I was recently informed that we are staying overnight at the youngsters’ house.  Then going on a surprise trip.  This was to be a late birthday present.  Possibly my second favourite place…….?

After an early start, we arrived at our destination in York. We are at the National Railway Museum.   The photograph shows (in my opinion) one of the star attractions.    All train buffs will recognise the locomotive.  For the uninitiated, the locomotive is Mallard.  The world’s fastest steam locomotive.

On the way there, the visit conjured up memories from a very early age.  A long time ago, when in primary school, we visited London on a two day trip.  One of the stops on the tour was a visit to the Museum Of British Transport at Clapham.  On display amongst other exhibits was Mallard.  The memory I took away from Clapham as a youngster, was that it was dark, gloomy and silent.  I hoped that York would be a different.

Indeed it was. First stop in the Great Hall was for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.  The Great Hall is where most of the engines are displayed.  It was light and vibrant. Most but not all of the engines were displayed around the turntable.  There is one exhibit of local significance.  A small narrow gauge locomotive called Pete.  It is a surviving engine of the Crewe Works internal railway. Now long gone but emphasised just how vast the Crewe Works site was.

One of the other stars in the Great Hall is Rocket.  Although it looks different from textbook illustrations.  The display explains that the locomotive was continually modified to increase performance until it was superseded.  Not unlike product development today.

The Station Hall is very impressive.  It was dark, but not gloomy.  Simulating a working station.  A nice clock at the entrance.  Some impressive trains stationed at the platforms’.  The side exhibits are also very informative.  Enjoyed a very nice lunch there.

The North Shed is packed with train memorabilia of all sorts.  Very impressive collection.  We skipped the Flying Scotsman VR experience as we had to keep an eye on the youngster.  The signalling display was also very interesting.

The internal and the outside play areas’ were voted a hit by our granddaughter. The catering facilities are excellent.  Although there is building work taking place this did not detract from the visit.  Although I hope the large steam crane outside is restored soon.  It looks a bit forlorn at present.

Recommend that you visit as there is plenty to see.  It is suggested that you book a time slot to visit online and admission is free.  This is similar to the system Jodrell Bank use.  Definitely my second favourite place!

While the company is not as old as some of the exhibits in the museum, we are available to discuss future work!