Train to steam into centre of Preston

A historic train is to steam into Preston today, giving families the chance to learn about locomotives of the past.
A steam locomotive is to be in Preston's Flag Market on Saturday. Picture shows the Ribble Steam Railway Museum, PrestonA steam locomotive is to be in Preston's Flag Market on Saturday. Picture shows the Ribble Steam Railway Museum, Preston
A steam locomotive is to be in Preston's Flag Market on Saturday. Picture shows the Ribble Steam Railway Museum, Preston

Ribble Steam Railway, based at the city’s docks, is to bring a steam locomotive to the Flag Market, along with museum objects for visitors to see.

The train will be transported on the back of a truck and will be on display in the city centre, with railway enthusiasts in traditional costumes.

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Terri Hearty, assistant curator of the museum at the Steam Railway, said: “It’s to promote who we are - people can talk to us about who we are and what we do.

“There will be a full-size steam locomotive in the Flag Market and a selection of museum objects they can come and look at and play with, and some of our machines.

“We’ve got a couple of engine-drivers’ hats, genuine working bits from the railway, a bit of track - all sorts of things that were used by drivers and guards in the steam days.

“We did it last year and it went well.

“We are expecting families and children to come and have a look and get interested.

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“It’s not every day you see a full-size steam locomotive in the middle of a city.”

Terri and her colleagues will be wearing costumes of Victorian tail coats at today’s event.

She said visitors would not be able to climb on the train, but could handle other objects.

Organisers say the event will be an opportunity for people to find out how a steam locomotive works, as well as information about the steam revolution around Preston.

Volunteers will be on hand to meet visitors and to answer questions.

The event will take place on the Flag Market facing the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, between 12pm and 4pm.