60009

Isn't that a matter for the owner to decide?

 

61994 is there still I believe

 

Is the stove R in regular use ? and for some specific purpose ?

 

Parcels vans are used throughout the year as 'buggy vans' during Santa Specials, Thomas' and the regular children themed days.

 

It is but life and Nat Pres would be pretty boring if no one ever commented on things that they have no control over. And that includes you, Michael.

 

Unfortunately, people on here seem to think that their opinions matter more than those of the owners - and that includes you Steve.

 

Pot, kettle, black.

 

Shouldn’t it be taken as a complement that so many people are of the opinion that ideally they would like to see the locomotives continue to run....???

It speaks volumes about the owner and his successful stewardship that the machines have garnered such affectionate and passionate support that people don’t want to see them retired.

Said owner is clearly held in high regard here so I’m not sure your rather prickly response is entirely apt.

 

Indeed it is, I just think that if he chose to house the engines there - who knows if he does - that it would not be a bad thing. Of course, I'd like to see the engines in operation but in my opinion if they were to be retired to display then the SRPS would be a good home for them.

And that's it - my opinion, my comment on something that actually I have no control over. But it's fun to speculate and comment on any predictions.

 

It would clearly be more of a compliment if those wishing to see the locomotive(s) continue main line running would be prepared to discuss both future and funding with the current owner methinks.

 

Actually think a return of The K4 would be great. It performed really well on The Fellsman’s in 2012/2013 for example. Hope some others agree.

 

Were any of us this sufficiently affluent, the discussion would surely then be moot? I don't understand why discussion of the disposition of a steam locomotive is being discouraged on a discussion board about steam locomotives.

Put another way, I like The Expanse but I'm not allowed to discuss with friends and family that I liked season 2 more than season 4 because I don't own Amazon. Errrmm.....

For my part, preserving a steam locomotive at a preserved railway (even static) is about as logical as you can get. Of course Mr. Cameron (and everyone else) is at liberty to disagree!

 

If it is the owners wish to let her have a rest, locally to him, so he can see her at any stage, why should anybody discourage that????

He has given countless hours and £££ to make her run on the mainline, another A4 is nearly finished, and work for them hardly seems bountiful.

Neither the loco or owner are getting any younger, people should respect his wishes, and enjoy her, while they can....

 

Watch out for Mr Cameron and Mr Riley sitting and having a pot of tea and 'discussing things'
Mr Riley and his men know every nut and bolt on the A4

 

An attempt at a more positive note with some random No. 9 trip memories:

Crossing the bridge out of Victoria gleaming brilliant orange reflecting the sunrise (wish I'd had my camera)
Head out the window during a snow flurry on the way to the Bath Xmas Market as she put her head down and turned into the wind
Waiting for her return at Bath, so crowded the driver of a 159 rocked back n' forth in a comedic "come on" gesture while he cranked it to 10.5 and went nowhere
The noise of 75andtherest just outside Grantham
Soot in the eye in the dark through Potters Bar
Braking in the tunnels just outside Kings X
Walking past her on the way out, she's not green anymore, her entire upper length is black (wish I'd had my camera).

 

Have only managed four main line runs behind 60009 over the years and whilst all had their highlights, the stand out moment just has to be that run down Whiteball.

 

Watch this space

 

It seems pretty clear that Mr Cameron's first choice is not going to happen, but we don't yet know whether he has even decided on his second choice, or what it is if he has decided.
We can of course speculate, but sooner or later we will know.

 

On the subject of parcels vans, the ELR have used the Southern PMV S1391S during the winter warmers. Coincidentally or otherwise, this doesn't have a corridor connection so it shouldn't get caught in any A4 tender fittings!