What's that doing in the workshop?

Visitors to York may well be surprised to see the Stirling Single in the workshop since last Friday. I'm afraid thoughts of a return to steam are somewhat premature, but the truth is that the loco is being prepared for its starring role in the Railway Children production in London this summer. The axles were ultrasonically tested and passed on Friday and this week after gauging on Monday, some repairs were being made on the tender frame to make the loco fit to be towed on Network Rail to Waterloo where the play is being staged. If you couldn't get to the production in York the past two summers, try and catch it in London, it's an award winning gem of a play.

No.1's place in the Great Hall has been taken by Hardwicke for the time being, another late 19th Century racer.