Flying Scotsman

I think you'll find thats "Clever things Branson will do with (the) Flying Scotsman" Only one thing is uppermost in his mind.

 

Could apply to others as well ......

 

So what, if it helps repay the debt in an indirect way who cares.

His publicity machine will find a way that all are happy, he exposes the virgin brand, but more importantly exposes FS & steam on the mainline in a positive way.

Something that it could do with at the moment, in light of 2015's problems.

And an indirect knock on effect is you may have more choo choo's to photograph and video.....

 

Away from all the banter and bickering, here's a reminder of last Saturday. Full marks to everyone on the ELR and at Ian Riley's

 

Just making sure we don't get carried away with any altruistic motive. Don't deny there would be positive fallout for FS.

 

That's the saddest thing about Virgin taking over the ex-LNER lines: no chance of seeing apple green or garter blue as a colour scheme. RED...good when applied to the right locomotives, not convinced by those currently operating out of King's Cross! I enjoyed DOR's East Coast branding. A heritage LNER scheme on one of the trains would be something different. Teak vinyl wrapped mk4s and an apple green Class 91 and DVT...! Could also look awful, I accept!

 

I didn't, I was saying I dont deny FS would get PP.

 

Yuck! No! Silver and purple were not colours designed to sit harmoniously together. At least, that's my opinion...I suppose it just goes to show how subjective it all is.

I agree that an LNER-style "heritage" scheme could be quite cool, but personally I would go for either a "Coronation"-style scheme with garter blue class 91 and DVT, two-tone blue coaches and chromium letters; or else a "Silver Jubilee"-style look, silver with greyscale lettering. (Although I wonder whether the latter would still be acceptable under modern-day regulations regarding easy visibility for the partially-sighted?)

 

People have poo pooed the new GWR brand logo and livery. It my eye it looks very smart indeed.

 

I remember the old FGW "psychedelic" livery was also heavily criticised when it was first unveiled; however personally I actually grew to like it and I am rather sad to see it go. That's not to say that the new GWR scheme doesn't look good, though.

 

Meanwhile.......all ears tuned for news of upcoming movement to 10A and a main line loaded test run.

 

In terms of the test run I am hopping it leaves ELR on Wednesday around lunchtime as I happen to be near Castleston for work purposes and could easily pop down. Of course sods law is it will do but around 18:00 when I will on a train back down to London.

 

From The Works:

"AS far as we are now concerned, 60103 is now complete, run-in and ready for Mainline Testing at accelerated speeds and loads.

All of our specialist and competent persons are happy with their, and our work.

The necessary scrutiny and paperwork is now in the hands of the V.A.B., once they issue their paperwork, it is down to N.R. to process it as they see fit, then a 'Mainline' test routine can then be instigated."

 

Ian did say that when it was ready he would let people know. And, true to his word, he has. We now await the activities of others and we fervently hope that no one drags their feet.

 

One point which may be of relevance is that ELR has a closure of the Broadfield section for track renewal due soon. May affect movements on/off.

 

E-mail from RTC
We have today received confirmation that should 'The Flying Scotsman' pass its test run early next week it will be hauling our Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express on Saturday 6th February. This tour is as advertised due to be hauled from London Euston to Carnforth by a blue class 86 electric locomotive and then steam hauled on the section from Carnforth over Shap to Carlisle and returning via the Settle and Carlisle line to Farringdon Junction where the electric locomotive will take us back to London.

The use of The Flying Scotsman is subject to the successful completion of the test run and in the event of it not being available then the haulage will remain as advertised with 46233 Duchess of Sutherland hauling the train.

Please be advised that there are limited spaces still available for the 6th February tour, in all three classes at present.

 

From elsewhere, work has already started and will last 3 weeks........hmmm