ONE of the biggest rail festivals ever to be held in Britain gets under way today in the city that became wealthy with the arrival of the train.

History-makers and record-breakers from all over the country have converged on York for the nine-day Railfest.

Staged by the National Railway Museum (NRM), the event marks 200 years of progress since the world's first steam locomotive ran in 1804.

More than 60,000 people are expected to flock to the city by next Sunday, when the festivities come to an end.

Awaiting them will be steam icons like the Flying Scotsman, the City of Truro, 100 years after its 100mph run, Olton Hall, star of the Harry Potter films, and a fully operational replica of Stephenson's Rocket.

There will be demonstrations of the world's only working replica of the very first steam locomotive, Penydarren, along with a chance to admire the UK's most recent rail innovations like the Pendolino tilting train.

Steam train rides, live theatre and music, traditional funfair attractions, classic film footage and a Great Railway Bazaar are also planned.

"The birth of the railways was a turning point in history and the bicentenary of the first locomotive presents an ideal opportunity for the nation, and indeed the world, to celebrate 200 years of progress," said the head of the NRM, Andrew Scott.

"We hope that Railfest will provide a focus for those celebrations with an outstanding family event offering the industry a showcase for their most recent innovations, as well as an entertaining day out for visitors of all ages."

The Leeman Road site of the museum has been extended for the festival and additional track has been laid.

Some of the country's rarest narrow and standard gauge locomotives will be offering rides during the festival, including the rarely seen Sutton Collection of 15in gauge trains and Prince, the oldest working narrow-gauge locomotive in the world.

And there is The Slinger, a £2.2m track installation system four times faster than conventional methods of laying track.

Designed and built by Jarvis Rail in York, the Slinger can lay track in lengths of 240 metres at a time.

Published: 29/05/2004