[John Webb]

The 'Station Building' or South Hall is an ex-Goods depot, and is top lit by glass in the roof. It is dim at this time of year due to the low angle of the sun (when it shines, that is!). I've achieved good photographs between May and September when the sun has been out. If you use flash and can control the lens aparture (eg the f number), use at least one, preferably two stops more to get the maximum light back in - or a flash-gun with automatic exposure. There is electrical lighting as well, but not a great deal - possibly to maintain something of the atmosphere and to avoid exposing the exhibits to too much light.

I have not seen their policy on tripods; they tend to be unpopular in museums because of the potential for tripping someone up. A 'uni-pod' takes up much less room but still gives greater stability than hand-held. There are also plenty of pillars about in the South Hall to rest the camera or yourself against to help steady the camera.

I'd also advise photography after 2.30pm which is about the time that school parties depart and you are less likely to be interrupted or cause a problem with a tripod.
Hope the pics come out well,
John Webb

 

[John Webb]

I can confirm that the special 'Flying Scotsman' exhibition is in the 'Warehouse' section on the side of the NRM near to the ECML. We were there in September last year and they'd just shut it to start carrying out the modifications.

We were also up at Shildon a few days later - was there something you particularly wanted to know about? But they do move exhibits around quite frequently so what may have been there when we went may not be there now.

Regards,
John Webb

 

[John Webb]

The beauty of the NRM is that they have many locos and other items not preserved anywhere else. It is sad that many of the locos will not steam again, but even in static display there is still that lovely oily-steel smell around. And for those interested in the colour of particular liveries the NRM is particularly rich.

Two things the NRM has lost since it opened in 1975, and which I miss, are the cafe overlooking the ECML, now part of their conference facilities, and the art gallery off the main entrance. On the other hand their '0' guage layout keeps getting better and better. Also on the modelling side is the signalling training layout being restored in 'The Warehouse' and various scale models displayed there.

Regards,
John Webb

 

[John Webb]

Having spent 28 years in a job which had connections both with public safety and with the HSE - one of my former colleagues went and joined their Factory Inspectorate - I am convinced that the 'H&S cop-out' is in fact a convenient way of companies taking action (or more likely inaction!) to avoid potential suing by members of the public for damages and subsequent extra insurance payments.

What can be done to allow visitors safe access to work areas is visible at the NRM in the Workshop; another excellent example is at Ingrow at the Vintage Carriages Trust museum/workshop, where a gallery runs round the perimeter of the interior, complete with wheelchair lift. It is also noticeable looking at other preserved railway websites and in the columns of the various railway magazines that new workshops and sheds, particularly when Heritage Lottery funded, are being built with viewing facilities for visitors.

Regards,
John Webb