News 3 - Transatlantic A4s bid to purchase

As I imagine most of you are aware, the pair of transatlantic A4s 60008 'Dwight D Eisenhower' and 4489 'Dominion of Canada' are set to return to their own museums in early May this year.  

There has been alot of talk about these two returnees; I've seen mentioned that the two museums showed "disinterest" in the locos, until that is, they returned to the UK! 

The value of locomotives such as these is disputed, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for them. I've seen values as low as £100,000, to £500-600 thousand recently. The latter estimate (£600,000) has been matched by a unknown and unnamed indivdual (who is not widely known in railway circles) wishing to purchase at least one, if not both, of the A4s. Sadly, despite a tempting $1million (£600,000) offer for each, both cheques were turned down. 

There could be another option though... I've seen metioned that, because of their condition on arrival (particularly 60010/4489) as to whether they should be ALLOWED to leave! Whilst this may seem extreme, but they do have a point! Perhaps a compulsory purchase could be arranged by the government to forcibly make both museums surrender their A4s!



60008-Wanted by the illusive enthusiast for $1million. Will he get his way? only time will tell!

Again, there was talk of 4489 becoming the flagship locomotive for a revived LNER Coronation train, with 4489 acting as an ambassador locomotive for Canada. The planned luxury train operator, "Golden Eagle Luxury Trains" and president Tim Littler is still hoping that an agreement can be reached as he believes it could be a "win-win" situation for both museum and owner.  

Unfortunately, the Quebec Museum is still adament on returning 4489 "home" to Canada.   

So is this another rail revival that has gone off the rails? Perhaps one of the two museums will have a change of heart and 'allow' either 6008 or 4489 to return from exile...permenantly!

4489 and stainless steel trim lie dormant at the NRMs "Great Goodbye". Perhaps there is still light at the end of the tunnel for this one.

Whilst the pair are still set to return, their admirers won't give up without a fight until at least one of the two are bought for Britain.  And i'll be supporting them all the way!