In the company of No. 35018 British India Line, No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley sits outside the National Railway Museum on August 28 as it awaits a move to Crewe to finish its overhaul.
SAM YEELES
LNER ‘A4’ No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley emerged from the National Railway Museum’s (NRM) workshop in an approximation of wartime black livery on August 25. The 4-6-2 moved by rail to Crewe on September 21 top-and-tailed by Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL) Class 37s Nos. D6817 and D6851, where its overhaul will be completed.
As part of the previously signed 10-year agreement between the loco’s owner, the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust (SNGLT) and the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust, No. 60007 will then become part of the LSL fleet.
Ahead of the move to Crewe, a sealing coat of semi-gloss black paint was applied. However, this was carried out without the normal preparation of the underlying surface. SNGLT said that while the paint may disguise blemishes rather more than high gloss blue during the move, it is unlikely to bear close scrutiny – the purpose of the paint being a transit protective measure only.