Day 297

Flying Scotsman's in a bit of a sorry state, isn't she? The cylinders are in the process of being relined and realigned at Riley and Son in Bury, so the tender and the boiler are apparently being stored in York for the time being. The latest estimate for when 4472 will be ready for operating on the main line is Summer 2015 at the earliest. Riley and Son are engineers that specialise in steam and diesel locomotives, and are responsible for overhauling and restoring a significant portion of Britain's preserved steam. The owner, Ian Riley, also owns 2 mainline operational Black Fives (No. 44871 and No 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier), and Merchant Navy class No 35009 Shaw Savill, which is in the process of being restored. The Fives are commonly seen hauling the Jacobite steam tours and the Cumbrian Mountain Express. Taken 3.11.13.