#sir nigel gresley

In railway news, I just have to share my excitement over learning 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley the A4 steam locomotive is finally back in service. A4s are by far my favourite class, they were what got me truly hooked on steam, and of all the locos their shape reminds me most of an animal rather than a machine. They are well and truly alive. Such splendid beasts, and to have one back on track (Sir Nigel is currently the only operational A4) makes my heart sing. I saw her in 2019, still in a million bits and pieces at the National Railway Museum in York. It must feel good to stretch her legs again after 7 years. Can’t wait to go back sometime and see her again.

Unfortunately tumblr doesn’t allow me to share videos from a certain timestamp, but 3:45 is definitely the best bit if you ask me.

“Nigel Gresley’s Flying Circus”

EXCLUSIVE FUNDRAISER ART PRINT AVAILABLE!

I’m excited to say that I’ve been coordinating with Chris Eden-Green, producer of the railway video series “Steam Locos in Profile,” to create this commissioned painting, combining iconography of Sir Nigel Gresley’s famous streamlined locomotives and a subtle nod to Monty Python’s title cards.

Chris aims to travel with a small film unit to Germany to film special content for Season 3′s DVD release. Anyone who donates £20 or more to http://www.e-gmedia.co.uk/slipsingermany will receive an exclusive A4-sized print of this painting, signed by the SLIPs crew. Even if you cannot afford the print, I encourage viewers of the show and other steam enthusiasts to donate smaller amounts if they can, as even a one-quid donation will get Chris and his film unit a bit closer to their £3,000 goal.

–Wings & Strings