Of all the locomotive classes to have recently emerged from the restoration queue, I think my favourite is 'Scots Guardsman'. The 'Royal Scot' 4-6-0s, in rebuilt form and with the 'waisted' smoke deflectors fitted, are truly elegant machines. On familiar territory and with (for once) an appropriate headboard, this scene could almost pass for the BR steam era. The 'Scots' plied the Settle & Carlisle route from Leeds for some 30 years. After taking water at Hellifield, 'Guardsman' will begin the steady climb to Blea Moor and onward to Carlisle. Magic!
