46100 - The North Wales Coast Express - 6th Feb

I will fully accept you did not troll in that case. I remain mystified though about why you quoted my post complementing Crewe/46100 and, quite unreasonably, drew an analogy inferring it implied a slur on WC. In my mind they are totally independent of each other and just because I am complementary about the former does not imply any criticism of the latter.
As you observe WC does not publicise its work which is entirely its prerogative. What both organisations have in common is that they are judged on the results of their work.
Its becoming absurd when one has to consider caveating positive posts! The same thing happened yesterday to @SACMartin in the FS thread.

 

I have spotted on some of the (better) photos around what appears to be a small figure attached to the horizontal smoke-box handrail on 46100 underneath the middle of the train headboard. Can anyone confirm it is indeed a small figurine and explain its significance please? Just interested...

 

You mean this little guy.
Looks like Homer to me, easily removed in Photoshop.

 

I'm not a Simpsons fan, but does this confirm the ID?

Peter at dawn in Manchester
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p200556407

 

I'm no Simpsons fan either, but I'm not sure it is actually Homer but certainly of that ilk. Whoever he is he would have had a pretty wet ride last Saturday!
But that doesn't answer the 'Why' question!

 

With a little bit more 'research', i.e. Googling, I think it is actually Abraham "Abe" Simpson, known as Grampa Simpson who apparently lives in an old folk's home. Maybe someone thought he would like a day out!

 

Nice. and not one bit of palisade fencing to be seen anywhere.

 

I popped in to see 46100 depart Crewe on my way to the supermarket on Saturday. Well worth it. Absolutely stunning. Well done all. (I live in South Leicester so still trying to explain why it took 4 hours!)

 

Yes on both accounts! And Grandpa enjoyed his day out too!