Once upon a time in Yorkshire...

[nkp_174]

I believe that the National Railway Museum in York, England is the world's largest rail museum...and possesses the largest collection of steam locomotives. They have everything from 1830s locomotives to the Evening Star (last new British Steam locomotive)...as well as diesels and famous locomotives.

Twice I've had the pleasure of visiting there, and I plan to return a few more times. If you ever find yourself in England, I highly encourage stopping by.

When you walk in, you are greeted by a turntable...and they have demonstrations all over the museum throughout the day.




This locomotive is very fortunate to have been preserved. She operated on the London, Brighton, & South Coast. I've traveled the entire length of the Brighton Line (but starting a Victoria instead of London Bridge), and really enjoyed it. The colour was probably a bit brighter when new...


My least favorite British steam...Southern 0-6-0s...




This sure looks like Midland maroon to me...


There are many of these pacifics which have survived...and this is the best description I've ever seen of a steam locomotive...plus the drivers revolve so that you can see how the valve gear functions...














This is the most beautiful dynamometer car I've ever seen


The British did build 4-8-4s...they just didn't have any until the Chinese donated this British product to the NRM.


This decapod was built in the same year that the N&W became the last class 1 to end major steam operations. The BR pulled the plug (or perhaps dropped the fires) on its steam in 1967. I had the good fortune of seeing one of her sisters under steam later in the trip.


The Japanese donated one the 1st generation Shinkansens to the NRM


It sits next to the 126mph Mallard


and it is next to their replica of the Rocket. What's left of the original Rocket is in the London Science Museum...alongside the oldest steam locomotive in the world.




The classic V2, the Green Arrow. I love the LNER green.


The Flying Scotsman was torn apart alongside the Green Arrow


And a predecessor to the Flying Scotsman was near bye...a Stirling Single...


Not certain, but I believe the engine on the right is from the SECR...very pretty...and pulling a Pullman. The SECR, LBSC, and L&SWR became the Southern when the national groupings occurred.





A brake van (caboose)




A GWR 2-8-0





2'






1840ish


These are Royal trains


Queen Victoria rode in there




Yours truly


Michael