|
LMSman - "I also have a little disquiet at seeing them (all preserved) in near pristine condition .. my memories are of dirty, working engines and stock, running against all the odds during the war .. I remember seeing Queen Elizabeth in the sidings at Crewe in August 1945 .. Rusted and and uncared for, but still doing the job. I know a preserved loco has to be immaculate, or as near as can be achieved, but it makes them big boys' toys, not the drivers of industry that they were built to be."
Hi LMSman
I believe there to be a huge difference with how locomotives were cared for during and post war years. Yes they were uncared for and unloved due in the main to a serious lack of cash. Our great railways were in decline!
Today by comparison our locomotives are well cared for, and quite rightly due to the enormous cost of restoration, not to mention the amount of hours people have given freely to keeping them in pristine condition. I know what I prefer - the sight of well looked after stock for the benefit and future of all who follow in our footsteps.
Regards
Phil
|