Hello everybody. Before I start this post I must extend a vote of thanks to my regular readers who have followed these four post's regarding my visit to the National Railway Museum in York. This is Post No4; the final post in the series; talking about the day's activities in the South Yard. As you have seen in the previous three posts, the NRM has many beautiful locomotives and items of rolling stock kept safely under cover in it's climate controlled confines. This is all well and good for all weather visits but, to my mind, the best way to appreciate railway engineering is to see it in action. Therefore, the NRM opened the 'South Yard' to the public. The yard extends southwards towards the museum's main line connection before continuing onto Network Rail metals. Now and again, train rides, wether steam or diesel hauled, can be taken in the South Yard for a small fee. Throughout the summer of 2010, train rides will again be available to the public. During my visit, the shuttles were in the capable hands of one of the Great Western's finest; 4-4-0 City Class No3717 "City of Truro"; the first steam engine to run at speeds exceeding 100mph. "Truro" was built by the GWR in 1903 under Churchward. Her and her class were designed to be fast but the top speed of these locomotives has been under much debate over the years, due to 3717's apparent record. On May 9th 1904, "Truro" was timed at 102.3mph whilst hauling the "Ocean Mails" special from Plymouth to Paddington. Though the speed was properly recorded, the GWR, frightened that customers would be scared away from its trains, decided that it would be best to sweep the record under the carpet. Today, "Truro" has a slower life and is spotted in the South Yard today... 
Below, see another of my video's from Youtube, showing 3717 in the South Yard under dark skies threatening rain (enjoy!)...As "Truro"s record was unofficial, the title of the 'First Steam Locomotive to Reach 100mph' was still up for grabs. Therefore, on 30th November 1934; no less than 30 years after "Truro"s infamous run; another NRM engine, No4472 "Flying Scotsman", became the first OFFICIAL engine to reach 100mph. (She was robbed!). Much debate has gone on over the years as to wether "Truro" could actually achieve 100mph and many sources have said "yes". This is because her main 100mph timing had been whilst descending Wellington Bank, which is steep at the best of times, more than allowing "Truro" to use the downward gradient to her own advantage. "Oh well", it's done now, but I'm sure "Truro" could have achieved the magic 100mph, even if the world's most famous steam engine ("Scotsman") stole the record 30 years later! Back to today, "Truro" seemed happy yet a tad confined as she chugged easily up and down the yard with one rigid-framed coach and a bogie Brake Van. She is a beautiful machine, echoing an Edwardian age with her outside frames and large connecting rods. I have footplated this engine before, at the GCR back in 2008. She is said by crews to "steam on a candle" (typical Western!). Across the yard was a huge Sand Statue, celebrating 175 years of the GWR. The NRM staff claimed that it had took 5 days work and 20 tonnes of building sand; donated by Wickes. (However, I reckon more like 5 ton!). Nice job...
You can tell its the summer holidays! There was the chance to try your hand at "Walking on Water" for £4 per 5 minutes (not today thanks!)...
Over in the corner, tucked away behind the attractive Picnic Area, the NRM hides it's quaint 7.25" gauge Miniature Railway. With trains top and tailed by two little 0-6-0 petrol hydraulics, the miniature railway runs southwards alongside the South Yard before approaching a dead end. Trains then run back up the line, through the station and onto the northward section. Overall, the ride is not too bad. The only problem is...it isn't steam! Shame really, as I know a good few people with lovely 7.25" loco's that would love to bring their engines here (something worth thinking about?!). Below, one of the twin petrol hydraulics, "John", is spotted at the station, working the Southern end of the train...
Back with "Truro", people seemed to filling both her coach and her Brake Van, paying £2 a time for a trip up the yard. £2 per adult for a train ride does seem fair to me, taking into account the amount of beautiful exhibits which visitors see for FREE at the NRM. As well as taking people in the train, the NRM crew seemed more than happy to give Footplate Rides. I don't think there was one run I saw without a member of the public on the footplate! (Well done NRM, bout' time someone broke through the Red Tape of today's society!). I didn't ride the train today. As I say, I've footplated "Truro" before and I've also ridden up the yard before. Back in 2008, I had a footplate ride on 2ft gauge Hunslet "Trangkil No4" (from Statfold) as she was running on the 2ft gauge Demonstration line. (Thanks for that again, Phil!). Below, we see "City of Truro" coming back towards the station with the 2ft gauge line at the bottom of the image...
All in all, the NRM seemed to be putting on a pretty good show in the South Yard. It was much, much better than seeing nothing running at all. Also in the yard, you can visit "The Depot". This covered area simply keeps some of the extra rolling stock dry. It's worth a look just in case you find something of interest! There was also a new exhibition being prepared for opening in the near future. In fact, peeking inside, I noticed a beautifully restored Ocre-liveried 0-6-0 Class A1X Terrier Tank; designed by Stroudley. Maybe a new exhibit?! Train Rides will be operating daily in the South Yard throughout the summer; except for this Sunday (Aug 15th). Loco duties will alternate between 3717 and the replica of "Stephensons Rocket". See http://www.nrm.org.uk/ for more details. You can also check out the NRM website for further event details for the rest of 2010. Honestly, if you're a rail fan or even a general member of the public looking for somewhere to take the family for a nice day out; the NRM is the place to go! I can highly recommend it! After leaving the NRM we took in some of the sights of York such as the City Centre, the River Ouse and the beautiful York Minster. There are also many shops, cafes, boutiques and street displays to check out. We then left for home before arriving back at just before 7:30pm. It is a long way though; just over 135 miles. Phew! Thanks for reading folks. I hope you have enjoyed all four posts. Good Evening... 
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