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. 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 Retford;
Galopin, Flying Fox, Robert the Devil and Flying Scotsman at Kings Cross; Spearmint at Aberdeen and Royal Lancer at 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.
Archive Film by: Jim Bowller, Bruce Chapman, Bert Collins, Tim Halstead,
Gavin Morrison, Charles Newton, Kenneth Oldham, Trevor Pinyoun, Norman
Skinner, Stuart Saunders, Malcolm Thompson.
Approx. 75 Mins - Colour and Black & White (Copied from VHS)
