This Day in History: 1990-05-18

18 May 1990

The Gateshead National Garden Festival opened with the railway having played a great part in establishing the successful railway operation for the festival. Greenbat, the battery-electric loco, complete with the associated battery charging gear and a flat truck, was used during the construction of the 15" festival railway. Northern Rock, River Irt and Shelagh of Eskdale worked the services at the festival.