melmoth

It might not have been the point, but this excellently lucid answer is also a fine illustration of why short term interests are perhaps the biggest Achilles Heel of Capitalism.

Frankly, I think that if steam had lasted until 1980ish, the livery would have been reduced to unlined black with double arrows on tender/tank side. Why tart up something you intend to run down?

J3034 Looks like Allan Garraway on the footplate of Linda

The Germans have a history of needing more Lebensraum

Also theoretically possible but unworkable in practice

Motorised?

With the St. Leger run at Doncaster and the 1000/2000 Guineas at Newmarket, the LNER were on home turf with many of the names used.

Eric Gent's "British Railways Brakevans & Ballast Ploughs" is the book you want. Published by HMRS, isbn 0902835165.

Is it 'self-identifying' or just confused?

This is at least partly wrong. Hornby started to move production to China in 1995/96. Margate closed in 1999. The first new loco drive model was the Merchant Navy in 2000. The first loco drive 8F was in 2002. Lots of good information here http://www.hornbyguide.com/logo_menu.asp

I stand to be corrected by someone more knowledgeable, but I think the 1974 renumbering/reallocations were to do with the conversion of those vehicles for use in 4REP EMUs.

Personal opinion obviously, but frankly unlikely

The kit described as a 'Great Bear 4-6-0' would appear to epitomise MTK accuracy.

If there were though, how many people would have been nicked for aiding and abetting Minories?

You were doing so well until what seems like the gratuitous sarcasm here.