Rebuilt SR Battle of Britain Class No. 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair
As the locomotive comes towards the end of its long running restoration, at the Bluebell Railway, Sussex, a date has now been set for the print to appear; Monday 20th April.
This should, all being well, tie in with the locomotive entering traffic at the end of April/beginning of May. There are lots of things that can go wrong between now and then, but the print will definitely be available from the 20th! (visit print page)
 |
 |
Detail taken from the illustration of 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair showing the nameplate with Sinclair's coat-of-arms. The medals are from left to right; Baronet's Badge, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (the Scottish equivalent to the Order of the Garter) and Companion, Order of St. Michael and St. George. |
The first signed and numbered print of the illustration will be presented to the person re-naming the locomotive. This should be John Thurso (John Archibald Sinclair, 3rd Viscount Thurso) grandson of Sir Archibald Sinclair.
Like his grandfather John Thurso is a politician and is the Liberal MP for Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross. He was the first Lord to be elected to the House of Commons after the reform of the House of Lords.
A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
The illustration has now been checked over and corrections made were necessary. It is now ready to go to the printers and will be available from Thursday 7th May 2009 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of its record breaking run on 23rd May 1959. (visit print page)
No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley will be hauling the southbound Cathedrals Express on the anniversary date, between York and Kings Cross. The earlier trip north will be behind No. 60163 Tornado
The first signed and numbered print of this illustration (1/350) will be allocated by a draw. To be entered into this you need to have ordered and paid for your copy by 24:00 GMT on Wednesday 6th May 2009. Orders by post arriving on the 6th May will be accepted. Advance orders will be taken from 16th April.
If you would like to be reminded when advance orders are being taken let me know via the A4 Print Form.
All ordered prints will be sent out on 7th May 2009.
No. 46256 Sir William A.Stanier F.R.S. in BR Red
Originally the illustration of No. 6256 Sir William A.Stanier F.R.S. was to have shown it in LMS Black, but from feedback it seems that BR Red (Crimson Lake) would be a more popular choice.
 |
 |
Having now got a copy of the excellent book LMS Locomotive Profiles No.11 – The 'Coronation' Class Pacifics it has provided a spur to proceed with the illustration, although there are still some areas still to be sorted out. This book has at last corrected repeatedly published errors about the class. |
The illustration will now show 46256 Sir William A.Stanier F.R.S. after its 1959 overhaul, when the electric lighting was removed and AWS fitted, painted BR Red with LMS lining.
BR Green
It is good to see the authors of the above book apologising for their use of Brunswick Green in previous books in the 'LMS Locomotive Profiles' series when referring to BR Green. They have now corrected this and use the correct colour for BR Standard Green – (GWR) Middle Chrome Green – and note that from 1956 it was darkened slightly after research into longer lasting finishes to nearer a Deep Bronze Green. Obviously colours varied between workshops as the specification only stipulated a near match to the sample supplied.
The use of Brunswick Green, when referring to BR Green, seems to have become rife, even though this colour is far too blue. The correct colour, Middle Chrome Green, is derived from orange chrome pigment, which is the reason the Chrome Orange lining 'sits' so well on it.
Using the term BR Green avoids these pitfalls!
Richard Green 1/3/09