After the reasonably short journey from Shildon to York, we arrived and parked next to the North Yard at the NRM. As we weren’t due to visit the Museum until after closing time, we decided on having a quick look in the Great Hall before heading into York for the afternoon.
We weaved our way in and out of the very impressive collection of Railway History, mainly Loco’s we’ve all heard of such as ‘Evening Star’, the last Steam Loco to be built by BR before the diesels would take precedence, the beautiful LMS ‘Duchess of Hamilton’ with Red and Gold Streamlined Casing, Japan’s 'Bullet' train, the only one to be on display outside it’s country of origin and my Grandad's favourite modern Train.
The NRM has a very special place in my heart having being a regular visitor since I was young and no matter how many times I’ve been, I’m always taken aback at the size of the place and diversity of the historical railway artefacts….and it was no different from today. However….
On a normal day, you can see one of the Museum's Loco's taking pride of place on the turntable in the Great Hall. Many a loco's have stood here over the years such as ‘Mallard’ ‘Tornado’ and the HST Prototype from recent memory. Whichever loco it is is circled by other loco's looking in on them, as if they are a star attraction and I find always makes for a great photo shot. Tonight, they would see possibly the biggest star attraction of them all. For here today, and the main reason for visiting on this date, shrouded in a red cloth, stood the most famous Locomotive of them all ready for its grand unveiling later tonight.....
Until Part 3...
Craig
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