Mallard and that headboard

Can anyone tell me why Mallard is displayed with 'The Coronation' headboard? It isn't historically appropriate yet the loco has carried it on both occasions that I have visited York in the last 2 years.

 

As far as I can recall she has carried it since July 2008 when the 4 surviving UK based A4's lined up outside York when Gresley, Union and Bittern worked the Croronation railtour. Mallard certainly had the headboard in June last year when she moved from York to Shildon and had it in place during her stay there.

 

Here you go

http://railways.national-preservation.com/showthread.php/18398-CORONATION-2-16-18-MAY/page8?highlight=CORONATION


cheers
JIM

 

Cant see the problem with a Garter blue A4 and a coronation headboard....

 

I believe Mallard acquired the headboard when all four UK-based A4s were lined up outside the NRM during Steam Dreams' tour of that name in July 2008, and seems to have carried it ever since.

 

Why is it Not historically appropriate, surely Garter Blue A4'S and the coronation are as appropriate as it gets....

 

Because the original Coronation did not carry a headboard.

 

The headboard in question is unique to Steam Dreams' Coronation steam tour - it's a BR style headboard with a Duchess of Sutherland style crown on top - the chap at Procast told me

So it is indeed historically inaccurate. Whether it matters is a moot point - I admit I personally was surprised to see it last time I visited the NRM.