Sir Nigel Gresley: City’s double celebration marks 150th birthday
He may have been born a century and a half ago, but Sir Nigel Gresley is spoken about with reverence, especially in Doncaster.
It was there he created Flying Scotsman and Mallard, among other locomotives. And to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, two events were planned in his honour.
Yesterday, LNER held a special event at Doncaster station describing him as “one of the most instrumental figures in the rail industry”.
Sir Nigel was the former Chief Engineer of the original LNER and was a railway pioneer.
To celebrate, LNER hosted an event outside Doncaster station, before unveiling a newly-named and liveried Azuma train in honour of him.
Today, Wabtec UK engineering company, along with City of Doncaster Council, will host a Doncaster Site celebration event “bringing together employees, families, rail enthusiasts and the wider community to celebrate the rich heritage and lasting contribution of its Doncaster site to the UK railway industry”.
Wabtec says Doncaster Works holds a long and proud place in Britain’s railway history and has been synonymous with engineering excellence, innovation and skilled craftsmanship for generations.
As the site approaches the end of its operational journey later this year, Wabtec is committed to taking the time to properly recognise the people, achievements and legacy that have shaped it over many decades.
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “The work of Sir Nigel Gresley has created a lasting legacy for Doncaster’s railway industry, and I am delighted that this special event will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of an iconic steam locomotive engineer.”