The first picture shows the Ravensburger 500-piece jigsaw titled Highland Heroes, which is titled K4s and Ben Nevis in his 1993 original painting. The two Gresley 'K4' class 2-6-2 locomotives, No.3442 The Great Marquess and No.3443 Cameron of Lochiel are shown about to pass at Corpach Station. The picturesque, snow-capped Ben Nevis dominates the backdrop. A superb painting has been transformed into an equally superb jigsaw puzzle.
Both the locomotive and named train, Flying Scotsman, are shown in picture number two, also the title of the 500-piece jigsaw puzzle from Ravensburger. No 4472, (one of several numbers gained in her career) is perhaps the most famous locomotive in Britain, being the first to officially achieve 100mph, in November 1934. Equally famously, No.4472 hauled the 'Flying Scotsman' train in 1928 between Edinburgh and Kings Cross, a 392 miles journey, without a stop; this was the longest non-stop run for a scheduled service, at the time. In John's picture the locomotive is shown in close up sporting her apple green LNER livery and the famous headboard. Her 'shed' (Kings Cross) and number (4472) are clearly identified on the buffer beam. A rake of Gresley 'teaks' (coaches) is shown behind the locomotive.John's book Smoke, Steam and Light is a must for anyone interested in steam railways. Superb paintings, interesting anecdotes and biographical details, interspersed with pencil drawings and sketches make it one of the best of its genre on the market. A fine book from a great artist.
