Flying Scotsman

Sorry to hear about Mr Hinchcliffe

Given he amount of work required to bring 4472 back from the US, but also get her back to mainline condition, the chap achieved a lot.

RIP

 

Whilst searching for something else I noticed this video of the press event on MSN:http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&so...sg=AFQjCNG4FLA7YQJfajM3UROItgHb5HpIVg&cad=rja

 

http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/nrm-explains-the-problems-with-4472-flying-scotsman

 

I simply had no idea as to the importance of Mr Hinchcliffe, whose place in the many books and articles on 4472 seem to have, for the most part, been omitted or glossed over his role. Speaking to someone "in the know", and hearing what must be only a small part of the overall story, I'm in awe. I'm also thoroughly ashamed for not knowing his name.

 

From Steam Railway Magazine, no.394 (October 14th - November 10th). The editorial and articles on Scotsman make interesting reading.

 

..... If only for the number of times they manage to include jibes at the draughting equipment vs livery. I wish they'd grow up and treat the overhaul problems with the journalistic rigour they warrant. Getting ever closer to ditching my subs.

 

With you on that Sheff.

 

Yep considering defection to Heritage Railway, though sometimes they're not much better. SR really has gone down hill over the years. Somewhere we still have issue 1, hows that for brand dedication?

 

If you look out for old videos/DVDs of 4472 you get an understanding of the role George Hinchliffe played with 4472. He helped Sir William McAlpine save her from America and I think he was one of the people who looked after her at Carnforth I think.

I am getting annoyed with some of the magazines articles about the NRM and 4472 as well as most letters being sent to them about how she should be presented.

 

George was Mr. 4472 for many years and a perfect gentleman.

 

I gave up on Steam Railway years ago, I've already commented on the forum giving my view of the publication and I am not going to repeat myself.

As far as the previous overhaul goes we will perhaps never know exactly what happened though the locomotive could perform very well afterwards. In the years following it appears that the funds were not available to keep the engine in the best condition - little wonder the NRM is having a few problems.

While at Carnforth 4472 was looked after by Les Richards (who had been an inspector on the Eastern Region) and, of course, George Hinchcliffe. The fortunes of the engine appear to have started to fade when these two men vanished from the scene. She was a bit rough when RK was first asked to take her on. Years later, she was back to being rough (very) again - which is where the NRM comes in.

Sad in truth, the whole story would make an interesting book.

 

Already ditched mine...

 

But Marchington spent the best part of a million pounds on an overhaul when she went into his ownership, not to mention the £1.5 Million spent buying her.

Where did it all go?

 

A lot of Marchingtons money probably went into the rebored cylinders, new draughting and steam circuit, A4 boiler etc.. which some now regard as 'damage' to the original.

 

Reading the latest copy of SR today. The NRM are now looking at late spring for a completion date for Scotsman. The NRM are hoping to have the A3 at Barrow Hill Roundhouse for next April. Maybe a date to put in your dairy for next year? I can’t see the point in putting any time scale for the completion for Scotsman. With all the ups and downs with her latest overhaul why put any possible finishing date. She be ready when she’s ready and not before.

 

It is damage in a way. You wouldn't preserve a Spitfire and put laminar flow wings and a turboprop on it to improve the performance. Well you could I suppose but it wouldn't be a Spitfire any more.

 

What colour would that be painted then?

The Melter

 

I dunno, but it better have a single chimney!!!!!

 

Don't, my friend got ripped into by a serious aircraft spotter for painting a Spitfire MkIX with three big radiator stubs when it was meant to have six little ones!