Monday 23rd July

Chinese Government Locomotive

A lovely morning on the river in York. We decided to visit the Railway Museum so walked over the river to the Museum. There is no charge for entrance though they do ask for a donation. The main hall is huge and had 30 locomotives in – steam, diesel and electric. There was even a Japanese Bullet Train. I found the Chinese Government Railways loco fascinating as it is so long but perfectly formed for the tight curves of the Chinese railways. It was built in 1935 and shipped to China but withdrawn from service in 1981. Another favourite is Mallard who holds the official world speed record for steam locomotives at 125.88 mph on 3^rd July 1938. The Flying Scotsman is in the process of being refurbished and is looking good but is, at present, black instead of green. We also saw the Hogwarts Express which was lucky as it is usually based at the museum at Shildon.


Queen Adelaide's Carraige

After lunch at the station buffet we wandered to the see the 4 Royal coaches – these are so sumptuous, I really wanted to go inside and not just look through the windows. The oldest belonged to Queen Adelaide (wife of King William IV) and dates from 1830’s, the next belonged to Queen Victoria, then one for King Edward VII and finally the one that was used by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).

Our next port of call was the York Wheel which we can see from Mary H. It is 53 metres high and you can see the whole city and far beyond. There was quite a breeze blowing and we did wobble a bit! (I’m afraid the photo is a bit blurred as it was taken through glass).

We can’t really leave Millie inside a metal tube with all the windows and doors closed when it is so hot so we came back and threw everything open so that we could have “cool cat” and not a “cat on a hot tin roof”!!   I wasn't complaining anyway as I am really enjoying Narrow Dog to Wigan Pier so it gave me chance to read another couple of chapters.