I just returned from 10 days in England, mostly spent in Scotland. The purpose of the visit was to meet up with my 3-month-old grandson, Nolan. We visited many places. Our last stop before returning to my daughter's house was in York. After the obligatory visits to the Minster and the old walled city we made our way over to the British National Railway Museum - a very nice museum indeed.
On the way to York we first visited Edinbourgh. I found this walking bridge over the tracks located at the bottom of the castle hill leading to the train station.the bridge made a great place to watch trains.
Here are a few pictures of the British Railroad Museum in York
The first thing that caught my eye in the museum was what I thought was an American Prototype steam engine. And it was, in a way. It is a smaller version of a north American 4 8 4 Northern built in England, based on the northern design we are so familiar with over here. Thirty of these steam engines were built in England during 1932 and sent to China. One was returned to England and restored in the early 1990's. Notice the knuckle coupler.
The museum has a great cut away display of a Hudson type steam engine reveling all the interior components. Here is an explanation of the firebox to my wife Carol.
I have seen drawing of this in countless books about steam engines, but to see the real thing like this display is quite a site to see. I wonder if there are any displays like this in the states?
This is called the "Works" by the museum. You can look down into the shops where exhibits are restored and maintained.
Here is an overview of the main display hall. There are severa display halls and I only was able to see a few of them Queen Victoria's train is here, but I did not have time to see it.
And finally the real purpose of the visit to England - May I introduce my first grandchild, Nolan Steven Cooper, to all. He is 3 months old on the day of this picture. I explained the workings of the 4 8 4 to Nolan. He seemed to be interested. You are never too young to enjoy trains.
Thanks for looking at the pictures.
Have a good week,
Richard
