Apologies if already covered, but today I stumbled across two "The Telegraph" articles that might be interesting if you missed them. The first is about the "Tornado" recently hitting 100mph on today's trackage and it shows a similarly interesting link to an article (2nd item) on the "Flying Scotsman":
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/tornado-steam-train-hits-100mph-secret-test-run-east-coast-main/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/features/flying-scotsman-review-should-have-stuck-steam/
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
"Flying Scotsman" is a cool locomotive. First saw her on the waterfront in SFO when the late Alan Pegler brought her to the US in the 70's. In the early, 90's rode a mainline excursion behind her from Crewe to Holyhead. This summer, I am going to ride behind her from York to Carlisle and return over the Sette & Carlisle line, a trip I've wanted to take for years. She'll also be in late BR condition (Kylchap exhaust, smoke deflectors) http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=112&p=787465 which I find more attractive than in original condition (so sue me).
Andre
Andre,
I remember the rather heated discussion going on "over there, on the big islnad" some years ago, when she had the smoke deflectors fitted, giving her a rather teutonic appearance, which was not too well received by some die-hard defenders of pure British design.
Just to tune you in on your upcoming trip along the Settle & Carlisle line:
She could use a deeper whistle, don´t you agree?
Oh, definitely. That whistle is wimpy. A chime whistle would be be best and even a Midland style "hooter" would be preferable.
Her whistle reminds me of the whistle my live steam G scale loco had.
Flying Scotsman deserves a better one!