Flying Scotsman

Surely people who were anti-NRM would be in favour of the NRM rehoming its exhibits? Rather odd to categorise as 'anti-NRM' folk who are not convinced that rehoming the T3 is a better option than leaving it in NRM hands.

 

Come now Jim, I don't mean anti NRM in terms of people wanting it to close or getting rid of exhibits.

But it has been the same people doing and saying the same things - perhaps "anti" is too strong.

But the NRM can never do right apparently. And I am weary of it.

 

I think you might be getting your trips muddled as the Jorvik didn't open until 1984… I remember a holiday up there at the time (maybe '85), including rides behind Deltics 9 and 19 at the NYMR. Happy days!

Simon

 

and then there are those determined to portray anyone querying NRM actions or decisions as being "anti" the museum or its staff. It is possible to voice concern or views without having an agenda you know? Maybe not in your cases?

 

You're right It was a trip to The Shambles. Something that I didn't give a stuff about I do know - I wanted to see THE TRAINS!!!!!

 

I would accept that point, were it not for the utter ridiculousness of this weeks complaints about the four train line up. That was levels of absurdity worthy of a Have I got news for you item. It might not be an actual agenda but at times observing from afar it looks like one.

The manner in which a few people have commented on the NRM hasn't been voicing an opinion or asking questions - it took one person from the opposite side of the debate to get the answers those "asking questions" wanted.

Ask yourself this: when you look back at this thread, are there things you could have said or done differently? Could you have been more open minded? Maybe asked the right questions of the right people?

There were some people so quick to jump on the NRM - and the SR too - without fully thinking about the overall bigger picture.

My position has always been that an absence of information does not equal a guilty verdict. My ombudsman training has led me to be mindful that things are not always as simple as they first appear. I have been consistent in being content to wait for an answer, or as others have done, write in myself for an explanation.

I feel on balance and with more information that I'm satisfied for myself the NRM acted in accordance with their own procedures, and that the move ultimately benefits the locomotive most of all.

I'll make that my last comment for fear of repeating myself.

 

All posts are personal views. The majority have clearly considered whatever evidence is before them before composing their comments and often also reconsidered when apparently new information comes to light. The main difference is where some are clearly prepared to raise objective criticism, others would prefer it remained unsaid, especially where NRM is involved. It does sometimes read as harsh but, in the main, it seems to me mostly courteously framed and well intentioned. Hand wringing and wailing about any NRM related criticisms is pointless because it actually draws further attention to the comments. If NRM or staff want to set the record straight there are multifarious ways of doing so without needing self appointed proxys.

 

Unfortunately, railway enthusiasts are the last people who can offer objective criticism.

 

At speed this morning on the first leg of the GBX - sounded superb, cruising at 75-odd...



James

 

That may well be THE best shot of the A3 I have ever seen!

 

A nice photo from the Bluebell e-Newsletter. I wonder if Scotsman has had an all female crew before, or one made of three sisters?

'All in the Family

Locomotive crew rostering brought three members of the same family to the footplate of "Flying Scotsman" on the final day of the Gala Event.

Liz Groome was driving, supported by her sisters Ruth and Rebecca, acting as fireman and cleaner respectively. Meanwhile Clive Groome (dad), was also on duty, driving S15 No. 847.

Of the experience Liz says, "The opportunity to drive 'Flying Scotsman' was one we didn't hesitate to accept, being rostered with family doesn't happen very often, and it made the day even more enjoyable--an experience which we now share as fantastic memories. There was such a great atmosphere across the Railway for the duration of the event, and the enthusiasm for the loco itself every time we drew into a station was a clear reminder of how lucky we were to be crewing.'

(Photo by Mike Hopps).

Tom

 

That is the first time, I've seen an all female crew and a lovely sight too. Times are changing and for the better too in this instance. Well done girls.

 

I believe this is the first time - certainly nothing in any of the books, magazines or online forums I have read. A marvellous first - a little sad it took until 2017 but nevertheless a marvellous first.

 

IIRC the Welshpool achieved this some time ago. I also seem to recall one railway being staffed entirely by ladies on one occasion but I think that was achieved by using female volunteers from other lines to bolster numbers.

 

We've had all female loco crews on the Bluebell on several occasions over the last few years, just not previously on Flying Scotsman!

Tom

 

There are many instances of this. The NYMR has certainly done it.

 

The first in this case is that they are all sisters rather than being just an average footplate crew.
Good on them.

 

Yes sorry chaps I meant a first for Flying Scotsman.

Say what you mean Simon...!

 

Can't remember the date but sometime in the mid/late '80s Cilla Black did an episode of 'Surprise, Surprise' with 6960 on the SVR and that was supposed to be the 1st time an all female footplate crew had taken charge. Have to say fair play to the Roster Clerk though! Writes another chapter in the Scotsman story, on a line that was preserved before Scotsman even had it's double Kylchap and deflectors!

 

I believe we could have had an all-female train crew (driver, fireman, guard) on the GCR a few years ago but I'm not sure if they were ever rostered together. Said guard is now a driver (but on the main line) and said fireman might still have a GCR guard's ticket (not sure) but I don't think fires any more, so it's probably not possible any more. I suspect that all three ladies would wonder what the fuss was about.

Three sisters on Flying Scotsman is pretty good going, though.