City of Truro withdrawn from service

Apologies for going off topic but seeing this out and about again would be fantastic:

Railway Roundabout 1959 'Great Eastern E4 At Cambridge' - YouTube

 

It should be noted that almost all National Collection steam locomotives 'in ticket' are only in that condition thanks to those with very deep pockets approaching the NRM with a fully costed and detailed proposal in the first place. The NRM was never able to fund the overhauls of 30120, 30777, 30850, 30925, 49395 and 70013 from its own resources but thanks to the help of others these currently 'fly the NRM flag' on heritage lines as well as the main line. Yes, a SR bias but that reflects the whims of those willing to put their hands deep into their pockets. In addition, with the help of others 30587, 44027, Taff Vale 28 and 'King Feisal of Iraq' are all subject to sponsorship funding that should see them return to steam.

We all know the NRM led project to return an A3 to steam has its problems and until they have been resolved it is unrealistic to expect them to focus on any other project. Then I would suspect the priority would be locomotives suited to the demonstration lines at York and Shildon. At present I believe only the replica 'Rocket' from the National Collection is available for such duties with visiting locomotives such as Pecket 2012, currently steaming at York, helping out.

I understand their is a welcome awaiting anyone who turns up at York with a proven funded realistic proposal to return other locomotives from the collection to steam. Don't leave it to others, if you want to see a particular locomotive steam then why not fund it yourself.

I would suggest all those who are not aware of how many locomotives from the National Collection are 'flying the flag' as static exhibits take a look in the collections section of the NRM website, despite a few updates needed due to techinical issuses, you might find yourself surprised.

 

Thanks Peter, you've summed it up perfectly. Off the top of my head, there are some 70 vehicles on loan to around 40 venues across the country...

 

Fair point Peter, I'll be on the phone after the lottery win