On TV...

[Hell Razor5543]

This coming Sunday (26/10) Channel 4 have what looks like a program some Forum members will be interested in; "Guy Martin; The British Train that Changed the World".

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/guy ... -the-world

Guy Martin is helping to re-build 'Locomotion No. 1' (according to the adverts. Note RE-BUILD, not re-create).

[CitroJim]

Guy Martin is helping to re-build Locomotion No. 1

Much as I like Guy and his hilariously carefree and full-on attitude to life in general, I can't help thinking he's a very odd choice for such a project

I guess he'll be ripping out all the steamy bits and dropping a nice V12 turbodiesel in its place and seeing if he can break the diesel speed record in it

Locomotion No. 1 powered by a nice ex-HST Paxman Valenta might be good It'll sound lovely if nothing else

No, seriously, I can't help thinking such an endeavour needs someone with a bit more gravitas. James May perhaps?

[Hell Razor5543]

I think, Jim, you will be very surprised. Yes, Guy Martin the TV personality is a bit of a loon (OK, make that a LOT of a loon), but when he is mechanicing he is supremely professional. I watched the programs where he helped work on a Spitfire and a Vulcan, and when he was working (as opposed to presenting) he was totally focussed on the task at hand.

When Guy is asked what his job is he always answers 'Lorry mechanic'. The motor cycle racing was (for want of a better word) a hobby, as is the TV stuff.

Having Guy present the program may attract viewers who otherwise would show no interest in steam engines. These viewers might end up helping out at heritage railways.

[CitroJim]

Having Guy present the program may attract viewers who otherwise would show no interest in steam engines. These viewers might end up helping out at heritage railways.

That's a good point well made James Goodness knows, they need them. The current state of heritage railway volunteering is not good and with most in the older age-groups. They badly need young blood and if Guy can help being some new ones in, it'll be a result...

[Hell Razor5543]

I enjoyed that program. It showed the history of industrial rail transportation well, as well as some of the work done to the 'Locomotion' build. I liked the fact they showed some of the difficulties they encountered, and it is likely the original steam locomotives had similar issues when they were first developed, and the engineers had to find out how to resolve them. It is just a shame that H&S stuck their oar in and prevented Guy from helping to drive 'Locomotion' on the 200th Anniversary.

[Hell Razor5543]

There is a new series of Car SOS on More4. Today they were rebuilding a series 1 Land Rover Discovery. Tim got to meet Mike Samson (the man credited with designing said Discovery and saving Land Rover), and the handover was done at Diddly Squat Farm with Jeremy Clarkson driving this Discovery.

[mickthemaverick]

Thanks James, I'm recording that on the +1 channel now