Railfest views take very different lines

9:28am Friday 8th June 2012 in Letters

I WENT to the National Railway Museum’s (NRM) Railfest and what a treat it was. I went to the Railfest in 2004, and this year’s event was even better.

The layout area was huge, clearly signed with much interesting and relevant information. The range of very old, old, current and ultra-modern stock was excellent, as were most of the staff and volunteers manning each exhibit and the rail crossings, etc.

The trade stands were varied and several had really good offers on display. The number of locomotives “in steam” was good to see and smell, as were the numerous types of rolling stock and eating places. People of all ages and interests seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, and the rides and moving exhibits had not been ruined by over-zealous health and safety officers.

The event was obviously well planned and must have cost thousands to assemble and display, but well done all at the NRM – this was England at her best.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way, Holgate, York.

• I AM writing to say how disappointed I was while visiting the National Railway Museum on Monday, June 4.

I had seen the advertising for the Railfest, but was not aware of what this entailed. My two children had a great time looking at all the trains which were not part of the Railfest and were excited when we told them we would finish our trip with a visit to the play area and a ride on the miniature train.

Unfortunately, due to the Railfest we were not allowed outside to the play area without spending what amounted to more than £30 (£15 per adult and then payment for our six-year-old). I understand they need to generate revenue from such events, but how can they justify the price and why did they have to close the play area? Could the play area have been accessible during such an event?

I do not understand this decision. I had two very unhappy children for the rest of the afternoon.

Debbie Briggs, Baysdale Avenue, Osbaldwick, York.

Comments(3)

pedalling paul says...
8:50pm Fri 8 Jun 12

Unfortunately the play area and miniature railway cannot easily be physically segregated from the remainder of the outdoor Railfest site. As the event only happens typically for a week every four years, I hope that Debbie and her family will take the opportunity to visit these attractions when they revert to being part of the NRM's overall free entry
I had a wander round Railfest earlier this week, and for once in my life, find myself agreeing with David Quarrie. It's a magnificent achievement. I watched a video interview with the NRM director, which highlighted that Network Rail had waived normal track access charges for rail vehicles accessing the event. This kind of gesture will surely have helped to keep the public entry cost down.

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Magicman! says...
1:11am Sat 9 Jun 12

It may have actually been me that stopped Mrs Briggs going through to the play area (with back up from a superior). As PP states, the play area cannot be physically segregated from the rest of the site; there was also other kids activity areas in the rest of the museum; and it was also raining, so quite why you'd go to an outdoor play area in the rain is beyond me.

With the prices of tickets, the aim is the break even... any 'profits' made will go to the museum's preservation work.

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Magicman! says...
2:02am Tue 12 Jun 12

I have since been told the costs of holding Railfest was just over £1million. £15 for a ticket doesn't sound much in comparison.

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