National Railway Museum Railfest 2012

What is the latest news concerning this event

 

I will tell you when I have something to tell. Initial invites going out this week I am pleased to say.

 

Tickets are now on sale for this event. The on line booking system is straightforward to use.

 

Digging up an old thread... I'll be going on saturday on the VT railtour. Be nice to put names to faces if anyone else is visiting that day?

 

I'm there Saturday. Are all or most steam loco cabs accessable and will I be able to be let back into the event if I go off to see 5043 arrive.

Very much looking forward to it although its going to be around a 400+ miles round trip from Haywards Heath to York.

 

You get a wristband to allow re-entry if desired. Footplate access was available to a number of steam and diesel locos but I must admit I didn't count how many of each.

 

Thanks Spamcan. I guess one loco that won't have cab access will be 4472.

 

I'm just on my way there now, looking forward to a great day. After considering the RTC trip, I decided 13 hours on the train and 3 hrs in York was silly, so I ended up getting a £66 first class return from Hatfield. Now enjoying complimentary breakfast and wifi with East Coast as we cruise up the ECML! Will be there over 3 hrs before 70013.

 

I am heading up to RF now and have heard 70013 has failed overnight, RTC your now hauled by 47760 and 47500. Departed London Victoria around 90 late.

James at SVN

 

Urghh, poor passengers. I hope they still get there at a decent hour. That trip's been ill-fated.

 

I too considered the trip, luckily I went for the VT option. My thoughts were:
Plus - Picking up in my home town (opposed to VT's 60 mile drive to start point)
Plus - Reasonable Start time (11am til 7pm, opposed to VTs 7am til 11pm)
Minus - £80 for steam hauled to york for diesel return (against VT's £75 for steam throughout)
Minus - 3 hours in York (all being well, against VT's 5 hours)

Was going to go phot this this morning, but don't think I shall bother. The trip was fully booked, I feel for the passengers.

Steve

 

Just noticed on another forum that 6201 and Pannier 7752 travelled from Tyseley to York yesterday. Even though 7752 was perhaps in "light steam", the first leg was four hours duration from TYS to Barrow Hill, which is impressive given a Pannier's limited water capacity. I wonder if 6201's support coach carried emergency supplies for the Pannier if they got delayed along the way, or there was a pump available to transfer water from 6201's tender?

 

Went to the event on Saturday, top notch stuff in my opinion with plenty to see. I've stuck up some photos as follows...

Steam traction - Railfest 2012 - June 2012 - Railway Galleries
Modern traction - Railfest 2012 - June 2012 - Railway Galleries

 

Chatting to someone on the train, he said 70013 failed with leaking tubes, no other engine could do the run though as no support crews were available.

James at SVN

 

Had a very enjoyable visit on Saturday, a very good collection for Railway enthusiasts.

Here are a few pics - NRM Railfest 02.06.2012 - a set on Flickr

 

Had an excellent day at Railfest today. Highlight was a veranda ride on the guards van of the Festiniog! No rain, the sun shone some of the time, the staff and volunteers were very friendly and helpful. Well worth the trip. East Coast very good also for the journey up and back.

 

I'm looking forward to going to Railfest on Thursday - out of interest, what locomotives (standard and narrow, steam and diesel) are providing the shuttle rides?

 

City of Truro/Class 37 - main standard gauge
Teddy and Courage - standard gauge
Palmerston - NG
Hawk and Synolda - 15inch

 

Also Peggy on the miniature railway

 

And York City & District Model Engineering Society are running 7 1/4 locos behind the NRM's miniature line.