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Flying Scotsman

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by 73129, Aug 24, 2010.

  1. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    We have the NHS to thank for that :)
     
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  2. And Freeman, Hardy & Willis...
     
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  3. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    and maybe Uncle Tom Cobley and all.................... :D
     
  4. Victor

    Victor Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    How do you work that out ? especially the bit about low popularity.
     
  5. DismalChips

    DismalChips Member

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    Novelty wearing off? It seems unlikely to me, there's always a ready supply of small kids excited by trains with parents who'll indulge them.
     
  6. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    I don't suppose any of us are possessed of accurate foresight 20 years hence, but I certainly don't see any slackening of popularity for Flying Scotsman amongst the general public. Indeed, having just had several days in close proximity to FS in both an operational and enthusiast / visitor capacity, I can comfortably say I have never seen anything like the enthusiasm, bordering on reverence, amongst the general public that she has generated. Just take a look at the Bluebell's Facebook and Twitter feeds if you want to see quite how popular she has been.

    Tom
     
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  7. S.A.C. Martin

    S.A.C. Martin Part of the furniture

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    People continue to underestimate the enduring appeal of Flying Scotsman. Quelle surprise.
     
  8. Sheff

    Sheff Resident of Nat Pres

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    Hopefully before I'm plinthed too!
     
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  9. The Green Howards

    The Green Howards Nat Pres stalwart

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    To suggest that Flying Scotsman's appeal will diminish is the biggest load of pony I've read on here in a long time.
     
  10. class8mikado

    class8mikado Part of the furniture

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    Gut feeling only, and seriously don't have a problem with being mistaken on this one.
     
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  11. std tank

    std tank Part of the furniture

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    I've seen a photo of Scotsman taking a special through Chesterfield Central in 1964. The platforms were rammed with joe public. That was 53 years ago!!!
     
  12. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    It'll never last. ;)

    Tom
     
  13. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    I believe Elvis Presley's music teacher once told him he would never to be able to hold a note... :p:p
     
  14. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    As Talking Heads said, "same as it ever was."
     
  15. John Petley

    John Petley Part of the furniture

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    Two interesting comments from people I met who saw Flying Scotsman during its recent visit to the Bluebell. One was from a (non-enthusiast) lady who was driving home from a holiday - taking a rather roundabout route, I must add - when she saw a crowd of people by the line and asked what was going on. When informed that the Flying Scotsman was about to pass by, she decided to stop to watch it go through, but she seemed a bit disappointed afterwards. "It only looked like another green engine", I think were her words to me. However, mentioning the name "Flying Scotsman" had been sufficient to make her stop to take a look. I don't think she would have done so for any other engine.

    Secondly, a motor cyclist parked near the bridge at the top of Freshfield Bank (Sloop Lane) to watch Flying Scotsman returning tender first with the last return trip yesterday. After it had passed by, he said to me "I saw it in the 1980s and I don't remember it looking quite like that" so I explained to him about the different liveries, smoke deflectors, double chimney etc. and then mentioned that another train was due in the opposite direction in a few minutes time, but he wasn't interested in staying to see it.

    Somehow, Flying Scotsman creates a buzz with Joe (or Jo) public that no other engine seems able to match. Since acquiring its almost "rock star" status following its recent overhaul, I have wondered whether even Mallard, if returned to steam, would generate a similar reaction. For what my money is worth, I would say that it wouldn't, even though Mallard shares the rare honour with FS of its name often prefixed with the definite article. (Rocket is the only other loco I can think of in this category.)
     
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  16. Bean-counter

    Bean-counter Part of the furniture

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    Almost the exact reaction I got after a long and (for me as the driver) tiring journey across to see 60103 at Llangollen many years ago, preceded by 'That's not Flying Scotsman!'

    Steven
     
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  17. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    It is! Oh please let this not descend into YET another livery debate!
     
  18. Bean-counter

    Bean-counter Part of the furniture

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    Please Sir, can we have a 'blast pipe and blinkers' debate instead!

    (No, not really!)

    Steven
     
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  19. Sawdust

    Sawdust Member

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    Let's have both! lol
    (A livery and blinkers/chimney & blastpipe debate combined)

    Sawdust.
     
  20. class8mikado

    class8mikado Part of the furniture

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    Oh No !
    Sorry, what started as wouldn't they be better with another 90mph Loco then, has drifted into " we all love Flying Scotsman - shame about the paint/chimney/blinkers" So back to the other Big Green Machine now perhaps ?
     

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