Railfest 2012
Railfest 2012 was a 9 day event opening on the 2nd June 2012. It was one of many events marking a significant year for the United Kingdom. Not only had the London Olympics been held a few weeks later, but the country also celebrated the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
One of the major exhibits was LMS 6201 'Princess Elizabeth', which had the honour of sounding the whistle to commence the flotilla on the river Thames.
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| LMS (4)6201 'Princess Elizabeth' |
Theme
The overarching theme to the whole event was "Record Breakers", and this show didn't feature Roy Castle either!
The main event was to be the unveiling of East Coast's Class 91 91110 new name, "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight" and its accompanying new livery. In addition to 6201 and 91110 many locomotives of the past were on display, many of them holding records of their own. Not all of them were standard gauge either.
The Exhibits
Without doubt the star of the show is very much the NRM's own A4, Mallard. But she was accompanied by former shedmate 103/502* Flying Scotsman, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and post steam east coast traction including Class 55 55002 'Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry', HST Prototype 41001, Class 43, Class 91 and of course the GNR N2 tank, 1744.
Many engines visited too, from the main line and from other heritage operations. Over the course of the 9-day event, the class 91 departed to resume its mainline commitments and 6201 Princess Elizabeth (see above) arrived after completing its royal duties.
After Hours
One of the highlights of my experience was the evening session. The tickets were in limited numbers and lasted through the evening till the sun went down. The quiet of the yard and being able to fully engage with staff and crews was amazing. Talking trains, getting footplate tales and cabbing just about every loco I could.
Visiting Locomotives
What's a celebration fo railway history without a locomotive or two, lets take a look a small part at what was on offer from visiting locomotives and select engines from the national collection:
- LMS 6201 Princess Elizabeth
After her special duties earlier that week, 6201 arrived, carrying the royal crest (first photo) and looking rather dapper.
- Furness Railway No. 3
The old lady, one of the NRM's resident locomotives was outside in light steam.
- HST Prototype
41001 I believe, had been loaned at the time to the 125 Group and her slow restoration back to working order had not long commenced. She was also displayed alongside First Great Western HST 43159.
- London Transport No. 12 Sarah Siddons and Pannier L94 (GWR 7752)
- GWR 3717/3440 City of Truro
Going along with the record breakers theme of the event, 3440/3717 City of Truro was in attendance and in steam, hauling shuttles up the yard.
- Southern Railway No.925 Cheltenham
- GWR/Hogwarts Railways 5792 Hogwarts Castle (aka Olton Hall)
The Hall that thinks its a Castle...
- Ffestiniog Railway No.4 Palmerston
Afterthoughts...
One of the greatest railway shows in recent memory. The NRM did such an amazing job promoting the event, as well as organising everything with the various owners, preservation groups and heritage railways. Whether it was a financial success or not, I do not know. But, in terms of publicity and overall fun, this has to be up there with the best. It does get me excited for what might be arranged for Stockton and Darlington 200 in 2025, and Rainhill 2030. I understand the former to be well into the planning stages.
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