Two exiled A4s to return from North America for two years - official

I've read the articles on the moves by Steve Davies in TRM and HR and it is an interesting read but I still can't help but wonder where the set of valances and single chimney are coming from. As far as I know there are only 2 sets of valances and they are fitted to 4464 and 4468 unless there's a casting or mould or something and not sure if any A4 single chimney's around or whether it'll have to be made from new.

I would guess that the stainless steel letters and numbers used on 4464 when she ran as DoNZ last year could be used on 4489 with the 8's being made from new and maybe a repaint of the cabside coat of arms from DoNZ changed to the Canadian version.

I'd like to see them at Shildon (but York looks more likely for me at the moment) but not sure how I'd get there by train as I'm not sure how you get to Locomotion from Shildon station.

 

Dan, try this link:- Shildon - Google Maps Shows relative positions, looks like about a 10 minute walk max.

 

Agreed it does seem a bit of an odd opportunity to miss, even it if were only the 4 A4's in BR liveries present..(60007,8,9,10) Barrow Hill would be the natural place.
When I read the article (the articles in Railway Magazine and Heritage Railways by Steve Davies are almost word perfect identical) ..
I read 1 to Shildon, 1 to York, and a one month get together of all 6 in York and a second later at Shildon in the space of two years.

I am all for 60010 to be restored in Blue as 4489, a line of of 4464, 4468, 4472, and 4489 would be nice.
Also 60007, 60008 & 60009 with say 60532 and 60163 would be nice.

Maybe the plans are being understated until the locomotives are actually sent on their way.

 

Given the amount of money being spent on bringing the locos to the UK, I'd have thought that they wouldn't be too worried about the cost of making a new set of valances (essentially sheet metal - and I wouldn't expect them to be difficult to make). Ditto making the numbers!

The single chimney is a more difficult prospect. Presumably the single chimney that was on Bittern in the Silver Link days might be available?

 

Oh cool thanks. I'd just probably have to get a train from Haywards Heath to St Pancras International then Kings Cross and change at Darlington should I go to Shildon.

Something I'm really looking forward to seeing all 6 A4's together. Does anyone know what form of Brunswick Green 60009's being turned out as, if 60008 remains in late crest form could 60009 be turned out with early crest so all 6 A4's have some form of variation maybe it'll look like this.

4468 - Garter Blue with side valances, gold leaf lettering and numbering with non corridor tender and double chimney.
4464 - Garter Blue with side valances, gold leaf lettering and numbering with corridor tender and double chimney.
4489 - Garter Blue with side valances, stainless steel lettering and numbering with chrome trim, bell, whistle, corridor tender and single chimney.
60007 - BR Express Passenger Blue with early crest, no side valances, corridor tender and double chimney.
60009 - BR Brunswick Green with early crest, no side valances, corridor tender and double chimney.
60008 - BR Brunswick Green with late crest, no side valances, corridor tender and double chimney.

 

I do wonder if 60010 will be on display at the Locomotion gala in late Sept, seems like a good chance to pose her outside in BR Green. I think Gresley is due to attend as well do we could have the 2 together for a weekend as a curtain raiser for the big one.

 

As this thread is technically about the Mallard 75 Celebrations, I thought a Mallard related question would not be frowned upon.

I recall reading somewhere that 4468's overhaul in the 1980s was quite light, so as not to overly compromise such a precious historical artefact. Hence she only ran a small number of railtours in just a couple of years. Can anyone confirm this and shed more light on what the overhaul entailed?

And can I request that this does not descend into a 'LET'S STEAM EVERYTHING!!!' slanging match against the NRM. It's certainly not what I'm calling for.

 

SNGLPT has a set of numbers (4498) which could easily be used to make 4489. I'm sure some members would be very pleased to see them in use again!

 

I wasn't too sure if they still had them but if they do then it would be a lot easier.

 

60008 is being taken off display and prepared to leave the Green Bay museum from July 18th.

Not sure the exact date of the "sideways" move out of the shed but there is a farewell press reception at 5pm Tuesday (17th) at the NRRM (Green bay).

Also happening in the last few hours slightly further north it seems another one is stirring first..

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...6693307.130292.110933262266375&type=1&theater
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...6693307.130292.110933262266375&type=3&theater
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...6693307.130292.110933262266375&type=3&theater

anyone remember this..
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...6693307.130292.110933262266375&type=3&theater


according to a news web site, there is a display planned for October this year prior to the repaint commencing.

 

There is something delightfully 60s about Dominion's current appearance...

 

what chance two A4s on a shuttle service with the other four static over a weekend?

 

Topped & tailed to show what an HST should look like ................................. :whistle:

 

I see some people can't help themselves.
Exporails public Facebook page has been defaced by comments about the condition of the locomotive by UK enthusiasts.

Un musée bien vivant! / A museum alive! | Facebook

I would imagine the Exporail management having a meeting to reconsider the terms for displaying the engines prior to overhaul if senior management was to read all the negative publicity they have got overnight. I would certainly imagine an embargo until it was ready for re-display, rather than face that kind of a publicity kicking when they dock in Liverpool.

Even Andrew Coulls has weighed in to save it.

for those not on Facebook.. these are quotes from the Musuem's defaced Facebook page..

What an embarrassment to the UK, sadly some names there are familiar names on here.

Wont even bother commenting on the spelling.

 

While searching flickr I came across this picture. 60010 Tender Coal space 13Oct10 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! I would guess this is the connecting rod from the middle cylinder and has been there since leaving the UK. Quite amazing really. Personally I would love to see this A4 conserved rather that "repainted", as it just the way BR left it. In ways its just like 46235. I'm sure a "Touch up" and a really good polish would do wonders for its appearance. I hope they take into consideration the time capsule that this A4 really is.

 

They seem to be conveniently ignoring that Exporail doesn't have anywhere near the budget of most of the major UK preserved lines, nor does it get the exposure it should in its own country. It's a world away from the preserved railway scene we know over here. Yes, it's a cliche, but we have never had it so good in this country compared to the rest of the world.

I do think the railway press (specifically talking about one specific publication who should know better) have over the years not helped the situation with many articles or comments published about DoC and "the state it's in" and various over arbitrary comments which have no bearing on reality or have an understanding of the reality of the situation, calling/demanding the A4 to be "handed back", but there's no excuse for what is out and out rudeness in public from people who should know better.

However I doubt Exporail would change their mind - there are clear, positive business reasons for lending the A4 (one of which is the agreed restoration to LNER form and livery), and it's a great marketing tool for encouraging Brits to visit the A4 in its Quebec home (for it IS its home, and has been its home for longer than when it was in service with British Railways or the LNER separately).

No, I would hope people look at the above link sensibly and think "what a load of prats" and just concentrate on the wholly positive benefits of DoC's temporary repatriation.

 

I've just had a good rant on the FB picture in question (yes, that is my real middle name if you're wondering). It's gone very quiet...probably because I always tend to write too much...

 

Well you actually managed to garner some sympathetic responses in reply - well done!!!!!!!!!

As for your middle name, I can't even get my tongue around it, nothing to be ashamed of!

 

Oh no it's not. This loco was in a right state when it went to Crewe Works. It had no chimney for one thing. Withdrawn 60026 Miles Beevor provided this. It also had a full repaint.