Flying Scotsman

Recollection of a friend's 1945 ex Pickfords Scammell tractor where 'chain driven' appeared in a local newspaper as 'change ribbon'.

 

Presumably the only way to prove that people read what someone writes ?

 

I sometimes struggle to find one they've got right in some articles.... Sloppy research, lazy information-gathering, lack of enthusiasm and effort... Standard fare nowadays, unfortunately.

Richard.

 

What needs doing during its overhaul at team rileys is it the boiler needs a retube the firebox need caulking maybe or the driver wheels and conjugated valve gear need servicing besides the repaint into apple green and 4472? And most importantly be a quick overhaul in time for its centenary as been the 1st express loco doing a 100+mph non stop up the E.C.M.L.

 

I doubt anyone can fully answer that question until the loco is dismantled. Ian Riley and the NRM will have a rough idea but i think that info will remain confidential.

 

I’m sure there’s a rough idea, as ever it’s a case of wait and see, I have a feeling it’s a lot more of a known quantity what’s needed this time around.

 

Ian Riley will probably know the engine as well as he does his Black Fives. So bearing in mind how well organised the work is on these engines it would be fair to say that he will know quite accurately what is required.

Given that when the locomotive is withdrawn for overhaul there will be months rather than years to complete the work in readiness for the Centenary, someone obviously knows what needs to be done and will have allowed a little time to deal with any unforeseen eventualities, not that Ian appears to encounter these once he has got a grip on the machine he is responsible for.

 

Seeing another mention of it going back into apple green as 4472. Has this actually been confirmed anywhere? I thought the NRM intended to keep it as-is?

 

NRM have confirmed that the current speculation about the livery is no more than that.

 

The current TRACKSIDE magazine mentions it in an "Exclusive" article so it must be true

 

I hope it is

 

I don't think we'll officially know what appearance the loco will take until the loco is withdrawn for the overhaul. Personally I'm hoping Trackside are correct, but taking caution as they're, I think, the only ones reporting it at the moment.

 

I know you probably don’t mean to but you make it sound like it’s some sort of one man band when in reality Rileys are a team of highly skilled engineers and operators spearheaded by a group of directors (including the man himself) that lead from the front. It’s the never say no mentality and ability to think outside the box that both the management and staff possess that helps the company and the locomotives be successful.

 

Excellent post Matt!

 

We used to be familiar with those at Riley and Son who were involved in the satisfactory work carried out by this company in bringing to a close the NRM overhaul saga back in early 2016 but the with the passing of time and the impact of events we do not know who will be involved during this next overhaul, you can have a significant number of staff changes over the period of six years.
What we do know is where the "buck stops", we know it is a team effort but we don't know who that team might be at the present though we do know who leads the efforts and is ultimately responsible and accountable. Hopefully we will be kept informed of the work and those involved will be recognised. We will have to wait and see for obvious reasons.

 

Culture is set from the top. Leadership determines the outcomes of any organisation possibly more than any other single factor.

 

That sir, is a wonderful way of putting things.

 

Correct, now please go and tell that to number 10!

 

NRM have seemed to confirm that Scotsman will stay as it is now post overhaul. The diary for the remainder of 2022 will include a small number of preserved railway visits.

 

I guess they've re-allocated the repaint budget to a new cafe.