More than 21 windows were smashed across East Lancashire Railway (ELR) heritage coaching stock and a privately owned diesel railcar set currently undergoing renovation.
There was evidence of attempted arson along with shattered windows and fixtures being ripped apart.
The incident took place between Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 at the ELR Baron Street site.
The cost of the damage is expected to exceed £5,000 for the glass replacement and labour alone.
The carriages represent years of dedicated restoration work carried out by unpaid volunteers and supported by donations.
The ELR opened as a heritage railway in 1987 and hosts around 200,000 visitors annually.
Mike Kelly, chairman of the ELR said: “Like many heritage organisations, we continue to face rising costs for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and security.
“We remain committed to operating for the benefit of local families, tourism, and the preservation of historical transport – but incidents like this place an even greater strain on our limited resources.
“We are calling on the support of our community during this difficult time.
“We won’t allow this act of mindless destruction to derail the important work we do – but we cannot do it alone.”
ELR is asking people to visit, volunteer or consider making a donation to help meet the cost of the repairs.
The damage comes nearly a year after nine windows of the ELR’s Mark 1 Buffet Carriage were smashed at around 3pm on May 30 at its Baron Street engineering workshop in the Buckley Wells depot.
About £2,000 worth of damage was caused to the carriage were smashed, leaving broken glass both inside and outside the train.
If you have any information about the latest vandalism contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
