299 Sunday 4th January 2026 Power Hall , Museum of Science and Industry

 Simon had wanted to visit this for some time but it had been closed for renovation. He  remembered a ride on a simulator we did when he was very little and wanted to do it again.

We took the train to Manchester and, after an errand, we went for lunch at Sixes Cricket Bar. The video we filmed there will appear here in due course.

We  then took a tram to Castlefield and walked to the Museum.

This monster powered a mill in Burnley.

This one came from a mill in Littleborough.

We noted that, inevitably, many of the display boards had woke-y references to slavery and exploitation. This engine powered a light bulb in a chip shop in Bolton.

This is the engine that powers the museum's heating system through use of an aquifier,

This was the largest wheel in  the  exhibition.

Simon poses by a machine bearing the name of his friend.

 

The  trains were at the far end of  the  hall. This steam engine was from South Africa.

I didn't note where this diesel was made.

This is a replica of the engine designed by Stephenson to effectively replace the Rocket , the first to have inside cylinders.

This is a reconstruction, using original parts. of the engine that came second to the Rocket  in the Rainhill trials.

As  the  board  tells us, this engine was made for India

Sadly, we had  to conclude that the simulator was no longer there. We had a brief look at some of the other parts of the museum. Simon had a go at a musical mixing desk.

I  admired this vintage vehicle.

Having an hour to kill before our train, we had a drink and biscuit in the cafe before taking a tram to St Peter's Square. From there we walked to Albert Square  and went on the Ferris wheel there. Here are some snaps.

We  then moved on to HMV before catching the train back home.