My visit to "Locomotion, Shildon" (NRM) today.

Just returned from a day out at the other 'branch' of the NRM at Shildon near Durham and thought a few pics would be appreciated. It was a dual purpose visit in actual fact, as (A) I wanted to see the railway art exhibition of Rob Pulham's Wife Chris, and (B) any excuse for a railway day out and hopefully to see some loco's I've either not seen before, or perhaps not for some time. Mrs M accompanied me and like myself, appreciated the wonderful pictures from Chris, really the sort of art I like, brilliant fine detail, none of this 'smudginess' of detail that some so-called artists seem to get away with. Real art to me, has to look like a photograph, otherwise it just seems like a photo taken just as the camera has been moved and blurred the detail, so Rob, please convey our thanks and appreciation to Chris, long may she continue to paint (Maybe something from the 'Southern', perhaps an unrebuilt "Merchant Navy"?).

Anyway, now for my pics, for your delectation or otherwise, depending on your 'Regional preferences'.

This one, I haven't seen since around 1960, recalling it going through Retford on the ECML way back when I was just a kid. Instantly recognisable as the prototype "Deltic", at the time, the most powerful diesel locomotive in the world, and still a big impressive lump!

 

"Deltic's" next door neighbour is one of my favourite loco types and also one of Mr Bulleid's finest creations, 'Battle-of-Britain' loco "Winston Churchill"

 

Attached to 34051 is the converted Baggage car used as the funeral carriage for Sir Winston Churchills funeral.

 

For the LNER fans, I give you "Green Arrow"!

 

Next up is "Black Five" No 5000 for the LMS fans.

 

Now a couple of pics I took for interests sake, (and maybe something to 'scratch build'), as these Tampers were apparently first used in the 1940's.

 

....and from t'other end.

 

Next up is the sole surviving Class 71 Electric loco, apparently due for a sorely needed repaint and supposedly in full running order. I couldn't unfortunately get any closer to the loco as it was between several others with no public access in between.

 

Better than a shovel for shifting some snow is this beast, but you'll need some muscle to move this!

 

Not being an LMS buff, I've no idea what this is, help me out guys!

 

......and again, no idea, only that it's called "Hardwicke".

 

Now the 'North Eastern' "Crocodile".

 

More a 'detailing' pic, one end of a "2BIL" Southern electric unit.

 

.....and this one's for Pete (Jakesdad), it's one of the 'Fireless' loco's, about which I know nothing!

 

Finally, not sure but is this one of the GNR's "Atlantics"???

 

All in all, a rewarding day out. I've not shown any photo's of Chris Pulhams exhibition 'cos I don't want to spoil it for anyone else thinking of visiting, plus it might infringe any copyright, I'd just say "Go see it for yourself, you won't be disappointed!"
Keith.