Flying Scotsman

4472 now belongs to the country and should be in steam for everyone to see and to show that we could once build locos in this country. To mount and stuff this loco would to a crime and the easy way out. Sometimes in life you need to say sod the cost and let’s get on with it.

 

I've watched that a few times. Probably because it was on the Brighton Line which 4472 has been through Haywards Heath (not in the clip sadly but I've seen a colour picture of her at Copyhold Junction) but 25 years before (almost to the day) that I was born.

 

Chris Milner is probably having a good old chuckle at this - the magazine isn't even out and people are frothing at the mouth. What's the odds on "editor of the month"?

 

I have to swim against the tide here as I, somewhat tongue in cheek, argued much earlier on this forum that a brand new replica of an A3 might have been better, with the original 4472 restored to as near pristine condition as possible but on static display in the NRM. It would seem that a replica A3 might not have been such a bad idea! Whilst I too hope fervently that 4472 will return asap, the business of people pouring money into "bottomless pits" is an interesting concept. I am inspired by both 4472 and the Vulcan bomber but personally have put not a penny to either, my choice. I'm much more supportive of the new 82xxx, Patriot, Tornado and, from the aviation aspect, the Duxford Blenheim aircraft. 60163 evokes memories but its a new object - but that doesn't make it any less attractive in my view anyway, to me its an A1. One might argue that 4472 is too much of an iconic locomotive to even put back into steam - but that's an argument for a pub session I think!

 

Chucking in the 'what if it had got scrapped' scenario, surely one would have got 'new built' by now, probably higher up most peoples list than a peppercorn A1,
Maybe one would have been 'back converted' from an A4... despite the fact that those other two designs are 'better' locomotives

 

The letter is now on the RM's website here:http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/is-it-time-to-retire-flying-scotsman

 

Given the number of photo charters that run with BR black locos, I think that many photographers love black. Can't wait to get some shots of 103 in her current dusky garb.

 

I can see the point this letter has in the RM.
The intrigue about FS is what had gone on in the background over money matters.
If I was a multi-millionaire would I invest,I think the answer would be NO,I'd never see a return on my investment.
Seems an endless bottomless pit where money seems to grow on trees.

That's why millionaires remain just that,or want a hobby to get rid of capital.

 

All steam engines are money pits for their owners, just some more public than others. My steam roller eats money as does my mate's 7 1/4" gauge A4

 

I got a quote today for a set of tubes for a Peckett 0-4-0ST. Holy s**t, are they made of some sort of gold alloy these days?!!

 

I'm grateful to any folk who put money and effort and labour into any railway equipment. Every one of my family (yes, even some old aunts) are looking forward to a day out with FS on the SSE. Bring it on Mr.Riley and the NRM.:happy:

 

Perhaps the people who write these pointless letters should apply the same logic to the costly repairs they will need as they get older.

If people were only in railway preservation for the money, the whole movement would have died out long ago.

Tim

 

I think Mr Storey needs a reality check - you can ask outright anyone at the NRM what the current overhaul has cost, or simply glance up at the SOS appeal dial and see how much has been donated towards Scotsman's return to steam.

Previous overhauls excepted, I don't know how much more detail he wants, frankly. Even so, to suggest that simply on the basis of cost, Scotsman should be retired is ludicrous.

 

Sorry if I'm displaying my ignorance here, but does the recent discussion mean that there is a possibility of FS appearing on the NRM steam shuttles in black livery - or am I too hopeful? Garry

 

If its running mainline in time for them, then i should think so. As to whether it will be, let's not speculate. Too much of that round here

 

IF it appears on the NRM shuttle in Sept. it will certainly be in black.

 

I'm not going to lie, i am holding out hope that if she's back at York when i am over in September, that i get a chance to see the Wartime Black livery on the 26th when i visit the NRM, as there will be lots of chances to see Scotsman in Apple Green in the future, i don't expect a lot more chances to see wartime black!!

Fingers crossed for all concerned that the remedial work is going well and on target for her to make those shuttle trips in September, it will be good for all concerned to stop speculating about her problems and get back to arguing the important issues of Scotsman like what colour of paint is used!!!

 

Well, it will be be nice to see you here at the NRM in September but you may be disappointed to learn that Flying Scotsman may well not be here by then.
However, if you're here for the LMS weekend, I'm sure there'll be one or two suprises for you.
Also......bring some sunshine with you, we've had too much rain just lately!

 

Speculation and the discussion around it are at the heart of almost everything in Nat Pres!

 

Changing the subject a little I found this programme on her visit to Oz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C300CwuP5-0

This is a different version to the one I have on video with footage I had never seen before. Note the improvised method of moving the turntable after it stops working whilst turning 4472 around!