| Gresley's first 'Pacific' design, the A1, was first introduced in 1922. A total of fifty-two were built in just over two and a half years. During 1927 two examples were improved with the fitting of a new boiler, three more were converted the following year. These locos were then re-classified as A3s. Twenty-seven new A3s were then built between 1928 & 1935. So successful were the modifications that all bar one the A1s were eventually converted to A3s, the last receiving its new boiler in December 1948. During this programme we take a look at one of the great designs of the steam age. We feature the introduction of the A1s; their development into A3s; the locos on shed and in action; we contemplate their design, operation and performance and also take a look at the sole survivor, the legendary, Flying Scotsman with footage from the 1960s through to the 1990s. Highlights Include: Colombo and Diamond Jubilee at Brookmans Park; Salmon Trout at Hawick; Lemberg at Darlington; Singapore at Stonehaven; Manna, Gladiateur and Blink Bonny at Newcastle; Prince Palatine at Dundee; Centenary on test; Royal Lancer on 'The White Rose'; Knight of Thistle at Doncaster; Merry Hampton at Rettord; Galopin, Flying Fox, Robert the Devil and Flying Scotsman at Kings Cross; Spearmint at Aberdeen and Royal Lancerat Grantham. Other A3s featured include: Solario, Hyperion, Sandwich, Melton, Doncaster, Galtee More, Woolwinder, Sceptre, Tranquil, St Gatien, Harvester; Persimmon, Tracery, Pretty Polly, Minoru, Dick Turpin, Trigo, Call Boy, Victor Wild, St Simon, Captain Cuttle and Gay Crusader. Continent: Europe
Country: UK |
