Model Railway Exhibition

I've been really busy at the moment with work giving me very little to blog about, however, with the Bank Holiday Weekend upon us, I am happy to say I will be attending the Blyth & Tyne Model Railway Club's Annual Exhibition held at The Parks Sports Centre, North Shields (see here for their website) I'll be visiting with my Grandad on Saturday and hope to catch Chris Heath, who's blog you can find here.
Until then, here's a few pictures that managed to slip the net whilst uploading my photos of my Railway Adventures in and around the Lake District in July. I actually took them whilst visiting the South Lakes Zoo. It's a short 7 1/4 inch miniature railway that runs parallel to the Tiger Enclosure. The train is 50p per ride and all monies raised goes to a charity that ensures the survival of some of the worlds most endangered species of Tigers.

Steam loco 'Guillaura' with a 0-4-0ST+T wheel arrangement awaits it's next

service in the loco shed at the end of the line.

Diesel Loco '4' with a 0-4-0PH wheel arrangement built in 2001

The raised level section which allows better views
into the tiger enclosure

Two of my favorite things in close proximity, Trains and Big Cats.

Until next time.....

A4 Reunion?

After finding out about the possibility of the remaining Class 55 'Deltics' appearing together at Locomotion Shildon (see here), it has come to my attention that there is plans to bring the remaining 6 Class A4's together for the 75th Anniversary of the run that saw A4 No. 4468 'Mallard's set a world record by becoming the fastest steam locomotive ever, a record that remains intact today.

The National Railway Museum are planning to bring the four based in the UK, No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley', 60009 'Union of South Africa', 60019 'Bittern' (who is currently carrying the guise of sister loco 4492 'Dominion of New Zealand') and 4468 'Mallard' together, plus have queried the possibility of loaning both 60008 'Dwight D. Eisenhower' from is static museum home at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin in the States and 60010 'Dominion of Canada' which is based in Montreal, Canada at the Canadian Railroad Museum for this special event.

4468 'Mallard' still the fastest steam locomotive ever.

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' resident at the NYMR

60009 'Union of South Africa'

60019 'Bittern' in it's original form

60008 'Dwight D. Eisenhower' at the National Railroad Musuem, USA

60010 'Dominion of Canada' at the Canadian Railroad Museum

Sources at the NRM say it is only early days, but I'm very excited at seeing all 6 A4's together again. I will update the blog as I find out more details.

Until then.....

Mallard's Return

The fastest Steam Locomotive in the world has returned to York after spending a year at Shildon's Locomotion Museum. Originally hauled northwards by 60163 'Tornado' in 2010, she was returned 'home' by 5972 'Olton Hall' (otherwise known as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films) on July the 19th.

'Olton Hall' No 5972 hauls No. 4468 'Mallard' on the ECML heading
towards York's NRM.

She will be on York's turntable from July 22nd and right throughout August after replacing LNER Class A3 No. 4472 'Flying Scotsman' as it's main summer attraction after 4472 was found to have further problems with more cracks appearing in the chassis during the final stretch of her 6 year restoration project.

It's great to see 4468 being back in York as that's where I and most people remember her being, although I fear it will dent the popularity of Locomotion for a short while. But with plenty attractions coming soon I'm sure it won't be too long until they replace 'Mallard' with other attractions.

Until next time....