Sir Hadyn

That's because this is Scotsman's genuine whistle, bought at auction during the overhaul by Jim Rees, my predecessor, so it could go back on the loco.

That might have been one of my interviews from yesterday - and here's my blog on the subject: http://blog.nrm.org.uk/how-much-flying-scotsman-original/

Whilst it's fun to play "what's next" the reality is that there isn't a "next". Not unless you have a costed business plan and finances to back it and make it happen.

The buffers were black in 1963 and so they are again

Yes, the casting was worn out and fell apart c.1993, as a result the double chimney went on during the boiler work at Babcock's

All plaques off. The appearance to be as close to 1962 as possible. We've not disposed of them, but want to present it with a lack of bling

It will be a bit sooner than eventually. Certainly by March it will be in full BR green

Thanks John, that's why it's going BR green (but not brunswick green) with the detail alterations. We want it to be as close to its final BR condition as possible. As you say, it also introduces people to a different period in its history. My colleagues know I would like BR blue one day...

We don't have a standard policy, each vehicle is taken on its own merits, and for the next few years at least, we felt it time to present it in BR form as close as we could - even the smoke deflectors have been reprofiled as per the drawings. Compare them now to how they were when she last ran.

Not them, no. Go and find the blog referred to earlier in this thread about originality, written by yours truly

That's why we've lowered the numberplate, changed the front handrail and lamp bracket so that apart from the corridor tender, you get 1962 Scotsman in the next month or so after running in and the full repaint.

I'd worry if any of them are painted brunswick green, that's not what locos were painted in... (runs for cover)

http://blog.nrm.org.uk/how-much-flying-scotsman-original/ I know the author quite well...

It's the displacement lubricator for the regulator

What do you need, I have a few in bits...

Went looking to see if I could find a Locomotion this afternoon, sadly not. Must be with being in S&D country that they've all gone. If anyone has one that they don't want, please let me know...thanks!

The only ones I regret not getting are the T9 and Director. Managed to acquire all the other old or silly engines or ones I have a soft spot for.

There were two in Sainsbury's in Bishop Auckland yesterday, want me to get one Shane? I may be passing Leamington on Thursday.

Top man Matt, that's great. You'll have seen "our" engine then... Hope you enjoy your membership!

I'm taking our borrowed Marshall 6 horse traction engine out tomorrow night. Should be nice! I happen to be Chairman of the National Traction Engine Trust for my sins, and Matt is in charge of our PR etc and does a great job

Ah, so you crew for Messrs Shipton! Enjoy!

Good afternoon all, I don't often mix business with being on here but... You'll all by now be aware that Sandra is having a few days' break in the USA and that her assistant is not in today. However, the Chairman of Locomotion has been here this morning and has seen your comments. Apologies to anyone who has had difficulty getting a satisfactory response by phone. He has tried to ring the few people who have called with issues and left numbers. To our valued customer in Australia, rest assured that we will deal with your issue immediately upon Sandra's return and your refund will be issued - no need to call again, this has been logged. Sandra will be back late next week and will deal with everyone in her usual highly efficient and friendly manner if folks could just be patient as we are only a small team and she is the expert. Just so everyone knows, we are expecting extra stocks of the Atlantic next week, both as 251 and BR black, but all of our initial stock has been sent out to customers who ordered earlier. At the moment therefore, we don't yet have stock available to allow immediate replacement but do please rest assured that anyone with a warranty problem will be addressed as soon as more stock arrives. All best wishes Anthony Coulls NRM Senior Curator Rail Transport & Technology (working at Shildon today)

Sorry for the late reply. The Keighley chaps found a tin of the 1970s brown stored and usable, which Williamsons replicated and then Bachmann matched it to that. Held a model up to the real thing this afternoon and it vanished. Sounds like the right colour to me.

Six in Bishop Auckland Sainsburys this morning, now there are five, as one is a bit closer to the real 4771

Mountain Ash No. 8 is coming back as ex Longmoor "Rennes" based at the Pontypool & Blaenavon