Vandals ruin antique train carriages used for popular TV shows
Vandals have caused “significant criminal damage” to antique train carriages that are regularly used in period television dramas including Downton Abbey and Dad’s Army.
The incident followed a '60s alcohol-fuelled festival which welcomed thousands to enjoy live music just metres away from where the carriages were vandalised.
It is believed the carriages were targeted because they were parked in a siding at Pickering according to North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
General manager Chris Price said, “We were absolutely devastated to discover that the carriages had been damaged overnight.”
“Until the set has been completely assessed we will not know the full extent of the damage caused.”
“I doubt very much that the set will run again in the 2017 season.”
Supporters have already donated hundreds of pounds towards the repair of the antique carriages, which is thought to cost thousands to restore.
The carriages, dating from 1930 to 1950, have appeared in various films and TV shows.
North Yorkshire Police said the vandals smashed windows to gain access to the train compartments and then proceeded to trash the carriages between 10 pm on Saturday and 7 am on Sunday.
The carriages are owned and maintained by the London and North Eastern Railway Coach Association (LNERCA), a charitable organisation that restores heritage coaches for use on the NYMR.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a historic line in Britain, takes visitors on journeys along an 18-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains.
“What has been a busy and enjoyable weekend for all those involved in the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, has now been overshadowed by this mindless act of vandalism,” said North Yorkshire Police Inspector Martin Dennison.
“There is understandably a feeling of anger and outrage among the community and police are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”