When the NRM in York hosted "The Great Gathering" a couple of years ago, I was one who made 2 'pilgrimages' there (not that I need an excuse to visit the NRM!) to see them, very likely the last chance in my lifetime to see all six of the surviving Gresley A4's together. Previously, although I have seen more than six in a day whilst spending time on Retford station back in the late 50's/early 60's, I've in recent times only seen three in steam and been pulled by 60007 on the North York Moors railway, so I guess grabbing this book for all of £2.20 when it appeared on Ebay recently, is really just a 'nostalgia trip' for me. Such were the crowds at the "Gathering", I didn't really get the chance to get much in the way of photographs, but there are some really excellent photo's in this book, well worth getting hold of a copy if you like this sort of thing......I liked it so much, I also returned to the NRM a few weeks later for "The Great Goodbye", prior to the return of the two A4's back 'across the pond!' Keith. Attached files
Although we didn't go to York, residing part time 3 miles from Locomotion we went along for the great goodbye and had the good fortune to see both Dwight and DOC being cosmetically restored in the workshops at Shildon over the course of several visits. Both were quite shabby when they arrived. What did impress me was that DOCs Bell had survived and retained to be shipped back across the pond with her when she came and the crate that it was shipped in is still kicking about in an open wagon at Locomotion. The close proximity to Locomotion was one of the reasons for buying the house there.
That is a bargain and if it stirs the memories, even better. Now don't forget about the other Great Gathering... Ok, not as historically significant as the six A4's, but five mates getting together has merit ! Cheers, Gary.
At least with our "Great Gathering", there's a good chance of a repeat, unlike the A4's. Look forward to the next meet! Keith.