I had a really enjoyable day. It started out quite damp, and the run in didn't quite go to plan, as it was a good steady rainfall until about 10am. There was plenty of variety though, and it was good to see some other preserved vehicles return from storage, not to mention work carried out over the winter period on others.

I'd say that seeing JFT413X (413) was the highlight for me. I'd never seen one of the two PTE Alexander bodied Scania BR112DH, so it was great to finally have that opportunity. It's a very smartly presented restoration, and is a credit to the THV group. It's a shame it didn't do a run out, but I suppose you can't have everything.

It also brought back some great memories seeing FTN708W (4708) and R855PRG (4855) lined up together, in the GNE red/blue/yellow livery. It's always been one of my favourite liveries, and it's good to see some preservation projects starting to come through in this livery.

Go North East and Arriva both brought a large selection of vehicles along, and of course both operators support remains a big part of the Metrocentre event. Both companies were very well presented, with staff more than happy to explain the ins and outs of the vehicles, and also happy to display some weird and wonderful destinations! 

Whilst I don't deny that it was what the event staff were telling people, I'm not sure where they got their information from that Tanfield Railway wasn't open today? You can see for yourself here - http://tanfield-railway.blogspot.co.uk/2...nd_30.html. It did seem to be a case that there was a big lack of organisation this year, and it didn't appear that they had their usual compliment of volunteers. This is probably the reason that the usual timetable and such went out the window, which is disappointing. 

All in all though, it was a really enjoyable day.