The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is excited to announce the successful conversion of steam locomotive USATC 2253 ‘Omaha’ from coal to oil. This milestone marks the first full-size steam locomotive oil conversion in the UK since the end of steam, and represents a major step forward in future-proofing the busiest heritage railway in the country.
No. 2253 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in America and shipped to Britain in May 1943 to work on the LNER from its base at Neville Hill depot at Leeds. Designed by the United States Army Transportation Corps, No. 2253 was one of 800 “S160-Class” locomotives manufactured in North America and shipped to Great Britain in support of the war effort. Following the end of the Second World War, it was bought by the Polish State Railway and became TR203-288. It was brought back to Britain in 1992 after reportedly having a full overhaul and, in 2013, No. 2253 was sold to Peter Best.
The NYMR Engineering Department carried out the oil conversion with expert support from FMW Solutions, a US-based railroad contractor and consulting firm, which specialises in mechanical and engineering design and alternative fuel technology and research. Key components were manufactured at FMW workshops in Tennessee and by the NYMR at Grosmont, ensuring a seamless transatlantic collaboration.
As part of the commissioning, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will be trialling cold pressed rapeseed oil. Working with Phoenix Group, this sustainable fuel would be a step forward in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. No modification is required to burn different types of liquid fuel which helps with development in fuel supplies in the future.
Paul Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at the NYMR, said: “Completing the oil conversion of No. 2253 is a huge achievement for the railway. This project not only advances our sustainability strategy by reducing particulate emissions but also ensures operational resilience during hot weather periods. With the cost and availability of high-quality steam coal becoming increasingly challenging, converting Omaha to oil secures the future of steam operations for our visitors and volunteers alike.”
‘Omaha’ will return to service as part of the NYMR home fleet locomotives this summer. The railway’s long term plan also includes the conversion of the locomotive No. 3672 ‘Dame Vera Lynn’, the austerity class locomotive, which the railway, alongside dedicated volunteers are proactively fundraising to get the engine back operationally.
For more information on the NYMR, visit www.nymr.co.uk.
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