Mallard

The world's largest railway museum is home to a wide range of railway icons and literally millions of artefacts, from Mallard - the world's fastest steam locomotive - to a lock of Robert Stephensons hair.

Its vast collections, including more than 100 engines, tell the railway tale from Rocket to Eurostar.

Permanent displays include the jewel in the museum's crown - Palaces on Wheels.

With Royal saloons dating back to the Victorian era, visitors have the rare chance to glimpse inside the sumptuous bedrooms, dining rooms and day saloons, which really are palaces on wheels.

The only Shinkansen Bullet Train to go on display outside Japan is the first railway vehicle built and run outside Britain to enter the National Collection.

The award winning exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to take a seat inside the distinctive bullet shaped train and find out what makes it one of the great engineering icons of the modern age.

British Rail - A Moving Story charts 50 years of state-owned railways through the eyes of the people who worked in the industry, including Pete Waterman and Joe Brown, who were both former BR steam locomotive firemen.

The NRM's £4 million wing, The Works, comprises three galleries - Workshop, The Working Railway and The Warehouse. As well as seeing the traditional restoration skills of the museum's engineers and craftsmen and hearing about them in The Workshop round up, kids can have fun building trains themselves in one of the many interactive exhibits.

The Yorkshire Wheel

The Flying Scotsman Story - a permanent exhibition about the train, the route and the engine.

In 2004, with huge public support, the National Railway Museum saved Flying Scotsman for the nation when it came up for sale. Still in operation today, Flying Scotsman has become a legend which involves a train, a locomotive, a speed record and the personal memories of thousands of people.

With a rich mix of objects, stories, audio visual displays and interactives, this first ever permanent exhibition dedicated to Flying Scotsman unlocks the history of an icon.

Please note: Flying Scotsman is currently undergoing a statutory overhaul in the Workshop.

To check its whereabouts, please call 0870 421 4472.

The Yorkshire Wheel - York's new landmark 'must see' attraction.

Soar 60 metres (198 feet) into the sky and get some of the best views in the county.

Situated within the museum, York's new gigantic obervation wheel offers visitors, tourists and city residents alike an unforgettable experience and a unique feast for the eye. You'll be amazed at the beautiful city of York and the countryside as you have never seen before.

With truly breathtaking views in one of 42 climate controlled eight-seater capsules, why not come and ride the wheel by day or night for one incredible trip?

To help bring the exhibits to life and answer visitor's questions, a team of 'Explainers' is always on hand throughout the museum's three halls.

Also during the holidays there are miniature railway rides in the South Yard and Play Train.

The museum has an ever-changing programme of special events for all the family, including a Day out with Thomas event every February half term, featuring Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller (charge applies).

Further details:

Open: Daily 10am-6pm. Closed Dec 24-26.

Admission: Free. Charge for some special events.

Facilities: Education Service, Interactive Learning Centre, restaurant, conference facilities, library, car park, gift shop, indoor and outdoor play'n'picnic areas, model railway, miniature railway (check availability on arrival), summer barbecue (weather permitting).

Disabled access: Ramps and chairlifts provide access to most of the museum. Wheelchair loan available at the entrance to the museum.

Contact: (01904) 621261

Email: nrm@nmsi.ac.uk

Website: www.nrm.org.uk

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