Flying Scotsman

Hang on - why the rush to even get the thing overhauled to running condition for its centenary, running charter trains for the benefit of those with sufficient disposable income is not actually what the NRM should be about anyway -
Perhaps to celebrate a centenary actually taking a break from the cycle would be more special, with only a cosmetic overhaul ( two different sides is not a bad idea in that context) and with the Locomotive actually present at the NRM for a change as the obvious centrepiece of an exhibition about its life and times would be more fitting (and yes that exhibition could be a travelling one because the centre of the universe is London isnt it) , and its a perfect opportunity to present the begging bowl to fund the overhaul and also collect some data on what the people want from Flying Scotsman appearance wise ?

 

I think you know that wouldn’t actually be the case. It was Marchington vandalism to remove the original vacuum braking system, at least now it’s got a vacuum
ejector back.
Your favourite engine still has the same braking system it had in BR days but with an air pump and controls for working air braked trains added, a similar situation to Riley’s Black 5s and I assume Royal Scot.

 

To repeat something I've mentioned more than once. The Late Alan Peglar jokingly remarked he'd have prefered to have saved Papyrus rather Flying Scotsman. But the American's couldn't pronounce "Papyrus........!"

 

More importantly, what colour would he have painted that one?

 

Straw colour?

 

From what I've seen in museums, compared with freshly made papyrus, it looks about as variable a description as 'khaki', which covers a multitude of hues and shades.

Shame 60096 isn't still around. It woudn't answer the colour question, but who'd care about that, were it only still with us!

 

Has it got a vacuum braking system as in BR days; i,e, with vacuum cylinders to actuate the brakes? I thought it had air brakes and an ejector with an air/vac proportional valve for use with vac braked stock rather than a vac/air proportional valve for use with air braked stock. Happy to be told that's wrong, though.

 

That’s how Scotsman is now as I understand it If you mean 35028, the loco is steam braked with the tender vacuum as in BR days, it a vac/air valve off a class 47.

 

Ah. I've obviously misinterpreted what was meant by your favourite engine in skimming through the postings.

 

I think we all agree we're very lucky to have this wonderful machine.

Returning to the important matter of the livery, shouldn't those who claim indifference, even claiming it's 'only' a coat of paint, therefore refrain from taking part in the debate?

 

I’m old enough to have seen her in BR days but, I’ve posted this before, and this is really how I remember her, and the livery I would prefer to see her for the Centenary, although I accept it’s very unlikely.

 

In post #7717, std tank claims

That is one person's opinion. I present a different opinion, spoken by the wife of a guy who likes trains, is not a member of any society, but is prepared to spring for 2 dining tickets behind Scotsman- one of these members of the general public who, allegedly, would not care if it were painted pink. Yes it is one person's anecdotal view, but as it counters the major claim of one side in this debate, it is absolutely part of the argument.
I have also been present at Minehead, when a couple of mums and their kids were looking at a WSR notice board. Various photos of GWR locos were on the board, but "that one looks really nice" was directed at 'Kilmersdon'. I do not understand why those who wish to see steam railways prosper, and their public attraction be what it was in former years, refuse to accept that the ignorant public do care what is on the front of their train.
To the uninformed, a heritage railway has one thing that differentiates it from the big railway. The stations aren't it. The rolling stock isn't it. The scenery isn't it. That all helps, but the thing they come for is the steam locomotives. And given an equal choice, it appears to me that the public like pre-nationalisation liveries. I know this is not what some people want to hear, but if you want the public to part with their money to subsidise your passion, you have to make it easy for them. And presenting them with a collection of locos reminiscent of the floor of the sheep trailer on market day doesn't seem to be working.

 

Pedant mode : Some people can't spell it - let alone pronounce it !

 

If they spell it like they pronounce it, that’s only to be expected. Effectively Alan Peglar’s statement in reverse.

 

I utterly agree but will continue to advocate LNER green, single-chimney for next time. It's inevitable in due course (as is another stint as the doubled 60103 at some future date thereafter).

 

This was posted on the Stevenage Locomotive Society Facebook page during the week, taken by one of the guys helping overhaul 73050 at Wansford.

Also, the pump was borrowed from the German 2-6-2T 64 305 and never refitted.

Where was the pump fitted on 4472 while it was in Australia? I had a feeling it had a pump fitted, but couldn't find any info until seeing this. Surprisingly 4079 wasn't fitted with one, despite being in use there for many years, and had to rely on an air pump in the water gin it towed.

 

Indeed, I fully agree, I give you Deltic Locomotive 55016 Gordon Highlander.

 

Why ?