Reviving a Legacy: North-East Manufacturer Joins Forces with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
In a bid to ensure the continued operation of the historic steam engines at the 187-year-old North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the expertise of Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, a North-East manufacturer with over a century of experience, has been called upon.
Earlier this year, Armstrong Oilers, a business specializing in axle lubrication for heritage locomotives and part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railways trust in Grosmont, reached out to Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, based in Washington, Tyne and Wear. They were facing challenges in finding a supplier capable of manufacturing a specialized component for the axle lubrication system of a steam engine, and sought assistance from Fairgrieve.
Working from drawings and tooling designs, Fairgrieve sourced materials with optimal friction and thermal properties. The product underwent rigorous trials and testing before entering full production. Thanks to the exceptional molding skills of the Fairgrieve team, the specialized parts were successfully manufactured and promptly delivered. Despite the harsh conditions they will endure, the parts are expected to last for up to 20 years.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
Barry Davidson, the general manager of Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, shared his insights: “This project presented a unique contrast to the modern, high-tech challenges we typically encounter at Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, where we are accustomed to developing aerospace parts, missile tips, marine engineering components, and electrical parts for hazardous mining environments.”
Davidson further added, “We had to tap into an era when British manufacturing and engineering were carried out with the utmost precision and quality, without the engineering software, computer modeling, and CAD/CAM design facilities that we now take for granted.”
During the delivery of the products, Mr. Davidson and factory supervisor Jon Hutchinson personally visited the customer. They took the opportunity to explore the facilities and meet the team of dedicated engineers who work tirelessly to restore, maintain, and preserve the many classic steam locomotives, some dating back over a century.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, an award-winning heritage railway with a remarkable 187-year history, attracts approximately 350,000 visitors annually. It is operated by a charitable trust that owns and manages around 18 miles of railway, winding through the breathtaking North Yorkshire countryside between Pickering and Whitby.
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Reflecting on the visit, Mr. Davidson expressed his delight, saying, “We were like two little schoolboys during our visit. The steam locomotives and the more modern diesel engines, some dating back to the 1950s, are incredible pieces of British history. As manufacturers and engineers ourselves, it was humbling to witness the dedication of so many engineers and volunteers who generously contribute their time to support the full-time crews responsible for the restoration, maintenance, and operation of these magnificent steam engines from the past.”
Fairgrieve Compression Moulding’s collaboration with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway exemplifies the harmonious blend of craftsmanship, precision engineering, and a deep appreciation for preserving history. Through such partnerships, the heritage of steam locomotives remains alive and cherished, captivating generations to come with their timeless charm and engineering marvel.
