Present-Day Yorkshire Wolds Railway
The YWR operates a short 500-meter line with plans for future extensions as funding and resources allow. Visitors can ride on a small diesel locomotive and learn about the history of the M&DJR through the museum and exhibits. The railway also hosts special events, including vintage vehicle rallies and educational programs, to engage the local community and raise awareness of its historical significance.
Preservation and Rebirth
In 2008, the Yorkshire Wolds Railway Restoration Project was formed with the aim of preserving the history of the M&DJR and reintroducing a working railway to the area. Volunteers began restoring a section of the former railway near Fimber Halt, close to the original station site. The railway opened to the public in 2015, initially offering a short demonstration track and displays about the railway’s history.
History of the Yorkshire Wolds Railway
The Malton and Driffield Junction Railway opened in 1853 to connect the market towns of Malton and Driffield, passing through the rolling Yorkshire Wolds. Known locally as the “Malton Dodger,” the line was built to serve agricultural communities, transporting goods such as livestock and grain. It also provided passenger services, linking rural areas to the mainline railway network. Despite its initial success, passenger numbers began to decline in the 20th century due to competition from road transport. The line was closed to passenger services in 1950, and freight services ceased in 1958, leading to the eventual dismantling of the track.