TODAY the National Railway Museum turned 30. The attraction has adopted a low-key approach to the anniversary: no disco on the Duchess of Hamilton, no buffet on the Bullet, not even a round of postman's knock on the Pullman.

So we shall go loco on their behalf. The NRM, voted Europe's best museum, has been a terrific asset to York since pulling into Leeman Road three decades ago.

While the city's railway industry has been mangled by successive governments, our train-and-tracks heritage has been preserved and enhanced. The museum has brought many millions of visitors here.

The NRM may be modest about its achievements, but trainspotters everywhere will wish it a very happy buffday.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, September 27, 2005