Flying Scotsman

l'd imagine the key question is how often such an incident occurs, plus how it is managed.

For example a loco where the crew spot the symptoms in time so it can be pulled off the main line / directed into a platform where it will not cause issues to the ordinary train service (as occurred in the cases with Scotsman at Peterborough) will cause far less friction with NR than a loco that ends up sitting down blocking the line and delaying a whole heap of service trains.

However a loco that repeatedly ends up having problems and causing disruption is likely to re-inforce any prejudices that steam shouldn't be allowed out to play on NR infrastructure regardless of what the fault may be.

Similarly if Enthusiasts / members of the public cannot be trusted to stay outside the boundary fences then it creates perfect ammunition for the "anti-steam" faction.

Thus if a loco is subjected to a rigorous maintenance procedure, the crew know what they are doing - and particularly what to look out for in terms of regular inspections during the trip, plus enthusiasts / the public behave themselves when viewing such trine, then the "anti-steam" brigade (and yes they do exist) won't have any ammunition.

 

Precisely - the issue is not that it occurred, rather the response to the crew etc on the day, plus whether there is any long term trend. As you say Scotsman has been a reliable performer since it first ventured onto the main line and the Peterborough incident will have no bearing on future operations.

 

A perfect response IMO - one to keep in the arsenal for when the anti-steam lobby kick off.

I wonder if the NVR will capitalise on the running-in of 60103 and do a few specials?

 

The important thing is were any NR services effected by 60103's failure? most likily no, she was able to get down to the NVR under her own steam, and they are where repairs can be undertaken without effecting anyone else, mechanical things can and do go wrong, whats important is to find the cause, and if its possible to in the future bring in additional checks when preparing it to ensure such failures are reduced to the minimum.

 

Any chance of getting Network Rail approval for a replica Paget Locomotive?

 

Okay... you've lost me there?

<goes away, looks it up>

Ah. ISWYM...

 

Had a quick look, can't see anything on the website, it is half term week here in Camb's, could be a bit short notice though.

 

Martin second Hot box And why a three crane lift and some swinging in you-tube film.

 

From chatting to some of the NVR staff while there last Friday, I understand that they are not allowed to actively promote the fact that Scotsman is there. The whole place was on lock-down and the NRM/Riley guys were keen that people should only take pictures from public locations, i.e. the platforms, which is why the photo I posted upthread is the only one of mine I've made public

As a guest of the wagon group, I was able to get up close and chat to the chaps working on her, which was an unexpected bonus to my day at NVR.

 

Because it was rather windy.

 

Was the three crane lift just down to the availability of 2 big cranes or an access issue at NVR?

Shame this has happened, but it is questionable weather she could be in better hands. No hangin' about by Rileys!

 

When was the first one? And two in two years?

Don’t panic Captain Mainwaring...

 

It was 09/02/2016 wheel taken out at NRM

 

I would have thought they would have done it like this .

 

It is easier to deflect attention away from her previous maintenance records by attempting to undermine her current custodians reputation.

 

Capital I, and it's 'have', not 'of' - didn't you go to school, man?!

 

Considering I've been involved with crane lifts of containers in poor weather, absolutely the right thing was done here.

 

I am sure I'm reading that right as sarcasm, but surely there are aren't that many non believers who think the most recent overhaul was anything less than exceptional in engineering terms, and considers the FS to now be in the best condition since 1923...surely...???

Look at what was done at overhaul, it is clear it was thorough, well executed and the definition of professional. I am not speaking about the project management, which has been well discussed, but the engineering itself. I am of the position it is beyond reproach, i find it nothing short of breathtaking that anyone could think otherwise.

 

I was not referring to the Ian Riley overhaul for which I have been a staunch supporter and have previously praised to the hilt.

I was referring to previous overhauls conducted by other owners and how it could be seen that one member here seeks to undermine the current custodians (Ian Riley & Sons) which in turns deflects away from said reputations of other owners.

For clarity: Ian Riley's overhaul and custodianship of 60103 has been expectational and no, I do not believe there is anything to criticise.