Hi Geof. To the best of my knowledge 4472 was never involved in the various experiments on A3 class locos with smoke deflectors as she was in service. I was born and grew up in Darlington. (The other LNER workshops town) and was always a even as a kid a train spotter. As I recall there were three types of smoke deflectors in test on various A3 engines, the full plates, the so called German type ( as shown in the photo and the very small ones just set behind the funnel. Flying Scotsman used to have the builders plate on the smoke box sides behind where the "blinkers" as they were locally called, are on the photo. A3 Call Boy BR N°60099 did at one stage have, the sort of smoke delectors which 4472 is wearing now. The discovery of GIRLS diverted my attention away from trains for a few years but, I think I recall seeing her in BR Blue livery with the "monkey on the wheel" emblem, but its all so long ago now isn't it.
Where these things on the photo came from I do not know, but I may be able to find out. regards Bert. ------------------------- Bert & Edmunda [EMAIL PROTECTED]
