Article from BTNews 27 MARCH 2017
History by rail
A world first takes place in Yorkshire on 23 April to celebrate the heritage and future of one of the UK’s most iconic railway lines when four trains spanning four generations will travel side by side in the same direction along the East Coast Main Line.
The occasion will be a once-only opportunity to see the Flying Scotsman alongside two trains from Virgin Trains’ revitalised fleet, an HST (Class 43) and an intercity225 (Class 91), plus the rail operator’s new train, the Virgin Azuma (Class 800), being built by Hitachi in the North East, to enter service next year.
The four trains will travel together for several miles north of York to showcase the past, present and future of rail travel on an historic journey, organised by Virgin Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, Network Rail and the National Railway Museum. More details will be released next month.
David Horne, managing director for Virgin Trains on the east coast, said: “With our new Azuma trains entering service next year, this is an opportunity to celebrate the icons of the railways and look forward to 2018 when we’ll usher in a new era for travel on the east coast route."
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum
Michael Preston,
As the National Railway Museum in York is mentioned here, I hope it's acceptable to give it a plug. It's one of the finest museums in the country, with approachable and friendly people working there, who delight in passing on their knowledge and enthusiasm. There is ahuge range of exhibits, it's not just 'greasy dirty steam engines' as some might say, some of the rolling stock is beautiful. It's also a pleasant place to have a good snack, and there is a good gift shop. Admission is free (donations are of course welcome) and it's a five minute walk from York Railway Station. I have no commercial interest in the NRM, but I confess to being a 'Friend of the NRM', even though I don't carry egg sandwiches and an Ian Allen spotters book on my visits!