So what shall we name the new P2?

[Bullhead]

In no particular order, my farthing's worth of suggestions, mostly with an East Lothian theme:

• Ensign Ewart
  Bass Rock
  One O'Clock Gun
  White Cockade
  North Berwick Witch

Of the suggestions made earlier in this thread I particularly like "Border Reiver".

[52D]

Ensign Ewart is a fine choice but Border Reiver seems to have a lot of fans.

[Multiprinter]

I'm not sure that the good lady folk of North Berwick would approve of North Berwick Witch.

[S.A.C. Martin]

I have been reliably informed that Tornado is now running with a pre-war Crosby whistle - as fitted to the P2s and A4s prior to the second world war.

Anyone else think Mark Allatt - who this month is quoted in Steam Railway as the study "...not done yet" and frames "unlikely to be made this year", might be keeping his cards closer to his chest than we think?

I do love these little hints that seem to come out of the trust sometimes - keeping the rail community on their toes!

[richard]

"this year" only has six weeks to go, so I think frame construction would be really, really quick!

Richard

[S.A.C. Martin]

"this year" only has six weeks to go, so I think frame construction would be really, really quick!

Richard

Sorry Richard, I should have been clearer - I simply meant that perhaps things are further along than otherwise thought at this time.

How long would it have taken Doncaster works to produce a set of P2 frames, back in the day, I wonder?

[Atlantic 3279]

How long would it have taken Doncaster works to produce a set of P2 frames, back in the day, I wonder?

About two and a half minutes, if they cut corners drastically anyway, and then only accounted for a fraction of the little work that they'd actually done, in the presentation style of Discovery channel's "Wheeler Dealers" car "restoration" programmes........

Don't they say "never trust a used car salesman"?

By the way, if we are to have a P2 with Bugatti nose, Walschaerts, and an A1 style boiler with long combustion chamber in the firebox, then whether they like to give it the right name or not, aren't the builders in fact building "Wolf of Badenoch", more nearly than any other class member?

[71B]

Why don't we propose naming in honour of McKillop and call it

'Toram Beg' ?

[S.A.C. Martin]

By the way, if we are to have a P2 with Bugatti nose, Walschaerts, and an A1 style boiler with long combustion chamber in the firebox, then whether they like to give it the right name or not, aren't the builders in fact building "Wolf of Badenoch", more nearly than any other class member?

Yes indeed! Very good point Graeme. I've no idea why they have gone for "Cock O' The North" other than it's probably the most well known of the P2 class members. "Wolf of Badenoch" is much more motive and memorable, in my opinion.

[hq1hitchin]

By the way, if we are to have a P2 with Bugatti nose, Walschaerts, and an A1 style boiler with long combustion chamber in the firebox, then whether they like to give it the right name or not, aren't the builders in fact building "Wolf of Badenoch", more nearly than any other class member?

Yes indeed! Very good point Graeme. I've no idea why they have gone for "Cock O' The North" other than it's probably the most well known of the P2 class members. "Wolf of Badenoch" is much more motive and memorable, in my opinion.

Oddly enough - the Class 87 a.c. locomotive of this name wasn't allowed to haul the royal train - nor was Black Prince, from memory. Two no good boyos, presumably?

[richard]

Cock o'the North and Earl Marischal had distinctive shapes before they were rebuilt. I think there's a lot to be said for using that shape - even if Wolf of Badenoch was thermodynamically better 'balanced'.

Richard

[A3 Spearmint]

The P2's were very powerful engines so why not give them a name to suit?
I mean you cant get a more powerful name than the original Wolf of Badenoch.
I agree with 71B Toram Beg does sound good.

[Jimmymac]

Toram Beg claims in one of his books that he was instrumental in condeming the P2s in their original format. Its not really appropriate therefore to name one after him.

Regards

Jim

[52D]

Tell more Jim.

[1000 Graham]

What a response to such an interesting question, I have been away for a couple of days and missed the start of this thread however I have scanned through the 208 replies so far and cannot see any mention of the following, my apologies if anyone else has suggested same:

If it has to be a Scottish name what about BRAVEHEART, although I think this is in use on a Swindon built 4-6-0 now on the Dart Valley?

or what about ENIGMA for something very British (Elgar)

or possibly for political fairness COCK OF THE SOUTH!!!

Graham