This post, 27 February 2018, features pictures of two current jigsaw puzzles displaying the artwork of Kevin Walsh. His paintings of Flying Scotsman, train and/or locomotive, have been used by jigsaw manufacturers on several previous occasions; some are described in previous posts on this blog (use the search bar).
The first picture shows a 500-piece puzzle from Gibsons titled Back on Track. It bears some resemblance to previous works by Kevin but the inclusion of a MG M-type Midget adds more transport interest. The LNER 'A1' class (later 'A3') 4-6-2 locomotive, No.4472 Flying Scotsman, is pictured at speed heading the train of the same name. The location is a level crossing with a man and boy (father and son?) watching intently from behind the closed gate. The bright red, Vintage MG sports car, c1930, competes favourably with the locomotive for interest in the picture, and a signal box completes the composition.
A Falcon de luxe jigsaw of 1000 pieces is up next, titled Flying Scotsman at Kings Cross. The locomotive is standing in the London Terminus heading carmine and cream BR coaches as the driver appears to be in conversation with a station official. Prominent in the picture is a family group, a trainspotter, several other passengers and luggage of various types. Milk churns add more interest. The dog, so common in railway art is replaced with the station cat. Kevin's artwork shows the locomotive with the number 60103, acquired after nationalisation (as British Railways) in 1948. Previous numbers were 502 followed by 103, both in 1946. The German-style smoke deflectors were added c1960. The blue headboard was used from c1950 - the two discs each bearing the emblem of Scotland (thistle), and England (rose).*
The sequence of numbers carried by Flying Scotsman over the years was as follows - 1472 (1923); 4472 (1924); 502 (Jan 1946); 103 (May 1946); 60103 (1948).
* From Dave Peel's brilliant book, Locomotive Headboards - The Complete Story.
