RELOCATION PUTS 4489 ‘AT RISK’

Following the huge success of ‘Mallard 75’, and in view of the considerable physical and emotional energy expended by myself and many others in repatriating and cosmetically restoring the transatlantic ‘A4s’ [see panel, above], it will come as no surprise to anyone that I continue to maintain an active interest in the fortunes of these two locomotives.

Both acted as positive ambassadors for their respective parent museums, and one of the beneficial outcomes of the project was the renewed interest shown in them on their return to their home bases; Dominion of Canada being given a prominent position within Exporail’s equivalent of the NRM’s Great Hall.

Significantly, from a conservation point of view, the building is heated and climate-controlled, essential if the high quality paint finishes they now sport are to survive for the long term.

Montreal, for example, experiences significantly low temperatures in winter and indoors is obviously the optimum location to conserve these locomotives for the long term.

I had previously heard rumours that No. 4489 was to make way for a different object in the main exhibition hall and was to be displayed in the socalled ‘Building 5’. This was the facility in which I first laid eyes on the locomotive and it was clear that its semi-open nature had not been kind to the engine.

It is partially open to the elements and thus anything stored inside is subjected to the full fury of the extremes of temperature, especially during Montreal’s often bitter winters.

In light of my concerns I was reassured that a major refurbishment of Building 5 was being planned, but not unnaturally I assumed that

No. 4489 would move there only once these works had been completed.

It was thus a surprise and a massive disappointment to discover that the engine has indeed been moved in advance of the planned refurbishment to be replaced in its former location with an unrestored dome observation car. I am told that grant money may be forthcoming to refurbish ‘Building 5’, but it does seem curious that the locomotive’s superb finish should be put at risk in this way.

This also sends a message to the UK audience.

I am the first to recognise that the engine belongs to Exporail and that it is entitled to do with it what it will. In its position, though, I would have gone out of my way to develop a proactive communication strategy which would have addressed the potential concerns that might exist among their UK supporters in recognition of the not inconsiderable interest in the engine’s fate, both from those of us who made ‘Mallard 75’ happen and of the wider UK railway audience.

We took this engine to our hearts, the

‘Blue Team’ at Shildon literally transformed her into the stunning vision of beauty and elegance she now is, and I would earnestly hope that we can all be reassured that her future condition is not now in jeopardy as a result of this move.

More than that, I think we should also be informed about the way in which she is now going to be presented and interpreted: she has been moved from the museum’s ‘car showroom’ to its ‘garden shed’ and I fear that her new home may send the unintentional message that Exporail no longer cares about her. Please reassure us all that this is not the case.