60009

Probably jumping the gun by saying this, but I would happily help out with the 60009 museum and encourage my members to do so also. We wouldn't exist without Mr Cameron, the least we can do is help out and remember who made us what we are. It would be to the mutual benefit of FHR and 60009.

 

I think the heritage railway movement as a whole has woken up to the potential skill shortage issue and there are numerous apprentice schemes running now. On some railways they have been going for many years and those apprentices have risen to head of department levels where they have remained at the same railway. Well trained apprentices have also been in demand on the "big railway"

 

The following programme is available on BBC i-player and is well worth watching:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01204m3/with-a-fine-feeling-for-steam?suggid=p01204m3

Made in 1977, it contains a short interview with the very much younger John Cameron and some fine footage of 60009 on the main line in Scotland; it does beg the inevitable question tho', where did the time go?

As for John Cameron, personally, I can't thank him enough for the ongoing running of his 2 engines on the main-line for all of these years, absolutely splendid machines.

Cheers,

Alan

 

Hear, hear! Well said that man!

 

Noted - I think steam_mad and I posted at the same time!

I read it slightly differently - the first clause states that the trust is to display the locos gifted/purchased by them, in a suitable exhibition space at Balbuthie. One key word in missing from the second clause - 'operation'


Keith

 

Ultimately it really only needs to be a large single story shed, not much different to a large agricultural building, in terms of compliance it will need to be DDA but new build on one level should mean that is easily achieved and if its privately funded it will not need to really achieve any museum standards or associate compliance's?

Probably can be built for considerably less than putting both locomotives through a comprehensive overhaul to be honest, and if its what their longstanding owner aspires to them who is anyone to argue - good luck to the man!

 

And let's not forget Viscount(?) Garnock for saving the K4 in the first place and also operating it on the main line.

 

Equally, there's no specific clause stating that they must not be returned to operation, so it's still an option for the trustees if there is a will to do so. Time will tell, of course.

 

In terms of A4's it looks like SNG and Bittern will likely be operating on the main line for the foreseeable, so in the big scheme of things will the retirement of UoSA be a massive issue each year brings new returners and with the A1 group building various mainline LNER locomotives that stud is hardly sparse, equally in terms of the K4 I am not sure what her power rating is, but the works available for smaller 60mph limited locomotives are not a particularly growth area?

 

Why must everything seemingly have to be operable on the main line? The K4 could do a great job for a line like the NYMR where 60mph running is not possible - but it would be regularly paired with LNER teak coaches and arguably would be seen and enjoyed by a great many more people.

 

Until 2012, there appeared to be enough work for the following:

Seven 8P pacifics (including all three A4s, 60163, 35028, 46201 and 46233)
7MT
Three 7P 4-6-0s (5029, 5043, 46115)
7P5FA

This is not to mention various other classes ranging from 8F to 5/4MT. Its remarkable how thin the fleet has got in the upper power classes.

 

I am sure it could do a wonderful job at any number of lines, but as already stated in this thread this is not possible so museum piece it is.

 

Indeed but jut off the top of my head there are 3x 8P's coming back this year alone so hopefully the gap will be filled.

 

Don't know the bloke (Mr Cameron), but always seemed so enthusiastic about No9, and for saving her, and running her on the mainline for so long, he should be thanked by everyone.

No 9 was due to be my first mainline steam experience in my mid teens (early 80's I think), going from Edinburgh to Perth (I think), then back to Stirling and Edinburgh again.

Unfortunately she was deemed unfit on the morning, so we got a scruffy deltic instead, that had the nuts thrashed off it all day.

Add to that I got a cab ride on the Deltic, as it uncoupled at Princes Street, a great day out, still have not got out behind her, will have to arrange a trip before she retires.

 

If the proposed museum comes to be, and I can't see why it shouldn't, then I can't see either loco turning a wheel in anger again unless a significant number of other locos come into the collection. After all, to put one loco back into operation would effectively take away half of your major exhibits and I can't see nay museum curator or Trustees agreeing to that.

 

It's obviously down to John Cameron what he decides to do with his property but am I the only one to find it sad that these locomotives are to be stuffed and mounted? Viscount Garnock handed over the reins as he got older and we have had many years of seeing them in operation and it would be nice for future generations to have the same opportunity.

 

Whilst I respect a man's right to do what he wants with his own possessions, I've always looked upon locomotive ownership as being a custodian of part of the nation's heritage and caring for them until someone else can take over and carry things forward when I've done my time. I'm sure they'll be cared for in the proposed museum but what better tribute could be paid to John Cameron than Number 9 in full cry on the main line?

 

Couldn't agree more, I would just add 61994 on the West Highland.

 

If a railway were in a position to offer a swap for one of their out of ticket machines, that may offer a position to negotiate from.
Though I share your pessimism

 

Might the other great northern farmer with railway interests make a similar decision in years to come?