MALLARD TO RETURN HOME TO DONCASTER
Published at 14:40 on Tuesday 3rd September 2013
Tags: National Network, A4, LNER, Mallard
LNER A4 Pacific No. 4468 Mallard will be back in Doncaster in mid-September, with a free of charge public open weekend at the Railport. Richard Tuplin
The star of the National Railway Museum, LNER 'A4' Pacific No. 4468 Mallard, is to return to its birthplace at Doncaster for the St Leger Festival Week.
The 1938-built world steam speed record holder will be on display to members of the public at Doncaster Railport on 14th/15th September, an even event that is open to all and has free entry.
Prior to this, a VIP viewing and gala dinner will take place within the 'Plant' at Doncaster on 11th September, which may possibly the last chance ever to see Mallard back in the historic Doncaster Plant Works where it was built.
Wabtec, which operates the works at Doncaster has allowed access to a lucky 100 ticketed guests and will host a special viewing of Mallard. Local dignitaries will be present, as will Tim Godfrey, grandson of Sir Nigel Gresley. During the VIP viewing, Mallard will emerge from the original Erecting Shop, the actual building where it was built 75 years ago, there will then be a coach transfer to Doncaster’s historic Georgian Mansion House for a four course dinner. Tickets for the viewing and dinner are £75 per person, to book call Doncaster Tourist Information Centre on 01302 734309.
Railport Weekend
Over the 14th/15th September, a free event at Freightliner Ltd’s Railport in Doncaster will allow members of the public to get up close to the locomotive between 10:00 and 17:00 on both days. There is no parking at Freightliner and visitors are strongly advised to travel by public transport, particularly on Leger day. A shuttle bus service will be operating approximately every 10 to 15 minutes from Doncaster Interchange to Mallard at Freightliner. The bus service number is 'Mallard 4468'. Those having no alternative but to travel by car should use Junction 3 of the M18 and follow the 'Park and Ride' signs. A regular shuttle bus service will also be operating from here direct to Mallard at Freightliner, approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. The bus service number is 'Mallard A4'.
In addition, a special exhibition 'MALLARD – A DONCASTER THOROUGHBRED', a celebration of A4 locomotives designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, is being held at Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery from 6th September until 2nd November. The museum is open from 10:30 until 16:15, Monday to Saturday.
