MALLARD 75.

Nice pictures. Can't say I too happy with my panoramics either but like you haven't really used it.

 

Is that not the Tom Ingall of the GCR. Would explain the more detailed report.

 

Looks like it. Very good report too I thought.

 

I spent time there yesterday. Great atmosphere - the look of wonder and smiles on so many visitors' faces said it all. A few grumpy photters about who seemed to forget that the public event wasn't about taking photos, but then they're never going to be happy. Truly a magnificent achievement that's grabbed both the public and the media's attention. The value of the media coverage alone will clearly be offsetting any cost to the NRM and the loco owners for this event. This is exactly the sort of blockbusting event that the railway preservation movement needs to do to get the attention of the wider world and hoik them in. I can count 14 people who've mentioned to me that they're planning to visit the museum in the next 13 days because of this event - and not one of them would describe themselves as a "railway enthusiast".

The naysayers should look at the wider picture and be thankful for the tremendous work that's been done to make a lot of people very happy indeed, established international links, created employment, raised the profile railway preservation, told a story that many forgot, reinforced a Great British icon and brought a lot of people into York. I hope those visitors put their hands in their pockets and donate or at least buy a few things from the shop and cafés.

 

There were a few grumpy photters yesterday as well. One was shouting at people to get out of the way.

 

Thanks, you welcome. Glad I'm not the only person to have such problems, though as I think we'd both agree it's just down to "practise"........

 

I hope that he was propelled onto the pavement with a punt up the posterior.

 

Has anyone been on the Mallard simulator yet or are the queues very long?

 

I did think about it but didn't have a spare fiver. The queues didn't seem that big. The queues for the cab visits were longer.

 

If they wanted a clear shot they had the chance to pay up and get in early.
If you try and get a shot when the public are in what do you expect?

 

I was queueing to get on 60008 when the man shouted and thats exactly what one of the NRM volunteers said. If they wanted clear shots they should have payed up and gone to the early morning photo event. This was about mid afternoon as well.

 

Went myself today, very crowded and they were managing access by mid day. Didn't take my camera as I knew it would be hopeless. Queue to get on Mallard was too long to contemplate so went on UofSA instead and took a 45 minute wait to get on the footplate where we had a very interesting talk from one of Mr Camerons long serving helpers. Really enjoyed it to be honest. The nice weather helped.

 

According to the NRM Twitter account they had a record breaking 11,500 visitors yesterday and are advising to visit weekdays or late afternoons.

Great to hear the event is drawing huge amounts of people and shows how popular Mallard is.

 

Here are 58 photos, most taken at the event but I have included a few older photos of Mallard, including one of it on display in the British Transport Museum at Clapham in 1967, and four of it leaving Marylebone in 1988 during its brief return to the main line for 'Mallard 50'. The collection begins with the locos in groups, and then shows individudal locos in BR number order:

http://andrewstransport.smugmug.com/British-steam-locomotives/Mallard-75-York/30400099_6ZgqXZ#!i=2619463948&k=jRvLmNT

Cheers

Andrew N

 

What a brilliant day we had yesterday. Great weather and an excellent visit to the NRM. After arriving on the UK Railtours HST charter from St Pancras we had to queue for around 50 minutes to get in but it was certainly worth the wait. Who needs the Rolling Stones to draw the crowds when you have six of Gresley's finest design on display for free (although the three of us gave donations to the NRM).
Great to see so many people visiting the Museum after the recent events surrounding its future. They were selling loads of stuff yesterday so hopefully they will do very well from the A4 event. The new Mallard and the A4's book was flying off The Friends of the NRM stall.

The Loco's were all turned out in spotless condition and a real credit to those who had worked very hard to get them that way. There was no doubt 4468 Mallard was the star of the show with people constantly lining up to have their picture taken with her. There were some grumpy photographers around but what do they expect?
Thanks to all involved for this excellent event. Must admit I had a bit of a lump in the throat when I first walked into the Great Hall and saw the Six Streaks together surrounded by a sea of fans from all over the World. Quite something.

 

There is just something that takes your breath away when you see all 6 of them together.

 

And yet there are those who question the cost and doubt the financial benefit to the NRM. Misguided if you ask me.

 

My pictures from yesterday. I was there the whole day & thoroughly enjoyed it. There were still a few arrogant photographers there, plus some very ignorant ones, but all that was needed was a bit of patience & you'd get the shot you want
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110558020682175210076/albums/5897901531063254945

 

Having seen the queues on my way in to help man one of the stalls yesterday, i am not surprised it was a record - I wondered just how many people were there.

I heard one comment that the concerns about the future had probably strengthened people's resolve to visit.

People from all over the country attended form those I had a chat with.

Certainly, a great event and, although I have to be admit being a sceptic when bringing the 2 back from North America was announced, a real vindication of the work put in to make it happen.

Steven

 

Visited yesterday, was expecting to be able to buy a photograph or two of the 6 A4's, in the NRM, missed sales opportunity there?

I know they'd have to move fast to get some good quality prints produced, shouldn't be impossible though, and would definitely generate some income for them.