HE may be the owner of one of Britain's smallest railway museums, but that doesn't stop John Rathmell having a pop at Europe's finest.

After talk in the Diary of a Flying Scotsman "curse" John got in touch to express his fears for the future of the loco. The National Railway Museum has a tradition of putting the brakes on exhibits, he says.

One-time record-breaker the Mallard goes nowhere. And he claimed the museum does not have a mainline operational certificate for any other steam engine apart from the Scotsman. A certificate is needed before a train can hit the public tracks.

John, who presides over the private Clerestory Railway Museum in Melton Avenue, Rawcliffe, York, says: "People who want to see the Scotsman in steam feel it will be mothballed eventually, the same as other exhibits".

This concern was heightened by Yorkshire Forward's contribution of £500,000 to provide a backdrop for the static engine.

There has also been discussion in the railway press that the Scotsman could be put in for its seven-yearly boiler exam at the end of the summer, says John, which could take it off the tracks for two years.

NRM spokeswoman Keira Meheux moved to calm Mr Rathmell's fears.

She tells the Diary that the Scotsman has been working well for the last two weeks after its initial problems. So the plan is to wait until 2006 for its major overhaul. How long that would take it out of action depended on what repairs are needed.

Keeping old locomotives in working condition was expensive, says Keira. Nevertheless, two of the NRM's locos have current mainline operational certificates, the Green Arrow and the City Of Truro. Although these are now on loan elsewhere, the museum has borrowed an engine known as Black Five from a private collection which has a valid certificate.

Steamy stuff.

DO North Yorkshire top cop Della Cannings and Robocop-turned-Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon not see eye to eye?

Despite their shared love of straight talking, there is no love lost between them, according to a source close to the police.

"If you want to really annoy Della Cannings, just say to her 'Ray Mallon sends his regards'," says the source.

"And then run."

IT was the Diary's man in the field Dale Minks who nominated the Bonding Warehouse as York's worst eyesore. Acting on that tip off, the York peace corps moved in. So that makes our Dale an honorary squatter. Congratulations Minnie!

What with pigeon poo everywhere and the place in general disarray, occupying the warehouse is a tough job.

But with a few parties planned, the Bo Ding Bunch aim to make their stay enjoyable, while highlighting the neglect of another historic building.

ALARMING news from The Groves' woman of letters, Margaret Lawson.

"Annwyl Chris," her postcard begins. "Several months ago, in line with Government policy, we started filling in forms for a Post Office card account which would enable John (now known as Anuerin) to continue collecting my pension for me locally in the usual fuss-free way.

"Many forms, some repeats, and letters later, we have received three letters in Welsh and now have our cards, also in Welsh.

"Are they trying to broaden our horizons, or do they think we don't understand plain English in North Yorkshire?

"Yr eiddoch yn gywir, Gwen. Formerly Margaret L."

Is this our punishment for not giving two hoots for a Yorkshire Assembly - being taken over by Wales? Anything but that...

Chris Titley

Updated: 09:19 Monday, August 16, 2004