Sunderland .... and the trains...

We descended from the coach some ways back from the Museum but it was dry so the walk proved not to be a problem.

As we arrived at the trackside we noticed the photographer was all set up and then we heard the whistle  .........
 .... along the track came the Mallard, one of the engines we had come to see.

We could see the trains (The Great Gathering) as we approached the entrance all lined up outside.  Two of the engines were in steam which was a pleasant surprise!


We were allowed in through a side door so didn't have to queue, and we wandered round looking at all the displays.

Some were right old and in a clean but worn condition.

There were the usual trade stands, I bought some Ephemera and collected leaflets as usual.  PJ bought some badges and books.




There were some Royal carriages dating back to 1840.    It was fascinating to look inside, the tiny bed was a shock!  Every room was laid out as though waiting for someone to enter, even though it was all pretend.


I did like the fact that the Museum catered for the children, there were games to play, model railways on show, and even the wagons set up for the little ones.


We had something to eat outside at one of the caravans, they had a tent to one side for eating in and we sat there and enjoyed the most delicious Fish and Chips I have had in a long time.  I suggested they came home with us and taught our local fryers how to cook proper fish and chips!!!  We left after about four hours and wandered back to the coach.  The queue was enormous, at least an hour and a half waiting time long and there were still people coming down the walkway.

All the passengers arrived back at the coach and we left an hour early so that meant we would arrive back at the collection point earlier than planned.  The wonderful driver that we had made sure everyone was dropped down wherever they wanted which meant that the last two couples - us and another - were dropped at the railway station so we could catch our bus home.
What a fantastic weekend!