10:12am Monday 6th September 2010
A NORTH-EAST railway museum is marking its sixth anniversary with a steam gala.
The event takes place at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, in Shildon, County Durham, on Saturday, and Sunday, September 25 and 26.
The theme will be centred around the LNER A4 class locomotives and their designer, Sir Nigel Gresley.
This month is the 75th anniversary of the inaugural journey by the first LNER A4 class locomotive, No. 2509 Silver Link, built by Sir Nigel to pull a new train called the Silver Jubilee from London King’s Cross to Newcastle.
The steam gala will also feature LNER A4 class 4468 Mallard, holder of the world speed record for steam traction by rail, guest locomotive LNER D49 class No. 246 Morayshire, which was built at the LNER Darlington Works in 1928 and is the only surviving example of the class, and the last remaining GNR N2 class locomotive, No. 1744.
The North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group’s J72 class locomotive 69023 Joem, the Furness Railway No. 20, and historic model Orion – owned by the Stephenson Locomotive Society – will also be on show.
The South Durham Model Engineers are providing a miniature railway and there will be vintage traction engines on display, a fair organ, displays and stalls from local railway heritage societies and preserved lines, and a selection of model railway layouts and traders.
The event runs from 10am to 5pm on both days. Entry and parking are free.
Meanwhile, there will be an evening photography session on Friday, September 24, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, for enthusiasts to take pictures of the engines being prepared for the weekend.
Tickets cost £7.50 and must be booked. For details, email locomotion@nrm.org.uk or call 01388-771439.
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