The LNER Encyclopedia

Posted: **Sun Nov 27, 2011 11:25 pm**

I'd heard rather pleasant news a while ago that 60010 was undergoing a cosmetic restoration over the course of 2011.

Does anyone know how the restoration is coming along, and if 60008 is due for a repaint ready for the 6 A4 display at York?

Posted: **Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:23 am**

When I was at the Green Bay railroad museum, I didn't see any mention of 60008 going anywhere. The only site that I see mentioning it also mentioned Mallard's now-cancelled trip to Germany.

If 60008 makes it over there, be careful with him.

Posted: **Mon Nov 28, 2011 6:46 pm**

Some basic research would reveal what the current situation is:

"It has come to my attention that some news of a proposal to repatriate two A4 Class locomotives from the USA and Canada has reached elements of the railway press from a non-official source. Although I am disappointed that the National Railway Museum has not been able fully to control the release of this news, I am nevertheless keen to minimise inaccurate speculation."

"It is true that the NRM has been in negotiations for the last six months with the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum in Montreal, with a view to repatriating Dwight D Eisenhower and Dominion of Canada respectively, as part of the celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary in 2013 of Mallard’s record-breaking run. The visit of a specialist team is in progress and a mutual decision will be taken, in conjunction with our trans-Atlantic colleagues, if the loans are considered a practical proposition."

"At this stage, absolutely nothing has been agreed. Fundraising to make this happen will be a principal challenge."

"I cannot emphasise strongly enough that this is a loan proposal and will emphatically not result in the permanent repatriation of either or both of these locomotives. This has been explicit in our negotiations from the outset and I am most grateful that our colleagues in the United States and Canada have so far shared this exciting vision with us."

"In the meantime, I would appreciate the minimising of speculation if that is at all possible."

Steve Davies
Director, National Railway Museum

I might add, 60010 was going to be cosmetically restored in any event as it needs some TLC at this point in time, regardless.

Posted: **Mon Nov 28, 2011 11:39 pm**

I've seen that earlier. I was hoping there was a more recent word on the situation.

60008 is in very good condition, but I'm sure some people wouldn't mind cleaning it up anyways. Just a brief question, but did any other A4s have the tender buffers red? This is the only thing that really "stuck out" to me.

Posted: **Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:31 pm**

The only problem with 60008 is her paint. She was repainted in a wrong shade of green (in the 80's or 90's) and the rods have been buffed up like those on American locos and dosen't look right for an A4. A black five or 9F maybe, but definitely not an A4

Posted: **Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:56 pm**

I viewed 60008 in 2009 and the boiler cladding on the firemans side ie away from general view has a good amount of corrosion so will need a lot of cosmetic attention... also the "buffing".... is a thick layer of silver paint and it does look pretty grim close up.

I viewed 60010 in October 2010, she is due a cosemtic restoration and I think there was word on this forum that she had been moved for that to take place. I believe one plan was to have her located in the main hall in the museum over a pit so that her inside cylinder and the water scoop can be viewed as both are quite unique and not seen on North American locos.

Steve W

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:08 am**

blackout60800 wrote:The only problem with 60008 is her paint. She was repainted in a wrong shade of green (in the 80's or 90's) and the rods have been buffed up like those on American locos and dosen't look right for an A4. A black five or 9F maybe, but definitely not an A4

No, buffed rods look best on a Coronation, I'll admit...

I still view 60008 as being in very good condition. Not perfect, but far from really bad.
I know some will say otherwise, of course.

Regardless, I suppose a new coat of paint wouldn't hurt, as long as it's done right. Don't paint it purple with green stripes.
We should be happy it is stored in a decent shed now, I cannot say the same on the other engines in the storage shed (bird stains, rust, and dust everywhere). What would you prefer, "incorrect" paint and some corrosion versus lots more corrosion, stained paint, and dust?

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:58 am**

Hmm, well I'd prefer repatriated, renamed to Golden shuttle, repainted in garter blue with valances and stainless steel trim with single chimney and joining the NRM's working fleet

EDIT: Does anyone know how I'd be able to post these piccies at bigger than 500 pixels?

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 2:20 pm**

The forums automatically thumb-nail large images so they don't make a mess of the pages (and take a long time to download). Just click on the thumbnail to see the full size image.

Before uploading a big image, think twice about it - they all contribute to my account quota (hence the forum has some tight quotas).

Posted: **Thu Dec 01, 2011 8:01 am**

blackout60800 wrote:Hmm, well I'd prefer repatriated, renamed to Golden shuttle, repainted in garter blue with valances and stainless steel trim with single chimney and joining the NRM's working fleet

EDIT: Does anyone know how I'd be able to post these piccies at bigger than 500 pixels?

One can dream.

It would be interesting to "dress up" 60008 in pre-war guise, but I doubt many people here (USA) would support such an idea.

Posted: **Tue Dec 27, 2011 3:30 am**

As much as I'd like to see 60008 return to its home for a visit, I'm not so sure it will happen. The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay placed the engine indoors. In order for it to be removed, some of the building would have to be demolished. I'm not against the idea of bringing 60008 back to the UK, but I'm not 100% certain that it will happen. In all respects, I think it deserves a repaint in LNER colours. But that's just my opinion.

Posted: **Tue Dec 27, 2011 1:49 pm**

Hi,

Now here’s a novel idea.

How about we encourage the Yanks to undertake cosmetic work to get it back into respectable display condition, not repatriate her to the UK (what’s that term “Indian Givers”), and spend the money saved on getting Green Arrow back in steam.

Regards
Steve

Posted: **Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:23 pm**

As great as that would be to get 4771 steaming, I'm afraid I'd have to go against you on that

( I'm going against everything I live for here )

I would rather leave it another decade or two for longevity's sake with regards to Green Arrow and it is lovely to see her over the inspection pit at the NRM. When she was steaming I could never catch her!

I think the money should be used to cosmetically restore both A4's to their original LNER liveries and 60008 to her original name too.

Posted: **Fri Dec 30, 2011 2:52 pm**

Hi Blackout

I get the impression from many of your posts that you are a young person.

Your suggestion that we leave Green Arrow for a decade or two is fine for you - how about us oldies (over 60) who may not live that long!! There are a number of A4s, there's only one V2!!

Foregoing not meant nasty - just a thought

Happy New Year all

Posted: **Fri Dec 30, 2011 4:13 pm**

Considerably younger than most

but yes, that thought had passed through my head.

The only way I see Green Arrow steaming in this decade is if someone like Richard 'beardy' Branson puts a wad of cash in Steve Davies hands...... or I win the lottery and give it all to the NRM and say 'Green Arrow, Mallard and Duchess of Hamilton, get them restored NOW!'

The LNER Encyclopedia

60008 and 60010

60008 and 60010

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Re: 60008 and 60010

Re: 60008 and 60010

Re: 60008 and 60010

Re: 60008 and 60010

Re: 60008 and 60010

Re: 60008 and 60010

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Re: 60008 and 60010

Re: 60008 and 60010