Cameron served steam with love
No-one can ever suggest John Cameron has not served preservation in this country with due diligence, love and enthusiasm. Without both his monetary support and his passion for his charges, Union of South Africa and The Great Marquess, railway preservation would have been much poorer by far. The two locomotives have for years been the mainstay of railtours in northern England and Scotland, particularly in terms of LNER representation which, sadly, is very sparse. Truly they were both reasons to venture north for any LNER enthusiast and steam fan. I was therefore saddened by the article stating No. 60009 is to be retired to a private museum, and the ‘Mogul’s’ future dependent, potentially, on the NYMR deciding if it fits their plans (SR462).
I have always been of the opinion that locomotive owners are custodians of living history. Living in the sense that they steam, and in steam, live. Flying Scotsman could have been retired to the Great Hall for all eternity, but serves instead as the NRM’s best kind of ambassador; alive and inspiring crowds of people wherever she goes.
I do, however, respect the rights of ownership. That being the case, I would urge Mr Cameron with the greatest of respect to reconsider. Perhaps there is a way to find compromise, so that future generations can continue to enjoy this pair of rare gems.
So many people love these engines it’s unthinkable there would not be support to set up trusts to overhaul and run them in future. I would be the first to say I’d contribute a monthly fee, in particular for the ‘K4’. As Sir Nigel Gresley’s last surviving ‘Mogul’ design, The Great Marquess represents a development that started on the Great Northern and finished with the ‘K1/1’ and ‘K1’ under BR. Its value as a working locomotive cannot be overstated.
May I end with a sincere thank you to John Cameron, however, for all that he has done to support and run his locomotives. Few names come to mind that will always be associated with particular locomotives, and his must be remembered with David Shepherd, whose incredible support of our movement culminated with the transfer of No. 92203 ‘Black Prince’ to the North Norfolk Railway for future generations to enjoy.
It can be done if all parties are willing to compromise.
Simon A.C. Martin, The British Railway Stories Ltd