NRM York Regeneration

Just found this story and couldn't see another thread on it yet:

https://www.yorkmix.com/news/reveal...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Regards,

Dan

 

Crumbs!

Well, I'll read more detail with an open mind, and I know it's not this simple, but my initial reaction was that it struck me that you could steam an awful lot of steam locos in the collection with £50million...

 

Looks like another example of architects saying;

"You know what would look great here- the frontage of a Tesco".


It would appear that the workshop and the other stores would be going, that's a shame.

Chris

 

I'm liking this post simply because Alex used an expression I've not heard or seen since I last read a Just William book, and that's 'Crumbs!' £50 millions a big chunk of cash, I'll file this in the I'll believe it when I see it file, every few years there seems to be an 'NRM revamp' story.

 

Ah *that's* where I got it from, I did wonder! Superb books though.

As you say, looks like a believe it when you see it story, but still, if it happens... Crumbs!

 

I do hope not!

Having visited the NRM on many occasions, it does need refreshing (especially considering all the space now taken up with the café). Regenerating the NRM utilising the space that would be vacated by closing Leeman Road is very welcome indeed however, any regeneration must surely keep some historic authenticities and this should include workshops. These have been a major although hidden part of every railway since the very first railways were conceived and will remain as long as they continue. Imagine visiting one day and seeing a great icon of steam in the process of being dismantled or in pieces in a operating workshop only to visit in a year's time and seeing it being reassembled or better still, passing through your local station on a rail tour?

 

But since the Flying Scotsman debacle the NRM sadly isn’t using its own loco workshop any more - it’s currently rented to the 60007 group. So I’m not surprised they’re getting rid of it.

 

Noted but surely then it is something that could both be used as a visitor attraction and a source of revenue. If they could hire it out to groups for restoration and maintenance then surely it would be a win, win!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

There's also the Western, class 20 and Rocket in there at present I believe, so it's not wasted space. 60007 was offered the space as the NRM didn't have any plans or funds to overhaul any of their own locos, and they thought it would be a good idea to keep the workshop occupied.

 

To my mind though offering the facilities for 3rd party use is a brilliant strategy because it presumably generates income to offset overheads, gives the public an insight to loco maintenance and helps the sustainability of heritage railway conservation activities. Shutting it is brainless especially when there is an acknowledged shortage of such facilities.

 

Not a 'Dangermouse' viewer then?


Keith

 

I agree ideally they should keep it but, with these proposals, they seem to have decided not to.

 

Seems to be the case but what a massive missed opportunity through a lack of imagination. The potential for partnering with another entity involved with heritage railway engineering is collossal to my mind, whether a railway such as KWVR, NYMR, ELR etc or indeed an independent body. It would be shameful not to consider such options to my mind.

 

Bit before my time!

 

Do note that this all revolves around "Leeman Road" being closed and a new road built to access what is known as the Tear Drop site. As the route of the road has still not been agreed and may take another two years to get off the ground or even built, this is a long term project for the NRM.

 

1981-92 and 2015-present - you're younger than I thought!!!


Keith

 

Looks impressive, especially the proposed treatment for the Great Hall:

 

It seems to me that in order to appreciate Rocket you really need to see the complete replica and what remains of the original, so it would be best to have both of them in the same place.

 

I'm not a UK resident (or taxpayer) so I really don't have a say. But to me visiting the workshop and trawling through the treasures in the warehouse is a highlight of a visit to the NRM. To lose that, in order to gain a sterile looking "Wonderlab" is a very poor decision in my opinion.
Couldn't they put the 'tinkering space' somewhere else?

 

I do wonder what happens to mainline steam to/from York if the workshop is disposed of, a fully equipped rail workshop with things like a wheel drop is valuable thing, if you lose it then why bother using York as a destination? Could the Science Mueseum have a little word and ask say Messer's Riley, Smith and Meanley if they fancied taking on an out station for work to keep the facility open?