LSWR T3 563

No, no. Far easier and of more use to bitch and moan on an internet firm.

 

well that's the nub of the 563 problem in a nutshell. If you have a consultation, do you consult the (lets call it) industry representative organisation or in addition it's member organisations or in addition the members of those organisations or rag tag and bobtail off an internet forum, self appointing itself as Guardian and maybe the dogs in the street.....

 

we simply don't know and pushing for more levels of due diligence will only lessen the chances of more locos passing to the private sector. Would you really want a deal , such as ,say, the A1slt being gifted Green Arrow with the intention to return it to action, failing because people whose business it isn't think they should have a say?

 

There are obviously diametrically opposed philosophies as to whether or not you want a nationally owned collection or in private ownership. If it is the latter, the onus should be on the putative recipient to provide a credible proposal which is scrutinised by decision makers with the right attributes and knowledge to judge safely in the interests of the nation.
It does not seem wise to start from a default position of the state looking for new owners for unique museum pieces, almost begging them to be taken and not looking too hard at the veracity of any scheme.
My position is that I would prefer the state to retain ownership and control but be open minded as to other modes of curation, including long term loans to appropriate organisations. The V2/A1 Trust arrangement may be one such but the state must remain ultimate owner so that future generations can decide how the artefacts are displayed in their term.

 

thank you Sir Humphrey

 

I'd say that's a false dichotomy. We can do both

 

Have I missed some news about Green Arrow or is that deal hypothetical?

 

Reading General Meltchet was the source of that fantasy.

 

The floor is indeed yours once again.

 

clearly hypothetical

 

Green Arrow is going to the NRM outpost at Leicester North in any event together with the D11. One hopes the O4 gets some treatment soon. I miss seeing her in steam.

Overall the shape of the NRM has to change, NRM+ was maybe not the way to go but the collection and its remit will change over the years. That's part and parcel of keeping itself as an attraction and particularly one which still remains free to this day, reliant on donations and sponsorship.

One could argue Scotsman has changed that somewhat and we can see that the business side of the NRM in using the locomotive to highlight the museum and its aims is doing well.

I wish Swanage all the best with 563 and I look forward to seeing what they do with it.

 

Has NRM+ and locos suspended from the ceiling gone away or has it just been re-badged?

 

I would say that line of thinking has gone away. But it remains that the museum must adapt continuously to changing circumstances.

 

Wouldn't want to steal your limelight dear heart.

 

Having visited the NRM on many an occasion over the years, I once again paid a visit last week. How disappointed I was. Yes things do have to change, history doesn't stand still, but surely not in the manner it appears to be going sacrificing space from exhibits for outlets? The way the Great Hall looks, it is rapidly becoming the National Train Themed Café with retail outlets.

I've always been a fan of the NRM and what they have achieved over the years and I'm all for long term leasing of locos. Look how successful the Q1 at Bluebell was, T9 at MHR, Swanage and Bodmin still is and 925 and 850 looking likely to stay on the MHR for several years to come. All of these have been roaming ambassadors of the NRM. I must admit that I was sceptical of the T3 being "given away" but surely there has been some due diligence and caveats put in place should anything (God forbid) untoward become of the new owners? Only Swanage and the NRM know that for certain but I cannot for one moment believe that it is a "do as you like" arrangement?

Following my latest visit, I am now pleased that the T3 is away form York and will eventually become the swan it always was instead of a forgotten duckling it had become. I too wish Swanage all the best and cannot wait to see 563 on a line where it belongs.

 

There is no limelight just some folk prefer to comment on the topic substance rather than make personalised grumbles.

 

The major part of the funding for the NRM is from the tax payer.

 

Yes a fair point Mike, my apologies.

 

Easily to criticise, but more difficult to suggest alternatives forms of revenue. If the NRM does get the income from the retail/café outlets (which will be considerable), how would you suggest it makes the revenue?