Sir Archibald Sinclair Plate

RENAMING – 24th APRIL 2009

The Viscount John Thurso MP, grandson of Sir Archibald Sinclair, carried out the renaming of 34059 on Friday 24 April 2009. This took place in perfect conditions at Horsted Keynes station, Sussex.

No. 34059, Sir Archibald Sinclair then hauled a special Golden Arrow Pullman for invited guests.

Further coverage can be viewed on Derek Hayward's photo site.

Credit Scottish Piper   A Scottish piper heralding the arrival of
No. 34059, Sir Archibald Sinclair, from Sheffield Park, at Horsted Keynes hauling the Pullman set.
Credit 34059 Launch Party
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  Part of the renaming party on platform two at Horsted Keynes.
Left to right; Roger Cruse (Chairman of the Bluebell Railway Battle of Britain Locomotive Group), Roy Watts (Chairman of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society), Viscount John Thurso MP, Graham Flight (Chairman and Secretary of Bluebell Railway plc).
Credit Viscount John Thurso   Viscount Thurso making his speech.
Credit 34059 Nameplate Unveiling
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  Viscount Thurso unveiling the nameplate and crest, while being filmed by the BBC cameraman. On the left is Father Dr John Twisleton (Rector of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes and Chaplain to the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society) who then blessed the locomotive.
Credit 34059 Print Presentation
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  Richard Green presenting Viscount Thurso with print number 1/450 of his Limited Edition illustration of No. 34059, Sir Archibald Sinclair.

Copies of this print can be purchased via his web site (click here). £5 from each print sold will go to the Bluebell Railway Battle of Britain Locomotive Group
Credit 34059 Champagne Bottle   The champagne bottle being broken on the front buffer by Sally Cruse (assisted by Roy Watts) to launch No. 34059, Sir Archibald Sinclair into service.
Credit 34059 Print Presentation
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  Graham Flight, Sally Cruse, Viscount Thurso, Viscountess Thurso, Councilor Ginnie Waddingham (Mayor of East Grinstead) and Roger Cruse pose for photographs.
Credit 34059 Print Presentation
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  After the ceremony the invited guests boarded the Pullmans for lunch. No.34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair climbing Freshfield Bank.
Credit 34059 Print Presentation
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  The Pullman Special heading towards Kingscote after leaving Horsted Keynes.
Credit 34059 Print Presentation
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  Waiting to depart north from Sheffield Park.
Credit 34059 Print Presentation
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  No. 34059, Sir Archibald Sinclair running round at Kingscote in preparation for the final run of the day back towards Horsted Keynes.