.

He said: “It was busier than anticipated, more than the normal turn-out for this sort of event at this time of year.

“Traditionally Friday attracts the older enthusiasts, and Saturday was very busy with predominately hard-core enthusiasts. Sunday was a pleasant mix of enthusiasts and families."

Mr Shipley said the well-publicised appearance of Wells – named after the city of Wells, near Bath, in Somerset – drew many railway enthusiasts because the engine had only just returned to operation after many years.

He said children also loved Wells because it was a “big, shiny and glamorous”.

Mr Shipley said the line-up of locomotives included two that were owned by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, and had returned to operation only recently.

He added: “There were also lots of historic things to see, including goods trains.

“The guided tours of the sheds were so popular that we had to double-up. They are areas not normally open to the public.”

The railway promoted the Steam Spectacular as an opportunity for railway enthusiasts to take excellent photographs of both passenger and goods trains.

Steam lovers could take non-stop journeys and down the line, as well as travel on “double headers” with a locomotive at each end.

Visitors were offered the opportunity to climb on board the footplate of some locomotives, chat to the driver and blow the whistle.

Also in use during the weekend was the Hudswell Clarke 704 Nunlow engine, which is the responsibility of the Bahamas Locomotive Society, based at Ingrow station.

There was a special night photo shoot on the Friday Friday at Keighley station featuring the West County Class 34092 loco, which recently returned to operation, and the Midland 4F 43924.