article: Steaming into action, the lovingly restored locomotives of the world’s most popular heritage railway have kicked off their three day spring gala. The classic steam engines took to the tracks of the North Yorkshire Moors railway today, hauling passengers between Pickering and Whitby. In scenes that harked back to a bygone age, the perfectly restored steam engines were out in force on the scenic railway for the three-day Spring Steam Gala which saw crowds flock to witness the annual event. Scroll down for video . The classic steam engines took to the tracks of the North Yorkshire Moors railway today, hauling passengers between Pickering and Whitby . Early this morning a team of firemen, fitters and cleaners lovingly polished the steam trains at Grosmount engine shed in preparation . Train enthusiasts will be able to make the most of the beautiful moors scenery on board seven preserved engines form the golden age of steam and pistons. Star attractions on the first day of the Spring Steam Gala included classic locomotives LNER 61994 ‘The Great Marquess’, LMS 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’, LNER 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, and Standard Class 75029 ‘The Green Knight’. Early this morning a team of firemen, fitters and cleaners lovingly polished the steam trains at Grosmount engine shed in preparation for their day on the tracks. The event continues throughout the weekend and vistors can also attend the event during 24-26 April. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway was amongst 5,000 miles of track and 2,300 stations closed by Dr Richard Beeching following his report released on March 27, 1963. While The railway line was axed during Beeching's brutal cuts 50 year ago but has now survived to become the world's busiest steam heritage route. In scenes that harked back to a bygone age, the perfectly restored steam engines were out in force on the scenic railway for the three-day Spring Steam Gala . Star attractions on the first day of the Spring Steam Gala included classic locomotives LNER 61994 ‘The Great Marquess’, LMS 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’, and LNER 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ The Spring Steam Gala will continue tomorrow and Sunday and includes model railway layout displays at Pickering Station . However, it was one of the first to reopen, in 1973, using old steam locomotives. It is now the most popular heritage route in the world, ferrying passengers between Pickering, Grosmont and Whitby. It carries about 350,000 passengers during the 260 days of the year it is open and employs about 100 full-time, paid staff and hundreds of volunteers. The Spring Steam Gala will continue tomorrow and Sunday and includes model railway layout displays at Pickering Station. Classic train-spotters were able to enjoy a few ales and pasties aboard the trains with the return of the Pie and Pea special special and rail ale service, and all for a good . The North Yorkshire Moors Railway was amongst 5,000 miles of track closed by Dr Richard Beeching following his 1963 report . It carries about 350,000 passengers over 260 days of the year it is open and employs about 100 full-time, paid staff and hundreds of volunteers .
highlights: Steam engines draw crowds at the world's busiest heritage railway as North Yorkshire Moors begins its spring gala .
  Train enthusiasts will ride aboard seven trains between Pickering and Whitby over the course of the three day event .
  Teams of firemen, fitters and cleaners prepared the steam engines this morning ahead of the family favourite gala .
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   restored steam engines were out in force on 
   scenic railway for 
   annual event 
   classic steam engines took to the tracks of the North Yorkshire Moors railway today, hauling passengers between Pickering and Whitby . 
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   locomotives 
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   day on 
   24 - 26 April 
   Railway was 
   5 , 000 miles of track and 2 , 300 stations closed by 
   three - day Spring Steam Gala . 
   will continue tomorrow 
   Sunday 
  