WHEN IS THE ‘A3’s FIRST MAIN LINE RUN?

Our your behalf, we asked the NRM questions about the first main line runs, the overhaul cost, and liveries. This is the response from senior spokesperson Cath Farrell.

1) Do you yet have details of the planned King’s Cross-York ‘inaugural’ run in February?

We hope to announce a date later this month, as there are a few logistical details to iron out and test runs are still under way. We still anticipate it will be in late February, departing from London King’s Cross at breakfast time and arriving in York at lunchtime.

2) Last month you said you were ‘currently exploring all options’ for the eventuality that WCRC was unable to run that train. Can you confirm whether you are running the train with WCRC, or someone else (if so, who?). What is your contingency if the Office of Rail and Road revokes WCRC’s safety certificate?

We continue to actively explore all our options.

3) What is the final cost of Flying Scotsman’s overhaul, and what’s the restoration cost up to now?

The most recent estimated projected cost as published in Summer 2015 is in the region of £4.2m. We plan to release details of the final cost once we have completed our financial year.

4) Ian Riley’s management of Flying Scotsman is for two years; what happens after that?

The NRM will assume responsibility for operations once the end of the commercial partnership agreement is reached. We will continue to follow the recommendations of First Class Partnership, which provides specialist engineering and project management advice.

5) Flying Scotsman will initially be in BR Brunswick Green. What plans are there for a future change of guise, and into what livery/ condition?

There aren’t any current plans for other liveries.

6) Now Flying Scotsman is complete, will the NRM consider proposals for other steam overhauls, for main line or otherwise?

We are unlikely to take on a major restoration job in our own workshops. We will review future opportunities on their individual merits, but would most likely seek to use external contractors. The workshop will return to the purpose for which it was set up, to maintain and conserve our collection.