The LNER Encyclopedia

Scarborough was honoured today by the arrival from York of Flying Scotsman on a running in turn, as can be seen from the photos it looks stunning in its BR Green livery. It brings back fond memories of spotting days at York. Thanks
Ian H

Very nice - many thanks

Woodcock29

Great pics; But why oh why did she have to be outshopped with thode hideous jerry deflectors??? choggers

oh, that debate again!

First, you will never please everyone with Flying Scotsman's appearance! It is impossible.

The A3s run much better with the Kylchap exhaust. There are operational reasons to keep this.
The LNER knew they were good but were generally reluctant to fit them (four A4s, and the P2s being the best known exceptions) - some sources state patent rights, others state smoke issues.
The smoke issues are real and a significant safety issue, especially on the modern railways. They were finally fixed with the BR "German" smoke deflectors. Hence the fitting of deflectors, which are actually appropriate for the chosen livery.

Personally I love the A3's in this guise, I well remember them coming majestically through York. To me they look so much better than just a single chimney. Only thing I would change would be the corridor tender for a streamlined non-corridor type but as it is normally connected to coaches its hardly noticeable. Also much better than the apple green and double chimney/German smoke deflectors.
Just out of interest how many people can remember seeing Apple Green in use in the 30's & 40's?
Ian H

Just for the record, I like the single chimney look - on A4's, too, for that matter.

Anyway, it's so far back in the mists now, but I think the first A3 I ever saw was in Experimental Blue. Unfortunately, which one it was is now lost on me. I'm guessing at 1948/49 and would have been around Oakleigh Park.

Footnote: some footage of FS's latest outing was featured on our National news last night!
http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2684417285