Mallard to leave Nrm

[MuzTrem]

I did work experience at the NRM back in 2008 and the staff said that the idea of steaming Mallard for 2018 (i.e. the 80th anniversary of the record) was being considered, but that the boiler would indeed need heavy repairs.

Funnily enough, I'm sure I've read in at least one magazine that 2018 is the earliest they will consider steaming Hamilton. It could be an exciting year!

[Rfairlie]

From what a freind at the NRM has told me Hamilton will need quite a substantial amount of work on the boiler also the running gear only had the bare minimum done to keep it going till the boiler expired last time. Plus it needs the FNRM to be cooperative.

There's plenty of post WW1 testorone fuelled giants running around the uk already so i'm glad to see the T9 and the 4f are on thier way back and are a good size for preserved lines. Hopefully a few more of the older locos will get a look in, i would to see one of the 2-4-0 or the NSR tank storming out of Keighley with a vintage set.

Tim

[bharrison]

Tell you what would be good to see is the big brother of nelpg's Q6 the Q7 out.

[MuzTrem]

The problem with the older engines is that they tend to be considered more "precious". That said, I really would love to see Hardwicke and/or the Midland Compund in steam again...

[bharrison]

The problem with the older engines is that they tend to be considered more "precious". That said, I really would love to see Hardwicke and/or the Midland Compund in steam again...

Very good point It would be unlikely that they would steam but you never do know.

[kieranhardy]

The problem with the older engines is that they tend to be considered more "precious". That said, I really would love to see Hardwicke and/or the Midland Compund in steam again...

But having said that City of Truro, the T9 & the Beattie Well tank are hardly youngsters.

The compound would seem a likely choice to return to steam amongst the oldies as she seems to be one of the favourites. I personally would like to see GNR Large Atlantic No. 251 return. She currently resides at Bressingham:

http://kieranhardy.fotopic.net/p43821997.html

I do remember reading somewhere that the nrm would have no problem returning her to steam but it would have to be for the right causes.

Then there is the stunning GER E4 which is also at Bressingham:

http://train-photos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/7684.jpg

I personally wouldn't believe Hamiltons return date as 2018, it would seem odd as after Scotsman is done what is the next 'big named' locomotive to be overhauled? Hamilton seems the most popular candidate in her current form.

[bharrison]

It would be a shock if they did mallard and hamilton toeghether for a set ammount of steamings on their old stomping gounds. but that would never happen and personally I think thats it for mallard hence why I think it's going to Shildon to be stuffed and Mounted.

[Rfairlie]

Whats the differnce between it being stuffed at york or shildon. None whatsoever. It's simply the NRM rotating its collections like it always said it would. Combine this with an excellent publicity stunt, a chance for a better look at 737 and an opertunity to see Mallard in the nice light building at Shildon then everyone is a winner. The NRM should be commended for such a brave move.

As for whats next with 2 big name in service and on the mainline i don't see why the NRM would tackle another. 2018 seems like a good date for the next one though as Cromwell and 4472 will be near the end of thier tickets.

Tim

[bharrison]

The move of Mallard has been confirmed on uk steam with 60163 tornado towing her dead up the ECML later this year.