61994 Great Marquess

It is of course the owner's prerogative as to what happens to both 60009 and 61994 but one must hope that they are kept working for future generations to enjoy.

 

In the end, it comes down to the same old problem. Who will supply the dosh?

I have been lucky enough to drive and fire both these machines and am very fond of them, although disposing 61994, for a fireman, was a pig of a job.

However, I currently support 3 loco funds, plus the SVR Charitable Trust, and that's my limit.

So, if you really don't want to see these stuffed and mounted...shell.
Regards,

 

I have a rather big loco that takes my money, just like yours goes to your chosen funds. All rather academic unless they come on the market or the owner opens up a fund. Should this happen though, I'm sure there would be interested parties.

 

Not if the driver has stopped with the big end in the right place it isn't. Rear driving wheel on the drivers side with the rod in the Back lower quarter gives plenty of room to get under and dispose. You need quite a long rake but I have never considered it to be a difficult disposal.

 

The hardest job is winding down and then up that drop grate but it is nothing like as hard as doing it on an A4. At least 61994 doesn't have a cods mouth!

 

Just have to see what does happen with 61994 as im hoping she does get overhauled for a future return to traffic. At least I can say that I have been behind her as I rode behind her on The Welsh Mountaineer in Aug 2013.

 

I was on the charter on the Severn Valley the day the wheel problems ended the locos previous spell in steam. I don't think on that day any of us there expected to see it turn a wheel in anger again.
Whatever Mr Cameron ultimately decides the locos future will be those of us who have had the privilege to see,hear and ride behind it have a lot to to be grateful to him and his support team for.
None of us who had the chance to see it in it's natural environment will forget the experience.

We can only wait and see what happens in what is a rapidly changing environment for main line steam.

 

I was on the bash last year with the K4 and agree completely - one of the most memorable railway days I've ever experienced. The sound of 61994 climbing round the East end of Loch Eilt will stay with me for ever!

 

It is worth perhaps pointing out that Mr Cameron was only able to acquire 61994 because the previous owner passed away. It would be a great shame if he did not allow anyone else interested in keeping the loco running the same opportunity - in the end he would have the final control over who it went to and whether he viewed them as a suitable custodian going forward.

 

Can't argue with that, I've done evey bash since 2001 and I think that 2014 was the best. Sounded pretty good at Kinloid too. John Cameron was on the footplate all day with a broad grin on his face so who knows.

 

An update on the condition of 61994 has been posted this evening on the NYMR Twitter feed. Not good news. She has a cracked firebox and will never steam again. She is now on her way to her final? resting place in Scotland according to the tweet.

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Fireboxes have been outright replaced in railway preservation on almost every class of engine you can think of - and surgery on a firebox is not the end of a boiler's life by a long way!

One rather suspects that this is all rather closer to propaganda for the big push into the museum. Infuriating.

EDIT: Just to clarify, if I've not been clear - not propaganda on the part of the NYMR, who I am sure are reporting as they have been asked to.

 

It's on its way for display in a well-established museum in Scotland for the next couple of years whilst plans are made for its permanent home.

I also understand that the crack in the firebox was relatively minor in the grand scheme of things..!

 

I have no problem with the owner doing what he likes with UoSA, which he saved personally, and has owned far longer than either the LNER or BR. There are other A4s to keep that flame alive in operation.
For what he has done with UoSA, and keeping Marquess going lately, he is due respect and hearty thanks.
But bricking up the Marquess is quite different. Firstly, it is unique. He was also only able to acquire the loco because the previous owner (who had saved it) wanted it to keep going after he couldn't keep it going. To withdraw it from operation door ever is a slap in the face to the late owner's wishes. Thirdly and exceptionally, the line for which it was built is still going with regular mainline timetabled steam, for which this loco is useful.
I'm sure there would be lots of people keen to pay hard cash to keep such a useful loco going.
This whole "apres moi la deluge" attitude is pure narcism.

 

Respecting the right to make the decision, it is nevertheless a deeply regrettable one concerning 61994. Plus one from me on those comments then.
There is a massive role for an LNER apple green loco with a number ending in 2, perhaps wearing a Flying Scotsman train headboard ........

 

Glasvegas?

 

Viscount Garnock passed the loco to Cameron on two conditions...
1) that it be kept running permanently
2) that it be returned to LNER Apple Green.

Neither of these conditions has been met... therefore, if a challenge were made to Cameron's ownership/custody of the loco, would he have a leg to stand on in court?

 

Has anyone reminded John Cameron of these two facts?

That rather paints him in an even poorer light. IMO that's disgraceful.

 

And who exactly is going to make that challenge if it is true?

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