Steam Railways

[Barbirollians]

A4 ' Union of South Africa ' at Basingstoke for an evening water stop a few days ago on its return to Waterloo. Currently the only A4 in steam and will sadly be put out to grass at some Scottish museum on the expiration of its current boiler certificate in 2019. Hopefully Sir Nigel Gresley ( currently being overhauled at NRM ) will be back on the rails by then to fly the flag for the A4's.

What has happened to Bittern ?

[Barbirollians]

A4 ' Union of South Africa ' at Basingstoke for an evening water stop a few days ago on its return to Waterloo. Currently the only A4 in steam and will sadly be put out to grass at some Scottish museum on the expiration of its current boiler certificate in 2019. Hopefully Sir Nigel Gresley ( currently being overhauled at NRM ) will be back on the rails by then to fly the flag for the A4's.

What has happened to Bittern ? ah I see in for restoration too .

[AmpH]

What has happened to Bittern ? ah I see in for restoration too .

Yes. Bittern is at LNWR Crewe for major overhaul works, so will be out of commission for some considerable time.

[AmpH]

At least we've got Flying Scotsman and Tornado to keep the LNER flag flying. Recently saw Tornado down hear at Gwinear Road en route to Penzance - a wonderful sight!

Indeed, Tornado is very special. There are the usual summer Sunday trips from Bristol to the South West - The Royal Duchy to Par and the Torbay Express to Kingswear with a variety of steam locos slated for use, although they are sometimes cancelled if locos are unavailable.

[cloughie]

Indeed, Tornado is very special. There are the usual summer Sunday trips from Bristol to the South West - The Royal Duchy to Par and the Torbay Express to Kingswear with a variety of steam locos slated for use, although they are sometimes cancelled if locos are unavailable.

...or we are marginally disappointed when something green and shiny is replaced by a LMS 8F!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Yes. Bittern is at LNWR Crewe for major overhaul works, so will be out of commission for some considerable time.

Meanwhile, Mallard has been left to fester in a museum.

[AmpH]

Meanwhile, Mallard has been left to fester in a museum.

It would be wonderful to have Mallard back in steam, but I doubt NRM could afford the costs and may not currently feel it justified when there is at least one other example of the class in service.

[Barbirollians]

It would be wonderful to have Mallard back in steam, but I doubt NRM could afford the costs and may not currently feel it justified when there is at least one other example of the class in service.

Mallard was put back into steam in the late 1980s of course . I wonder if they are saving up for the Centenary