Locomotion: NRM Shildon - ‘Spring Steam Gala' - 04/05/2015

On Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May, Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon held their annual 'Spring Steam Gala'. The event had an East Coast theme and for the first time featured a preview day on Saturday 2nd where the locomotives were shunted and positioned in preparation for the main event. The event saw several east coast favourites currently based at Locomotion such as LNER Gresley V2 4771 'Green Arrow' and GNR 'Large Boiler' C1 251. As well as the home fleet of eastern locomotives, the museum also brought in LNER Gresley D49 62712 'Morayshire' from the Bo'ness and Kinniel Railway. The sole-surviving D49 had visited Shildon once before in 2010 and was now in the last few months of it's boiler ticket. 'Morayshire' attracted lots of attention during her stay at the museum as it was the last chance to see her south of the border before overhaul, and in her newly-applied BR Black livery. Resident Furness Railway 0-4-0 No. 20 was giving brake van rides up and down the demonstration line during the weekend.

I visited on the Monday of the event which was mostly dry and sunny but with some cloud earlier on in the day. Furness Railway No. 20 was in traffic on the demonstration line throughout the day but 62712 'Morayshire' operated a few photographers shuttles at 12pm and 3pm. The gala's other locomotives were static exhibits and were lined up in front of Shildon's 'Collection' building for the weekend. To conclude, the event was a great success with many enthusiasts and locals turning out to see 'Morayshire' and the other engines on display.

The gala's full lineup consisted of:

Visiting Locomotives:
LNER Gresley D49 62712 'Morayshire' (Visiting from the Bo'ness and Kinniel Railway and making its last appearance in England before overhaul)

Home Fleet:
GNR 'Large Boiler' C1 251
GNR 'Stirling Single' No. 1
LNER Gresley V2 4771 'Green Arrow'
NER Wordsell M1 4-4-0 1621
Furness Railway 0-4-0 No. 20 (On long-term loan to the museum)

I hope you all enjoy the video. Special thanks to Locomotion for such an enjoyable event. Feel free to comment and subscribe!