The LNER Encyclopedia

I still think that 'Duke of Edinburgh' would have made an entirely appropriate name.

I don't think the Duke has expressed any interest in steam locomotives? The Prince has.

If we were rebuilding a replica ship I think it would be the other way around - the Duke has strong naval connections, but I don't think the Prince has gone beyond what is expected as a heir?

I don't think the Prince has gone beyond what is expected as a heir?

Other than attaining command rank in the Royal Navy? I'm no apologist for the Royals but I think he deserves a little more credit than your phrase suggests, Richard. Apologies if I've misinterpreted your meaning.

I was meaning the Duke of Edinburgh has much stronger naval connections and as far as I am aware demonstrated no interest in the railways - he would have been a more natural choice if we were building a ship rather than a locomotive.

I wasn't aware of Charles' naval career (I've just looked it up) -I had assumed his military ranks were primarily honorary (e.g. the Parachute Regiment) where he might have been 'game' but was disallowed due to being the direct heir (I know he did at least one jump with the Paras) - but it looks like he's a qualified pilot and served on a number of ships during the 1970s.

A "qualified" pilot who crashed a plane and let someone else take the blame!

I had never considered "Prince of Wales" but think it will be a popular choice with the press and public at large. At the end of the day, it needs to be viable financially, and I can live with the break from tradition if it helps us see a P2 in all its glory for the first time in 75+ years.

at least its a P2 with BIG deflectors , quite fitting for 'ol Big Ears


mr B

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As someone mentioned on another thread the 'Prince of Wales' name was already taken by exGCR D11/1 No. 2662. It wasn't withdrawn until August 1960

I'm guessing Micky is being 'tongue in cheek' as we shouldn't forget an A3 carried the name throughout it's service... 60054.

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Let us hope that things don't sink into innuendo and double entendre:- "I've just had a ride on the Prince of Wales......"

Not as crass as it sounds. Gerry Fiennes was on record somewhere stating that the named train "The Fair Maid" was re-named for just that reason.

A very shrewd move,publicity-wise.They have to go for the general public's attention(and money!)

"Lord of the Isles" would have fitted perfectly with the Scot's historic and legendary naming scheme of the originals, and, is also a title held by the current HRH..

Perfect, now back behind the curtains.

I would have to agree with the last post from IJHull, 'Lord of the Isles' would have been a far more appropriate name given it's Scottish connections and the fact that it would be perpetuating a former LNER name.

However my personal feeling is that the money could have been far better spent on a locomotive or possibly two locomotives with far wider route availabilities. I can hear the chorus of disagreement ringing around the country, but that's my personal view. I would have to agree they were magnificent looking machines, and I feel that they could have achieved even more had they been used on more suitable routes, but I truly believe that this project is misguided.

For what it's worth and I know there wont be many, or indeed any, that agree with me, but I would have liked to have seen a traditional 0-6-0 goods tender engine being built instead. And my choice, a Hull & Barnsley B Class (LNER J23) 0-6-0, a real work horse.