On a warm and sunny day, our group travelled from the MKM Stadium aboard one of Acklam’s modern coaches, driven meticulously by Ollie, for a visit to the historic Scunthorpe Steelworks Railway. Excitement was high throughout the comfortable journey across the Humber Bridge to Lincolnshire, and upon arrival, we received a warm welcome from the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society (RPS), who would host us for the day.
Our train was hauled by NCB No. 4 Area No. 54, a beautifully preserved Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank steam locomotive built in 1952. Originally employed by the National Coal Board in County Durham, the engine spent many years hauling coal wagons before being saved from scrapping by preservation enthusiasts. Seeing the locomotive in steam, with the distinctive smell of coal smoke and hot oil, provided a wonderful reminder of Britain’s industrial railway heritage.
The journey took us around the vast Scunthorpe steelworks complex, offering a rare opportunity to travel behind a steam locomotive through a working industrial site. The sights and sounds were unforgettable: towering cranes, sprawling rail yards, distant machinery, and the steady beat of the locomotive echoed around the steelworks, creating a unique industrial atmosphere.
One of the most striking aspects of the visit was the sheer scale of the site. We learned that the steelworks perimeter stretches for around 14 miles, while its internal railway network extends to more than 100 miles of track. The complex felt like a town, with roads, workshops, rolling mills and industrial plants stretching as far as the eye could see.
Our knowledgeable guide provided fascinating insights into the steelmaking process and introduced us to the famous blast furnaces known as the “Four Queens of Steel” – Bessie, Annie, Victoria and Mary. These iconic furnaces became symbols of Scunthorpe’s industrial strength and played a central role in steel production for many years.
We were also impressed to learn that some of the highest-quality steel in the world is produced at Scunthorpe, particularly for railway rails that support rail networks across Britain and around the globe. The tour highlighted not only the importance of steelmaking but also modern recycling practices, including the reuse of slag, a by-product of steel production, in the manufacture of other materials.
A further point of interest was learning that the coal used to fire our locomotive had travelled from Colombia, illustrating the global links that continue to support British industry today.
At lunchtime, the Railway Preservation Society provided an excellent buffet featuring sandwiches, savoury treats, homemade cakes, and refreshments. The hospitality shown by the volunteers was greatly appreciated and added to the enjoyment of the day.
The visit also included time exploring the RPS workshops and museum, where we gained an insight into the dedication and craftsmanship involved in restoring and maintaining historic locomotives and railway equipment. The displays and restoration projects demonstrated the invaluable work carried out by the society to preserve an important part of Britain’s industrial past.
Overall, the visit was both educational and enjoyable. The combination of steam railway travel, the opportunity to see a working steelworks, and the dedication of the Railway Preservation Society’s volunteers created a memorable and highly informative experience. Everyone left with a greater appreciation of both the steel industry and the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep this remarkable railway heritage alive.
Bill Failey UTT
Group Photo with Acklams Elite Travel Happy members on the Acklams Elite coach
NCB No. 4 Area No. 54, a beautifully preserved Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank steam locomotive built in 1952 1
Hit the buffers in the sweltering heat
