Maroon or Black Duchess?

Todays post (13th May 2010) features two photographs of the same steam locomotive. They were taken by two regular contributors, from almost the same spot. The dates were five years apart, however.

The first is from Eddie Bellas taken on 17th May 2005. Stanier 'Pacific' 6233, Duchess of Sutherland, in LMS maroon livery, is shown steaming, southbound, through Winwick Junction on a railtour. The locomotive is sporting the distinctive, tartan-inspired 'Royal Scot' headboard and the carriages are BR maroon stock.

The second photograph, for direct comparison, is of the same locomotive painted in temporary, lined black livery before a major overhaul next year. The 'love it or hate it' wartime livery was applied at Butterley and the locomotive was presented to an admiring public on 6th March 2010. In John Smith's pic, also taken at Winwick Junction, the locomotive is heading 'The Citadel Express' railtour, comprising a mixed rake of passenger coaches, on 8th May 2010. The route was Crewe - Shap - Carlisle and return. For the record I think the locomotive looks fantastic in black - comments below please.