777 Sir Lamiel

Does anyone think that she is currently being run-in for a return to Mainline status?

Love the look and I hope she stays this way for years to come.

 

Having flicked through one of the railway mags in the last couple of weeks (can't remember which) I seem to recall an interview with Tom Tighe from the 5305la group, who indicated that they would be seeking a one-year extension on Sir Lamiel's boiler ticket with a view to getting regular main line work next year.

One of the issues seems to be guaging, and that it keeps being deemed to be 'out of guage' for several routes.

 

She was intended to be on the mainline this year but the work at Tyseley took a little longer than anticipated. Gauging is an issue, however Tom in that interview stated a desire to visit Scotland and 777's birthplace and also she has unfinished business with Honiton, so yes mainline is still very much on. Also they are hopeful of an extension to her ticket, however, the work on the bottom end this summer will mean any overhaul is an easier job should it be needed. Sir Lamiel has a very bright future it would appear.

 

Do gauging issues apply on s&c these days or the Scarborough spa routes? 777 did a lot of work in the 80s on both and more recently the Dalesman precursor to the Fellsman.

 

Just a shame about the ghastly livery she now wears.

 

It's lovely and a welcome change from that drab Swindon inspired scheme it was carrying.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

 

I'd've preferred olive...this current malachite trend is wearing me down. In fact, apart from Repton, all of Maunsell's finest are now in malachite. But it's only a coat of paint, and I have to say the shade on 777 looks the best of the bunch to me, both aesthetically and historically speaking.

 

Got to agree with that, Prefer Olive Green or BR Colours to Malachite, but at least it's representative of a period in it's working life, unlike another GCR regular...

 

I quite like the Malachite and isn't it going to be tweaked again at somepoint so it will still be Malachite but in British Railways form (unless this plan has changed). Again I would sort of prefer Olive Green as it is a favourite liviery of mine and missed out on seeing her like that.

 

It is that. My opinion is that the "paint everything in BR livery" brigade have had their fun so time to try something different for a while

 

All of Maunsells finest?

31806 - BR black
31625 - red
1638 - Olive green
1618 - Southern (?) black
1874 - Southern black
541 - Southern black
825 - Olive green
30926 - Brunswick green

Infact i can only think of 4 Maunsell locomotives in malachite? Unless you meant maunsells finest as in your personal favourites because the Moguls & S15's in particular were extremely good machines!

 

That's four too many!

 

It only stops the thing going rusty. Be grateful it exists at all...

I know this is all meant in good humour, but it's getting a little wearing...

 

I was particularly thinking of his express locos when I said 'finest' although it isn't really the right word. As you say, the moguls and S15s are very fine locos.

But, back to his express locos:

Cheltenham - Malachite
Stowe - Malachite
Sir Lamiel - Malachite
Lord Nelson - Malachite
Repton - BR Green

Anthony, sorry, all meant in good fun at least in this instance!

 

Quite agree - it's only a coat of paint. And an engine as elegant as the Arthur would look handsome whatever the livery.

Best comment on liveries for me was one by a Mid Hants fireman some years ago, who pointed out that 31625 may have been painted as "James the Red Engine", but on the footplate it was still a Maunsell Mogul.....

 

Great for him on the footplate, not quite so good for us chaps outside...

Ok people, don't jump on me as a paint frother now...awaiting backlash in 3...2...

 

Anthony, the NRM is to be applauded for ringing the changes but sadly there are those who are so narrow minded that only their favourite livery will do. I'm delighted to see 777 in malachite but no more delighted than I was seeing her SR olive and BR green. The fact that she's a working loco is the most important thing. Off to Germany next week where there will be no livery debates as the locos I'll be seeing will all be black and always have been.

 

I'm hoping that 777 is able to negotiate Shap, S&C and Beattock Routes. She has done the Settle and Carlisle route before. Has much changed in terms of gauging there?

 

Well if it is out of guage on the Southern then please bring it back to the S&C. It is currently the oldest "main line" certificated locomotive and not to use it simply because of guaging issues in the south is in my view, not acceptable. Whilst in the North West a Crewe - Carlisle & return both ways over Shap would be a most welcome trip. If other "foreign" locos can venture over Shap hopefully so can a KIng Arthur.