Flying Scotsman

Remember that Scotsman isn't promised to be in steam at Barrow Hill. I think GB 5 and the torch carrying are the real deadlines.

 

They could always swap the smoke deflectors off Tornado, and put scotsmans name on it over the wheels... Many would be fooled.

 

I Know, as long as she is there - I really don't care if she is in steam or not (it would be a bonus if she was, but I'm realistic about it) - I'm going for the line up and the variety of liveries and the fact that it will be a gathering probably never to be repeated.

 

As we are in a "jolly" mood regarding the Olympics I thought this was a funny take on the torch story:
http://www.newsbiscuit.com/2011/11/...dium-of-london-olympics-with-rest-of-country/

They have got a point about "burning money" though. Times are tough supposedly but how much are they (we) going to spend just on the torch journey? I read today that 8000 individual torches are to be made so that each person on the journey can have a memento from the event. That can't be cheap.

 

By attracting people out of their houses onto the streets of towns the idea is that while you wait in the pouring rain for a soggy man with his big match (which will actually be a 20W low-energy buld for safety and environmental reasons) you will go into a shop to stay dry, and might even buy something to "support the local economy".

Seriously though I hope FS will be ready in time and get steam in the headlines for the right reasons. I'll go out myself too and see the Olympic flame pass through my town whatever the weather. After all, its a once in a lifetime opportunity - I might even buy something from a shop! :clap2:

 

You can buy torches from previous Olympics on ebay, usually around £1000.
I believe most people who run with one get to keep it afterwards.

 

Looks like it will circumvent the ECML mainline steam ban then.

 

Looking forward to seeing her carry the torch, such an icon!

Is there any news regarding her repairs? the May launch seems so long ago now.

 

I hope 4472 makes it and puts her back in the limelight although I wonder if a certain other well known loco is on standby should 4472 not make it.

Where will the torch be on the loco? On the front of the loco, on the footplate or the train. Same goes for Snowdon and the NYMR I guess.

 

A particular blue A4 pacific could be temporarily renamed 'Mallard' should that happen......

On a more plausible note, will 6233 likely be ready by this time?

 

I can only see one locomotive getting the nod - and it'll be 60163 if 4472 doesn't make it. However, let's be positive. 4472 will make it. Repeat after me...!

 

my money is on an A1/A3 double header just to ensure it gets there

 

how about A1/A3/A4 triple header to be sure

 

probally have to be 4472 dead, , 60163 in steam with 60019 pushing the whole lot from the rear of the train, a bit like a steam hst ( only joking im sure that 4472 will be in fine form by then) but saying that, if 4472 was in steam also, whats the chances of hitting the 126 down stoke bank once more

 

How common, if ever, was the sight of double headed LNER Pacifics?

 

I think it was extremely rare due to weight restrictions on the ecml.

 

if they are going to have a box on the rear you not 55022 rsg that would be some power

 

Its 01908640404