Green Arrow

Precisely ! The expense of repairing / replacing the block is the usual reason given for the repair not being authorised.

 

That makes very good sense. I would even go further and say that, if the original block is really significant, then leaving it on the loco where nobody can see it is perverse. Take it off and display it, warts and all. Pending the availability of finance for making and fitting a replacement, a wooden dummy of the bits that can be seen (mostly only cladding anyway) would serve quite adequately (like Mallard's wooden valances when she was in Clapham).

 

When the V2 was preserved, locos were selected because they were the first/oldest/most original survivor of their class. Green Arrow was available so was selected. The single casting cylinders were significant but not the be all and end all. We don't know that they aren't repairable - there would need to be a survey with the loco dismantled, but it's not the Arrow's time at present.

 

Thank you for your report Anthony; as one of many who want 4771 / 60800 back on the main line I had always been led to believe that the NRM's insistence on replacing the cylinders was the main reason that a fast turnaround wasn't possible. You have given us hope for a main line return - thank you.

 

I add my thanks as well, for a more welcome attitude from the NRM than the earlier one quoted by Fred in post #14.

We should in fact be extremely grateful that the NRM allows any of its locos to be brought back into working order and used to pull trains. We certainly shouldn't complain about which ones they choose and when. We can of course express wishes: "Wouldn't it be wonderful for so-and-so to be running again".

 

Time for something else to have a go. Everytime an engine goes out of ticket there is always a demand for it to be turned around immediately. Truro and Arrow have both had two stints in steam. How about something else like the Midland Compound or the SECR D class? Saying that Rocket hasn't had an outing for a while.

Anthony - can I have a word please? I have set up the mainline the Rocket Facebook page and got a quote for airbrakes and all the electronic gubbings...

 

Given other things that are gently kicking off at present, I must stress - it is not the right time to even think about the V2. Please don't write, ask, berate us or otherwise, saying "Anthony said on NatPres". I have been taken out of context recently and it has caused problems. Do think before you type or even semi quote me in a mess room, it WILL have repercussions...

 

My apologies to you Anthony if my response(s) have caused you problems through misinterpretation; I accept that the V2 must take its place in the queue as the NRM has limited resources and am quite happy that other locomotives be given their chance to be at work on the main line. In the same context however I presume you are aware that 4771 Green Arrow has a massive following - possibly greater than that for Flying Scotsman - and that even the slightest whisper of a possible return to the main line raises expectations beyond NRM resources.

Whether this is a by-product of old age or a simple appreciation of a unique locomotive design I leave others to judge; please know however that your contributions are highly valued and greatly appreciated by many whether on the V2; the Duchess or even the much-awaited Stanier 3-cylinder 2500.

 

There is no way Green Arrow has a greater following than Scotsman!
Hyperbole is all very well, and the V2 is very nice, but just no!

 

Does a specific fund exist that people could contribute to, for the repair of Green Arrow?

 

Sorry to disappoint but the answer is no. I suspect that now is not the time to expect this to change. But the loco is well preserved and who knows what may happen in the future.

Peter James

 

Well I just hope it doesn't end up in the outstation at Leicester. Can't see there being any way back for it if it does. That would be a tragedy.

 

Condemned to Leicester for all eternity..... perhaps they should rename it Richard III.
Watch with Interest how the Monoblock casting has been tackled by the P2 project ( a composite of castings and fabrication). Its unlikely that this approach is more costly that a full casting and maybe it would allow the original appearance ( no outside steam pipes) to be retained - if that's seen as important.
Alternatively perhaps it would be important, for performance reasons for the Loco to be given a double kylchap, and then for safety reasons to have smoke deflectors ...

 

Please, just no!

 

Some things are worse than an eternity in Leicester!

Sawdust.

 

What is wrong with Leicester? It is V2 territory. Even Scotsman would not be out of place there. It spent many years on the GC between Marylebone and Sheffield/ Manchester.

 

not a lookalike but a different engine alltogether wheel arrangement not being the least of the differences

 

So at 50mph + on a station platform or on a footbridge... back in the day when both had polished smokebox hinge straps, apple green... and its not a look alike ? should have gone to specsavers....

 

And the Gcr does have a track record of restoring nrm locomotives, I would suggest it had a better chance of returning to steam there than at York.

 

*wanders off and complies list...*