Steam locomotive Sir Nigel Gresley at Heaton depot open day will headline a major public event in Newcastle this September, offering rare access to one of Britain’s oldest train depots. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Steam locomotive Sir Nigel Gresley at Heaton depot open day will headline a major public event in Newcastle this September, offering rare access to one of Britain’s oldest train depots
Source, photo: RailAdvent

Northern will host the event on the weekend of September 20–21 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Heaton TrainCare Centre. As part of the national Railway 200 celebration, the open day promises visitors an up-close look at the heritage and modern operations behind UK rail.

Don’t miss…Montreal REM Shutdown to Last Until Mid-August 2025

Historic Steam Power Meets Modern Rail Innovation

To lead the lineup, the legendary LNER A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley will be on display. Fully restored and steeped in history, this iconic steam locomotive will draw both rail fans and curious newcomers. Organizers have planned a broad mix of exhibits, blending past and present.

Visitors will also see Northern’s regional Class 15x diesel multiple units, along with modern fleets from London North Eastern Railway and TransPennine Express. Additional heritage trains will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours, Family Fun, and Charity Support

Beyond the rolling stock, guided tours will take guests through Heaton’s active maintenance facilities, offering insight into the work that keeps rail services running. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, food vendors, and hands-on experiences throughout the day.

Tickets will go on sale later this month. Entry costs £12 for adults and £5 for children under 16, with morning or afternoon options available. Proceeds will support local charities chosen by the TrainCare team and Northern’s official partner, the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Heaton’s open day joins a select group of rare public rail events hosted by operators like Direct Rail Services and London Transport Museum’s Acton site. Because of the unique opportunity and the event’s historical importance, strong public interest is expected — so early booking is advised.

Source, photo: RailAdvent

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Very Light Rail Innovation Centre enters crisis

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit