Taking a last look at the National Railway Museum

Hello Everyone,
Today Lawrie heads to York, to take a look around the NRM before it closes down for some of the biggest redevelopments in it's history.
So enjoy seeing how it was, and what work is about to commence! If you want more information have a look here on their website.
A video featuring:
Lawrie - Presenter, thrilled to be back at the NRM
Charles - Cameraman, equally thrilled to be back at the NRM.
A video edited by Lawrie
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[@abrr2000]

I actually quite liked how that section was dark. It felt moody and emotional. Because I couldn't see the walls, it gave me a sense of actually being there, walking through a snap shot of history. An old train stopped at a platform at night. It was my favorite part.

[@gs425]

I was about to say the same thing. It had real atmosphere

[@ShikiKiryu]

Same here, can agree with that

[@michael32A]

Agreed, and anybody who has been to the Belgian counterpart will attest that is definitely _not_ a light filled building... more a walk-through theatre set, with no actors.

[@gainsbourg66]

Agreed, has some committee decded to re-write the past? And why has the word national been dropped? Reeks of multculturalism

[@michael32A]

@@gainsbourg66 My understanding is a marketing company was consulted. In light of some research - I guess lacking any context - indicating the word 'National' had negative connotations, it was removed. It's a nutty decision.

[@phsyco123]

Many years ago, I had the honour of getting to turn Mallard on the Turntable. I was a 10 year old train mad ball of energy that was collared by one of the staff and put to work to give my poor mother 5 minutes of peace and quiet.. They didn't think I stood a chance of even getting it going.. but not only did I prove them wrong.. I got that crank turning at quite some speed.. That feeling as this giant of mechanical history started to move because of me.. yes.. I know.. just going round in a circle.. but to a ten year old child.. "I DID THAT.... I MADE IT MOVE" And the sheer awe and wonder it left me in.. I loved trains before.. But getting to be up close.. to see them looming over you.. To realise that these monsters were not just things in films.. or the boring boxes that were on the rails at the time.. That interaction.. that is what is needed to keep history alive for a new generation, and the staff and volunteers at York and Shildon always manage to find that balance between Museum.. and wonderland.

[@diabeticlifewithtim3145]

My dad was lucky enough to be on the 3rd of Mallards 4 S&C runs in 1988, he got to stand on her footplate while she was in steam for what may well be the second to last time ever

[@likklej8]

I got train pulled by Mallard on an Ian Allan Rail-fans special to visit Doncaster Shed and Works. Cost thirty shillings ie one pound fifty the cost of a new Elvis album.

[@jamieknight326]

That’s epic. Thanks for sharing all these stories. I’ve never been to the museum due to access issues. Can’t wait to see Mallard for myself when it all reopens!

[@JonBurrows90]

Been going to the railway museum since I was a kid and I love it, I’m 32 now and my 4 year old LOVES this place, it gives me so so much joy to be able to take him and see his reaction, there’s no better feeling than seeing the excitement in his face when we arrive. We need to cherish places like this and look after them as they are one of the few reasons now to be proud to be British.

[@lmm]

It is quite the place!

[@trevorveail]

I remember going there for the Great Gathering. It was great to see all 6 of the remaining A4 locomotives. I first went there not long after it ceased being a Locomotive shed. It has come a long way in that time. I am glad to see that they are trying to improve the buildings and grounds.

[@ImmortalAbsol]

I saw that too.

[@michaelcampin1464]

I was there too but prefered Locomotion at Shildon less visitors and you could get up closer to the engines

[@davidty2006]

@@michaelcampin1464 Shildon also has it's own interesting fleet like the NER electrics and the Deltic prototype.

[@irishsixtysixfanGbrf66739]

I was there in the NRM in July 2019 came over from Ireland for the weekend and I wasn't disappointed

[@sirrliv]

I first visited the NRM all the way back in 2010 as part of my first ever solo vacation and my first trip outside of the USA. It was also right after having spent the weekend at the Bluebell Railway's 50th Anniversary Gala. I'd been roughly familiar with the NRM for quite awhile, but visiting it for the first time was something else entirely. It was wonderous. And to be honest, kind of overwhelming. Hearing their plans for the Great Hall, to try and arrange things for a more coherent story sounds like a good idea to me, makes things more digestible. It was a real treat to have run into a friendly member of staff who let me onto the M7's footplate and into a compartment of the LSWR coach. I even got a ride behind City of Truro on the demonstration line on one of her last years in steam. I visited again in 2014 during a university Study Abroad program studying industrial history based out of Chester. I must admit, my second visit was a touch underwhelming; partly because I was feeling somewhat poorly at the time, partly as I'd missed the big group outing so was there alone instead of with friends, and partly because I'd already visited the STEAM Museum in Swindon, which to my mind is what the NRM should be aiming for with their remodel; again, a very coherent flowing narrative that engrosses you in the story of railways. As Hyce has noted, it's the story that engages people and draws them in. And what is "History" if not "Hi, Story", some of the greatest tales mankind has ever known with the added benefit that they're true! The one thing that I think is something of a mistake so far with this development is renaming the place to just "Railway Museum". By calling it the "National Railway Museum" it was clear that this was a museum for the whole nation, somewhere that represents the nation. Calling it just the "Railway Museum" makes it sound more generic, and yet also like a niche place for foamers, not something for everyone. You may as well start calling them the "Maritime Museum" or the "Air Museum" and see what that gets you.

[@deang5622]

I remember first visiting the NRM in 1975.

[@harrytodhunter5078]

Great to see so many railway museums getting overhauls recently! NRM Shildon are getting a new collection building, Head of Steam Darlington are getting redevelopments and a new building for the P2 Group. Very exciting for all!

[@hamstirrer6882]

Ah thank god, when I read that title my heart nearly stopped! Been meaning to visit here with my dad, he always took me there as a kid and would struggle to drag me out at the end of the day! Definitely kickstarted my interest in engineering

[@sarahhall738]

Iv been twice once at about 17 with family, then in 2015 when I on my own had a long weekend in York. The archive was my favourite bit. A certain platform 9 and three quarters was the first thing I noticed. But the best bit on a bench a sign Yarmouth South Town the very station my great great grandfather was stationmaster at. Boy did I feel proud 🙂

[@MrRobbieSixx]

My best memory was railfest 2012 getting to see all the great locos and rolling stock that normally wouldn’t be together. Me and my wife went once after dating for about 2 months and fostered her interest in railways, we’ve been every year since been together taking our son for the first time last November. Can’t wait to see their plans come to fruition.

[@MePeterNicholls]

I saw the great gathering of A4 Pacific’s at NRM. So so glad I did that.

[@attuslebeard5133]

Can't believe I've being going to York Railway Museum (as it was originally known) for around 50 years. I think I need the makeover much more than the museum does! Love everything about the museum especially the archives and the train rides (miniature and full size)

[@Normandie17]

This is a very special place for me. When I was a young boy, my Grandfather use to take me here all the time. He passed away in 2003 and I go here when I can just to honor him.

[@lmm]

How lovely to have somewhere you feel close to him

[@TwigTheThird]

Huh, that’s funny, at work today I saw there was a Stopping Up order on that road and wondered what was going on haha

[@obifox6356]

Thanks, Lawrie, I appreciate the opportunity to visit the NRM again via your video. We visited in person for a good part of two days a few years ago. One of the world’s best museums and most enjoyable.

[@lmm]

It is super. It's going to be interesting to see what it'll look like when they're done

[@chriswoods7452]

Thanks Laurie. This museum has been part of my life since about age 5, I’m 39 now. Over that time I’ve visited from Hull, only an hour away from York with parents, grand parents, friends, and more recently with my own children. Parts of the place have been constants, Mallard, the model railway, the Royal Train and the cafe on the platform, and of course the infamous underpass. I’ve ridden behind Rocket, my kids have ridden the miniature railway, and taken brass rubbings in the station hall. I’m a little saddened to hear about these wholesale changes, but excited to visit again once it’s all done, and my youngest has yet to visit so it will all be new. Appreciate the video, thanks again.

[@napsbrickrailways2290]

I went to the railway museum in 2020 with my dad before the whole lockdown stuff happened. It was one of the last trips I ever went with him. The railway museum will always hold a place in my heart. We also got evacuated because of a grill fire. Good times.

[@lmm]

I can understand why it'll be special forever for you

[@lloydi]

My wife and I have been here a few times. She's not massive into steam locos but likes them enough, but she really found this interesting every time we've been

[@Maker_of_Things]

My wife and I did our courting at the Railway Museum. She lived in York then while I am in Salford, and I would drive over there, on her invitation to 'visit the museum'. It was where we finally realised we had 'found the one' while looking at Flying Scotsman being rebuilt. After a couple of years we got married in York registry office, and between there and our reception at St Nicholas Fields Environment Centre we arranged to meet up with a load of friends to have a guerrilla tea party at the Railway Museum. We descended en-masse into the cafe and slowly brought all the vacant chairs and tables together. Afterwards our photographer took charge and marched us around clearing museum visitors out of shot to get some really lovely wedding photos of us and locomotives, and us and all our friends standing on the pedestrian over bridge. It was a fantastic day and will be in our memories for ever. It will be very strange revisiting the museum again in the future to find it has been completely refurbished and altered.

[@warden330]

I think it worth emphasising that although the redevelopment has begun it does not mean that it is not worth visiting now. The Great Hall still has the wow factor, and the Wonder Lab will open in the summer. You can plan to visit in a couple of years or so when the museum is transformed, along with the station frontage on the museum side as well as the main one on Queen Street, but no reason not to fit in another trip before then.

[@Levelochef]

One of the best things I like about the Tank Museum Bovington is that they have a theme, and they theme parts of the museum and are constantly changing things to make the museum attractive. I understand that’s MUCH more difficult than with trains and locomotives - but I do very much appreciate what the RM are doing.

[@lmm]

Quite the challenge indeed!

[@michaelgarofalo6231]

Takes me back a long old way, first time I went there I was a Thomas obsessed two year old and my grandmother told my mother “Oh! You can’t take him there! He’ll get bored!” It remains one of only two times I threw a tantrum…when my parents were trying to get me to leave because the museum was closing for the night! 😂 An absolutely wondrous place that I still love twenty-two years later!

[@lmm]

It will always be a special place!

[@jamesbraithwaite478]

When I was a very small kid (four or five years old), I crawled under a steam locomotive there. I believe it was the Mallard. I got COVERED in oil & grease doing this. I have no memory of it, but my family have.

[@EricH_1983]

Glad to see my favourite museum getting the love and attention it deserves..

[@stevenbarker57]

Hello , great to see this video , It is about time the museum was upgraded , it has been going down hill for a number of years now , always worth a visit though .. I would say that my best time visiting the museum was for the Great Gathering and seeing all the surviving A4's lined up together it was simply amazing . My second best time , of course , was meeting you there when you were shooting this very video , thank you for taking time to have a chat and for chatting to my son too it was a pleasure to meet you , Keep up the great work ....

[@timbervalleyproductions]

Awesome. Need to go there.

[@ericlackford6718]

I remember York railway museum in the late 60's early 70's , dark and dingy like the old shed it was and went to the opening of the new museum in 1975, have been every few years since and seen all the changes. I doubt I will get to visit this new and exciting venture, but good luck to the NRM.

[@citricamoeba]

I'll never forget the first time I saw Rocket, standing in the little alcove she was still in in this video. I'd just walked alongside a line of coaches, turned round the corner, saw her and my jaw dropped. I can't wait to see how the museum looks once it's finished!

[@casperreininga3253]

First (And currently only) time I saw Rocket was when she was still keeping Billy company in London.

[@citricamoeba]

@@casperreininga3253 I never knew she was there 😂😂 I'll have to go see Billy again at some point!

[@frogandspanner]

6:10 That is a realistic representation of railways when I was a kid in the '50s - filthy glass and dingy stations.

[@modeltrainsandtracks]

It's very conscientious of the management to reduce the lighting to save electricity ! Well done.

[@jackwosullivan]

Its good to see the science museum group taking the upkeep of their museums seriously. My local is the science and industry museum in manchester and the work theyve been doing here is brilliant

[@johnnz4375]

I visited the museum in the mid 70’s as a young boy, now being almost 60 I would love to visit it again but it is unlikely to ever happen. As I now live in New Zealand.

[@queeg6473]

I've only been there once. It was a surprise day out fot me, my wife and daughter. When we got there after a 5 hour drive my daughter was Really smegged off 'cos she thought it was a model railway museum. She then walked into the first hall and was nose to nose with the Eurostar at track level. Her jaw hit the floor...

[@Blackfive1945]

Been there in January 1960 when just turned 14 in Dec `59.Took the train from Edinburgh to York with my pal .We sneaked into the railway shed .Really no one bothered in these days .The great hall where that sectioned Merchant Navy is was the roundhouse .It was filthy with smokey engines . There were loads of engines there and station very busy . In these days boys had very long leads .Nowadays parents hardly let them to end of their street ,We also went to Newcastle ,Carlisle and Glasgow .

[@Trainguyrom]

I always found the Dwight D Eisenhower to be the crown jewel of the NRM's collection. Oh wait, wrong A4 at the wrong National Railroad Museum 😜 If you ever visit the Midwestern states, I would highly recommend both Mid Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom Wisconsin for it's impressive wood-side rolling stock collection and restoration program, the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon Wi (basically Green Bay) if nothing but to hear you pronounce Ashwaubenon and talk about our only A4, and you could film a year's worth of videos talking about the collection at the Illinois Railway Museum because their collection is absolutely massive and incredible

[@combatking0]

I remember taking my son when he was just over a year old. The experience definitely had an impact because all he would say when we left was "Trains!" in that cute little voice he had back then. We even had a our picture taken together outside an old style carriage wearing clothing from the time. I keep telling him "That's our ancestors when they came to live in our town." but he knows I'm joking. Fun times.

[@lmm]

That's what it's all about though - making memories!

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

Very cool video. My wife and I visited the UK last June (2022) and visited the NRM were we met a few fellow model train enthusiasts from the UK at the York NRM. It was astounding and I got to see the Mallard (my favorite steam locomotive- even though I am a modern era Central Euro trains kind of guy). The experience was overwhelming (in a good way). So glad we visited and got to share it with several UK rail fans and afficiandos who really could educate me on the UK rail system and these trains and coaches. Thanks for a fond memory!

[@maghost_rider5698]

Last time I went to the NRM was for Railfest back in 2012. Was part of the team that was there with Schools class No.925 Cheltenham. Happy memorys :)

[@frogandspanner]

My first visit to NRM was soon after it opened in the mid '70s, combined with a visit to Jorvik when it was a muddy hole in the ground and excavated oyster shells were being sold to help fund the dig. My second visit was as the venue for a conference dinner in 2003, with Trevor Baylis (windup radio man) as the keynote speaker. That was great as we had full access to the main exhibits with no crowds.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

I went here in 89 or 90, My dad and I got tickets off Cornflakes boxes. I remember being crazily excited because we were going on a "125", which I thought was a brand new train that actually went 125mph. I still remember loads of odds and ends about it even though I was a toddler. They should put a dome over the turntable area, like the one at King's Cross (or maybe not, considering how long that took!). And turn that subway into a mock London Underground station, with an old train in it and period decoration. That Royal Train reminds me of one I saw in a museum in Japan, probably of similar age, too. The entire train is in a box!

[@lawrencelewis2592]

I was there in 2004. In the yard was the A4, Union of South Africa that was cooling down after a run. A guy was on a ladder was using Simoniz wax on it. I use that on my car! I was able to go into the workshop where the Flying Scotsman was being rebuilt- all the boiler tubes were removed and they were severely pitted due to excess oxygen. I said to a guy there how I saw it in New York in 1969 on it's Alan Pegler tour and how a guy on the tour told me how it was almost lost at sea during a storm. The guy said that it may have been him that told me because he was on that tour. I was there again this past July and there wasn't anything happening in the yard and I missed that collection of model ships and such. I plan to be back this August and will see if I can look at all that.

[@alunhoskins4513]

I remember visiting the railway/transport museum in the ‘60s on numerous occasions when it was in London. Day trips to Town from Hastings. I recall climbing the steps up to the cab of the Mallard and putting a coin (6d?) in a slot to listen to a recording from the footplate of the record breaking run. Never did get to the new museum. Mind you, living in Ireland now York is a lot closer. Might have to pop over and put that right.

[@Flymochairman1]

I've never been able to get in to see the exhibits but in the 8-9 times I've passed, it was always a thrill to see what, if anything, was being readied for demonstration/Special Train duties. Ah, well, at least they'll be spared a cutters torch and that's the main thing, I dare say. Keep Safe there. Cheers Lawrie.

[@lmm]

It's certainly worth a look!

[@Jamie_Gamedev]

Great video. So glad got to visit last year, can’t wait to see it when it’s finished

[@Wulfbear99]

I remember some of the collection being at Didcot in the late 60's where I was a young volunteer, finally made it in the mid 1990s must make another trip soon.

[@Steve-bo6ht]

Visited just before Christmas with my wife we absolutely loved our visit and all the staff couldn't be more helpful, really glad the museum is getting it's well deserved overhaul and we'll be right back when it reopens in the future. Really appreciate your excellent video tour Lawrie brought back the memories of our day many thanks.

[@timdawes6361]

Another great video, thank you Lawrie! I have many fond memories of the NRM...ehem...RM. But chiefly among them is when they had The Great Gathering a few years ago. Such a fantastic event.

[@jordanbryan2729]

Me and my family actually talked to the curator the last time we went there, which was about 4 months ago, and he said the full extent on the work they are planning should take about 10 years to fully bring to fruition

[@alexpiper9475]

thank you . excellent up date of my favorite museum .only been able to go there one time and took pictures of 0-4-0+0-4-0 on the turntable.nice job, good luck!

[@johnboxxy3432]

I remember seeing Mallard at Kings Cross when I was a kid in the late 50s. Visiting York from Australia, just before covid hit, it seemed a little strange to see it cold and static but great it's been preserved.

[@peterrobinson4368]

Best memory in the NRM was seeing the great gathering of A4 Pacifics. Getting a chance to stand on the foot plate of Bitten and Sir Nigel Gresley

[@dawsonfradin9071]

Gives me hope that so much effort is being put into making Railroad museums a forefront for tourism, as well as highlighting the cultural and symbolic significance. Here in the US, that same sentiment isn't shared nearly on the same level. We have our railroad museums, but they are often spread far apart, and struggle to have enough funding to continue to restore more locomotives and update their current fleets. I hope this serves as a source of inspiration to make railroads more accessible and a forefront to more Americans.

[@stuarthart3370]

Loved all those images. I think if the roof has to be replaced because it can't be made waterproof, then I'd definitely go with a new one. I quite like the nostalgic semi darkness. I'm just so happy, as many others contested to, that I was at the A4 gathering. Gresley was a genius, Many thanks Lawrie

[@harrymcandrew1447]

i think its a 2010 roof so there mostly wanting to remove it and replace it to make it element and water tight

[@siraff4461]

It still awes me whenever I see such brilliant machines made with so limited technology. This is men with their hands measuring, cutting, and making something. When you think of the power these things provide and how long they last it makes a mockery of todays offerings. Back then it was hundreds or thousands of horsepower pulling important cargo around. Now we get a tablet screen and blueteeth with ten times the complexity, half of the reliability and a tenth of the durability. If the engineers of the late 1800's were born and had the money now just imagine how much better things would be. I would be surprised if they wouldn't knock up 300mph (in regular service) trains which could last 100+ years.

[@andrewentwistle515]

Great video from Lawrie. I didn't realise that the Original Rocket was at York as it has been a while since I last visited the museum. It certainly provided me with plenty of happy memories. I look forward to seeing it again when the work is done.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

So many beautiful machines in there! But I haven't been back for some considerable time now, something I must rectify! 🙂 Thank you Lawrie! 🙂

[@rossbryan6102]

IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO SEE ONE OF YOUR VERY EARLY STEAM LOCOMOTIVES IN OPERATION AT A RAIL FAIR IN SACREMENTO CALIFORNIA IN 1991! IT WAS THE “LOCOMOTION “ENGINE. WAS ALSO QUITE INTERESTING IN SPEAKING WITH THOSE WHO CAME OVER AND CREWED IT!! KEEP THEM ROLLING BROTHERS!! 👍👍

[@lmm]

Oh yes, I remember the replica went out, as did the J52!

[@mandymoo7406]

Thank you for this,it's a few years since I've been,love the storage section,hope thats untouched,looking forward to it being updated

[@MaxTSanches]

On my wife's first trip to England that was the first, of many, museums that we went through. It was her first trip to England and Scotland. I remember the museum as being dark, but as a very young child (1960s) I remember going to the train station and it too being dark with soot and coal dust. So it was just as I remembered trains before my parents emigrated to Canada. :)

[@thomasthetankman111]

I was reading that they expect the station building to be finished by 2024. But have they made as estimate for when they want everything done? I assumed it was only going to be the station building but this has shown so much more development than I was expecting!

[@joshuachapman4136]

Hey, yes Station Hall is due to reopen in Autumn 2024. Wonderlab will open in Summer 2023. It’s hoped that the new Central Hall will be open probably late 2025, but it really depends on construction timings. South Yard will be finished around a similar time to Central Hall, maybe slightly after.

[@williamparker3765]

Many thanks for your video on the NRM, I have made a least half a dozen visits over my years, the last one about 8or 9 years ago, and I look forward to going again when it reopens and to see the changes made, please keep all of your video subscribers up to date.

[@TheBlackwolf_Toy_photography]

I visited the museum when I was 8 its seems embarrassing but as soon as I walked in I cried hystericaly in happiness and pure enjoyment 😅

[@lmm]

I think that was similar to my first visit

[@jamfjord]

Thanks for this, I didn't realise all that work was going on, I was on the verge of jumping on the train to spend the day there later this month, so cheers very much for the heads up 🙏👍 I haven't been there since I was a kid (which is decades ago rather than years) PS production game is getting *very* strong, especially loving the music

[@michaelcauser474]

Thank you for this video and the information in it. I was last in the UK from Australia about 10 years ago and managed to visit Shildon and the LT museum in London. Shildon was fantastic as I was able to get closeup details that I had been searching for. As for the LT museum in London, which I was visiting for the same reason, forget it. It was more like a kids playground than somewhere to get historical information. A total waste of my time. If that is the style they are planning for York, then they have just saved me wasting my efforts in trying to get there. Museum, fantastic. Playground, forget it.

[@lmm]

The NRM has the problem of having to appeal to everyone as its state owned, it's not just for enthusiasts.

[@EthanDolan61101]

I came here last Summer with my brother, we loved it so much and I can't wait to visit again.

[@1171karl]

Thanks for this, I've been intending to visit here for a number of years, and now I know about the work planned I'll make sure its completed before I do finally get there.

[@samuelfarris1949]

Hey there Lawrie. Little while since I last followed one of your new videos. Had to comment on this one - I made many visits to the NRM as it stood over the years, during several family holidays in Yorkshire. It was always a key place to call on for us, such is my love of trains. I went to the 2008 'End of Steam' Gathering there and the 2012 York Railfest, which I think is the last time we went before my late mother unfortunately died from illness. I did a York University degree on transport studies, and I had the pleasure to arrange to cab a select few exhibits thanks to the generosity of one of the museum staff. I do like the ideas being put forward in the Museum's revamp; they'll make the experience of visiting more ready to follow for the general visitor, but I nevertheless will relish the memories of the pure rawness of what it was like to be there as it was. Regards, Samuel.

[@philkelsall1207]

The archive is one of my favourite areas of the museum.

[@gabe2000able]

I remember visiting the "Old" museum in the old Engine Shed before the current museum opened. Visited the "New" museum a few times and watched it growing! Nice to see even more being done for the future.

[@dstenger]

Thanks for sharing with us across the pond!

[@lmm]

You're most welcome!

[@malakai651]

I've been several times and always thoroughly enjoyed it, it's one of the most fabulous museums. I agree with one of your comments that you could spend a full day in just part of it. I grew up with steam trains and it's hard to explain to someone just how exciting trains are be it model railways or full size trains. The revamp I'm looking forward to keep us posted.

[@benjaminhack47]

I first visited York with my great uncle, uncle and grandfather (true boys day out!) in 2013 for the Great Gathering. The sight of all 6 A4s certainly made an impression on a young me! My favourite part excluding the great hall must be station hall, it was like being in a terminus in the hey day of the pregrouping railways with 673, the M7, Gladstone & 1247. Initially I was quite against the overhaul of the place but having seen the drip trays over the Royal Stock and how tired a few areas look, I’m quite for the rebuild. As the home of the National Collection, it needs looking after! Regarding Rocket, I’d have it inside the entrance so it’s the first thing you see, the engine that started the first successful passenger carrying railway. Many thanks for the video Lawrie & Co!

[@eze8970]

Thanks Lawrie, not been there since about 1988...Some great engineering in there! 🙏🙏

[@paulb1967]

I went there last Summer and not being a train buff, i wasn't expecting much... but it was fantastic! Biggest surprise was the free entry. My boys and i had a full day of fun and education... and yes, the cross sectioned engine instantly made sense. We will gladly go back after completion of the revamp. Great video!

[@ThexMJT]

One of my favorite places to vist when I was a kid. Quick journey down from Newcastle on GNER day at that NRM, and then back home. Love going back with my dad in my late 20's bring back many memories and we now also mix it with a few pub visits also.

[@Sparky129]

This is something that is on my bucket list. Of course I've visited my local rail museum in Thirlmere, NSW Australia but to be able to see Mallard? That would be a dream come true. Thanks for showcasing this, am excited to see what new surprised they have in store and can't wait to visit it when it is done

[@flo112jf]

First one nice video ❤ Thank the Lord ❤ Greetings from Germany ✌🏻

[@oc2phish07]

I visited the museum a couple of years ago when I had a short break in York. Amazing place. Thanks for a very interesting video.

[@lmm]

You're most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@daveellis9575]

I stood in what is now the great hall when it was a smoky, noisy, dirty engine shed when I was seven. I was waiting for my pop to get his last pay packet after retirement as a top link driver. I was terrified by the noise and by the scale of the huge steam engines. I stand in the same place now and I can still see it as it was. My father hated it! He did structural inspections on the old roof and hated the soot and the sulphur. For me the loss of Leeman Road, and the old buildings of the yard have a personal impact but changes have to be made. It has to be made to engage my grandchildren. They love the place as it is, not how it was.

[@MePeterNicholls]

I’ve sat in the library there for hours. Such joy

[@paulberry-969]

I’ve been visiting the museum since it opened in 1975. Throughout that time I’ve been so impressed with how it has grown and evolved. I’m really excited to see what changes will be made as I know they will have been thoroughly considered and will be well executed.

[@lmm]

I'm excited to see what happens. It need to appeal to two very different groups, and that's the problem. It has to be good for the enthusiasts, but also for the general public. Hard thing to achieve

[@richardbrobeck2384]

I can not wait to see this next year when it is done !!

[@numptypootis8012]

I been there for my birthday back at the end of the year, it was so nice to finally be there and see so many engines I thought I'd never see when I have examples of them in model form. I remember lots of people like to fiddle about with the indicator discs on the class 31

[@royston600]

Glad to see theNRM is finally open it took them long enough , I went to York just after covid restrictions were lifted to find it closed due to staff shortages while the rest of York was open and buzzing I also don’t appreciate the wheel and rebuild part that was a great attraction is now gone to form a kiddies play area they need telling what this museum exists for !

[@grahamfrear9270]

The darkness of the museum gives it a better atmosphere. Look how the spoil the royal Albert hall with all the bright coloured lights flashing around.

[@lmm]

The darkness means you can't appreciate what's in the museum. The museum is for everyone, not just railway enthusiasts, as currently it isn't an engaging museum for everyone. There is little information to why people should care about what's in there.

[@geordieceltic2]

I hope that they get it right as it is quite special as it is. Good luck with the new development.

[@stephenspackman5573]

I remember going there as a child, with my dad, to see Mallard and APT-E, and to mourn the passing of British greatness.

[@lmm]

Great icons to see!

[@neilcurson4505]

First went to the York railway museum in about 1951, it was only a small collection of mainly eastern engine s in very low roof sheds. Been to the new museum with my son's and now grand sons and daughters. Eldest grand son now works there, lucky lad.

[@andywalker6]

My greatest visit to the Museum was when I managed to get a ride behind Rocket, a truly memorable day!

[@HorusGodEmperor]

I'm so pleased they are investing in the museum, I've loved taking my kids there over the years but always felt like it was lacking in potential given that it is the national museum, I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with it and can't wait to take my kids back to see it!

[@dannyseville2543]

Last time I was there was nearly 10 years ago and I like to visit every now n then. To me, this is a great news story in that although some of the atmosphere might be lost, the fact they can and are investing so much into the whole site means it must be doing well and they see the benefit in spending all that money. Long may such an iconic museum live.

[@christofsmanlib1385]

Really good video, taking it all in whilst I can!!! 😳 Look forward to seeing some aspects of the new major revamp, but other parts I suspect going to be o dear!! As one of the other comments @abrr2000 says, it was really good having the darkened building, really giving the place a mood to get yourself lost in. Real shame that aspect is going to be lost. Outside that building in the south yard, that should be great all revamped, much more pleasant. Thanks for taking the time to make and publish your video with us all 👍😊

[@Sim0nTrains]

Really enjoy going to the Railway Museum, great memories were Railfest of 2012 and the Great Gathering of the six A4s, great video

[@nbargate1]

Your photos form the "Loco's in a Different Light" events gave me amazing flash backs. That was an event that I was a event manager for spanning may years!

[@KKTR3]

In the archives, was the comfiest chair I’ve ever sat on in my life

[@SJTrains2024]

I remember going there in 2018 i believe,i enjoyed it there especially where you could watch the trains go in and out of york.

[@CH11LER.]

I remember somewhere in the archive section there's a model train with a demonstration on how gears work allowing you to change the model trains speed depending on the gear ratio. I was only a kid so that is my main memory. I remember how nice and well looked after the engines looked but, I don't think I fully appreciated them as much as I would these days

[@andyfalconer18]

I used to go the nrm when I was a kid and it has changed alot since I last went would love to go back there after its had its renovation done

[@richardjones5255]

I visited i October last year, with my wheelchair bound wife, daughter, son-in-law and the grandchildren. They did not believe some of the exhibits had ever been used on the railway system. The interactive science exhibit really caught their attention and the travelling post office was treated as though it was a film prop, not a real working item. I have to say that the hall was showing that it was really at the end of life, (as was my wife, she died a few weeks later). It was the last family trip she was ever to was ever to enjoy.

[@lmm]

I'm so sorry to hear that, those memories of you all together will be very special

[@chriggle1]

We went 4 years ago. I hired a wheelchair, which I thoroughly recommend for anyone with mobility issue. The only downside to this was going over the rails was sometimes tricky. We adored the museum. I have a photo that my husband took of Mallard with me in the wheelchair with my back to the camera. It really shows the size of Mallard. I quite liked some of the moody lighting. It made for a more atmospheric experience. We did look mostly for trains/engines built is the Swindon works, as we live very close to the old works. We saw quite a few. The other highlight was my 3 year old nephew high five every buffer, then explain how engines work to me! We come from a huge line of steam enthusiasts. My Grandfather at 96 is still making layouts, my dad did, and as children used to take us to see steam trains most Sunday afternoons. We lived in Kidderminster and the Severn Valley Railway timetables were always in the glove box of Dad’s car and in Dad’s camera bag. He would take my daughter too, when she was old enough. He is no longer with us, but her memories remain with her. When she was 9, the day my dad died, half an hour after we told her, she just said “ mum, do you think Jesus is fed up with Grandad taking about trains yet?” If you are in Swindon, I highly recommend going to the Steam museum, in one of the railway village large buildings. The majority of the railway works is now a designer outlet, but they have renovated it sympathetically. There are lots of cranes and machinery on display, along with Ditcheat Manor on display in the food court. The museum is set out like a day in the works, with hands on activities. My daughter still remembers the signal box interactive signal pulling exhibit. She pulled every signal herself, at 9 years old, watched by her Grandad. I cherish that footage. I hope we can make it to York once the works are finished on the museum. I will need to start saving now for the gift shop!