70013 over Shap and S&C 19th March - Cumbrian Mountain Express

I'm pretty sure 46115 ran with both "Thames-Clyde Express" and "Waverley" headboards on Fellsman or CME workings last summer. The branding was sacrificed for authenticity on those occasions, and I'm sure the gesture was very much appreciated. I guess that no one has done an in-depth study into how much marketing effect a headboard has, so we won't know if significant business was lost as a result.

I fully agree about there being no chance of authenticity on Shap, but the headboard was still carried south over the S&C, so was a photographer expected to be happy on Shap and disappointed on the S&C? As I've said, it's all down to personal taste. It didn't bother me, but I can equally understand why someone might be disappointed that 70013 had a Roaring Monster headboard, even on Shap. Had it been bright yellow and full smokebox, I'd have been disappointed.

 

we should all be thankfull that they dont run with thomas the tankengine faces on the mainline !!

 

I am sure the majority are. The point is that Thomas faces may be where you draw the line and unauthentic headboards may be where someone else loses interest, while others may actually be very happy to see Thomas faces as long as the trains run. It's just different peoples opinions and neither is right or wrong, but I don't think it makes someone any less of an enthusiast if they like to see the trains running looking as authentic as possible.

 

Tin hat strapped on... about to dive into the trench before the fire starts...

Why complain about something you don't pay for? It's the punters on the train who cough up their hard earned and a good few are Joe Public who keep the tours in business. If it keeps them happy and returning with their wallets then we will keep mainline steam going...

OK guys.. return fire!!!

 

Cheers Ralph, she was definitely getting a move on!

 

Firstly, everyone moans about things they don't like. It's human nature. I moan when I'm out to take a photograph and the loco shuts off when I was hoping for a good exhaust, I moan when the sun goes behind a cloud and I'm sure I've moaned about headboards too. It doesn't mean I don't respect the right of a driver to drive his train how he likes, or a loco owner to embelish their loco as they please, although I do believe that clouds should never form around the sun in my presence. ;-)

As has been said before, the vast majority of those out taking photographs contribute in one way or another to the movement. They might not be paying for that specific working, but they pay in other ways or on other workings. Even if they aren't contributing, they still have a right to an opinion, and you can choose to ignore that if you feel they aren't making a valid point.

In this case, I thought the headboard brought awareness of the links with the German loco that I wouldn't have known about otherwise, so I feel was appropriate, but I also respect those who have different views. I can understand the disappointment of a photographer aiming for that 1960s era shot who travelled a great distance only to feel it was ruined by an unauthentic headboard.

Do you think 'The Roaring Monster' headboard made any significant difference to whether the travelling public would ride again compared to an authentic headboard, as I doubt it very much? Even if I ride on a train and pay my way, do I get a say in what headboard goes on? Thankfully, most loco owners seem to strike a sensible balance between marketing, fun and authenticity, but they won't please everyone all of the time.

 

Actually, my other half, who is the mad photographer, raved about the headboard. She likes the "day out" on a steam tour and that gets me my fix. But did she bitch and wail about the sun at Crewe and the camera angles. The Headboard was a real talking point at Crewe as Oliver was attached and I didn't hear anything negative.

 

One of the most balanced posts I've read for quite some time! For me, headboards don't really attract my attention, and I would never be one to vocalise a dislike for a particular headboard - whether I'm on the train or not. That said, when 46115 ran over the S&C in February 2009 with a full rake of maroon stock and a 'Thames-Clyde Express' headboard on (both ways), it looked exceptional.

 

I was on the CME on 2nd August and 46115 was sporting a Waverley headboard.

 

Can anyone point me at a YouTube of 46115 + TCE headboard please? I'm feeling nostalgic for my childhood.

 

Not a You Tube, but a pic at Settle Jc with 46115 + TCE headboard http://philmetcalfe.fotopic.net/p52786166.html

If that helps.

 

Thanks guys. The scene at Carlisle - except for the wires, that WAS my childhood.

 

That headboard, on a Scot. has just taken me back 50 years.:smile: Happy days.