London & North Eastern Railway 4-6-2 No. 60103 (4472) 'Flying Scotsman'
York, Yorkshire, UK 		Location: National Railway Museum
Status: Operational
Posted: Feb 7, 2025 @ 06:02:26 by Russell Newman
The National Railway Museum has announced some more details of what the worlds most famous locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", will get up to during 2025. Flying Scotsman’s custodian, Northern Steam Operations Limited, has brought in DB Cargo UK to operate the locomotive on the mainline, but the National Railway Museum has said that 2025 will be more focussed on heritage railway visits for the famous locomotive. With "Flying Scotsman" visiting the Nene Valley Railway in late February to early March with plans for a mix of static display and passenger rides available during her visit. Afterwords No. 60103 will then return to York for Easter, where it will be on display at the National Railway Museum between the 5th and 20th April 2025. Then in May, "Flying Scotsman" will visit Didcot Railway Centre between the 12th May and 2nd June 2025, with rides available and the locomotive will be reunited with her famous rival the famous ex GWR Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 4079 "Pendennis Castle", for the first time since their last meeting out in Australia in 1989. Then during the summer "Flying Scotsman" will then head to Locomotion in Shildon for the summer season up to the 25th August 2025. More trips are in the planning stages, but it is expected that "Flying Scotsman" will be more targeted at preserved heritage railways around the UK to allow access to a bigger audience.
Posted: Jan 12, 2025 @ 06:01:50 by Russell Newman
Now under the custodianship of Northern Steam Operations Limited for the National Railway Museum, the worlds most famous steam locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", will be visiting the Nene Valley Railway from the 22nd of February to the 9th of March 2025, as part of the Railway 200 celebrations. During her visit "Flying Scotsman" will be operating passenger services from 22nd February to 9th March, where the locomotive will be in public service for six running days and they are also planning some special static days to get up close and personal to "Flying Scotsman" with cab visits. The locomotive will also be used on the Nene Valley Railway’s popular Jolly Fisherman Fish and Chips trains as well and will also take part in a photo charter, where "Flying Scotsman" will be hauling a freight train, which this is believed to be the first time the locomotive has hauled freight since a previous charter at the Nene Valley back in 1994, so this is not to be missed!
Posted: Dec 19, 2024 @ 10:12:03 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", is set to return to the mainline and heritage railway circuit from February 2025,as the National Railway Museum have reached an agreement with Northern Steam Operations Limited, the locomotive’s custodian, to contract operating and promoting teams.
Posted: Nov 19, 2024 @ 13:11:28 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", will be on display at Locomotion at Shildon in Durham over the Christmas season and into the New Year. There is still no news on what is planned for the locomotive in 2025 as its custodianship with Northern Steam Engineering Limited for the National Railway Museum has not been signed yet.
Posted: Oct 11, 2024 @ 12:10:36 by Russell Newman
There is a possibility that the worlds most famous locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", could be based at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway under its new planned custodianship with Northern Steam Engineering Limited for the National Railway Museum, as its one of serveral rail connected sites being looked at for the legendry locomotive.
Posted: Jul 10, 2024 @ 06:07:07 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", is moving up to Locomotion Museum at Shildon in Durham for a four week visit during the summer season from the 20th of July until the 18th of August 2024. During that time "Flying Scotsman" will be used on steam runs giving brake van rides there along with tours of the support coach and is also set for static display days where the public can climb aboard its cab.
Posted: Jun 4, 2024 @ 06:06:47 by Russell Newman
It has been announced that ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", the worlds most famous steam locomotive, is to go under the custodianship of Northern Steam Engineering Limited for the National Railway Museum. Who will now maintain and operate as well to ensure that "Flying Scotsman" can continue to operate on both the mainline and at heritage railways all around the UK.
Posted: Mar 7, 2024 @ 11:03:35 by Russell Newman
The National Railway Museum has opened up a tender to find the next custodian of world famous locomotive ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman", following its previous custionianship with Riley & Son Engineering Ltd. and now a new arrangement is being looked into which will be valid until the 31st January 2032. It is expected that the contract will start on the 3rd June 2024 and does include the provision for the locomotive to be converted back to a single chimney locomotive and a livery change to the iconic LNER Apple Green livery as No. 4472 if requested. However, the NRM says that the locomotive will remain the same livery BR Green as No. 60103 and current BR configuration for the time being. The NRM has also included a limit on the annual mileage the locomotive can do in order to balance operational requirements and conservation. As the National Railway Museum is seeking a single supplier to act as custodian for "Flying Scotsman" and to work closely with us to ensure that the 100-year-old locomotive receives the best care possible to preserve it for future generations. They also want to give people across the UK the chance to see the locomotive in person and will create a public engagement calendar that includes main line excursions, heritage railway visits and display at the National Railway Museum and Locomotion.
Posted: Jan 20, 2024 @ 09:01:31 by Russell Newman
"Flying Scotsman" is now located back home at the the National Railway Museum in York in Yorkshire.
Posted: Jan 18, 2024 @ 10:01:14 by Russell Newman
With her time under custodianship with Riley & Son Engineering Ltd. now ended, the worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" has returned home to the National Railway Museum in York in Yorkshire. The NRM have annouced what plans for "Flying Scotsman" in 2024 will be, as she will be on display at the National Railway Museum in York, for the early part of the year until the summer, after which, she will return to Shildon to go on public display at Locomotion. Meanwhile a tender to appoint the next custodians for "Flying Scotsman" to allow the locomotive to operate on the mainline will be launched, and will be awarded in late Spring 2024. The intention is that "Flying Scotsman" will remain mainline operational and will continue to operate on both the mainline and visit heritage railways around the UK from Autumn 2024, while the National Railway Museum begins the search for its next custodian for the famous locomotive.
Posted: Dec 9, 2023 @ 10:12:16 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" is back relocated at her home at the National Railway Museum in York in Yorkshire, as her time under custodianship with Riley & Son Engineering Ltd. is coming to an end soon at the end of the year. Its currently unknown what will happen to "Flying Scotsman" from 2024 as the National Railway Museum are looking at options for the locomotive as they are still commited to see her still operated out on both the mainline and heritage railway circuit still, following her succussful centenary year.
Posted: Mar 18, 2023 @ 15:03:18 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" has made more history when on March the 8th 2023 as part of International Womens Day the locomotive was crewed by the first ever all-female team at the East Lancashire Railway adding another chapter to the history of the worlds most famous steam locomotive. Also "Flying Scotsman" will be visiting the Strathspey Railway for the very first time to launch their first Steam Gala from the 15th to 17th of September 2023, after that the locomotive will operate at the Strathspey Railway for two further weekends on the 23rd and 24th and the 30th of September to the 1st of October 2023.
Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:54 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 1

This is the history and celebration of the most famous steam locomotive in the world, one that has broken many world records and covered many thousands of miles and travelled around the world and has become a legend and such an icon over the years and in 2023 celebrates her 100th birthday, No. 60103 or better known as LNER No. 4472 “Flying Scotsman”.

Built at Doncaster works in February 1923 she was the third of Sir Nigel Gresley’s then A1 Class Pacific 4-6-2 built out of 51 but the first to be built for the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway which was formed as part of the formation of the Big Four Railway Companies in 1923. She entered service as No. 1427 with no name, but it wasn't until 1924 that her fame really took off when the LNER was invited to display their latest Pacific locomotive at the 1924 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in London. For this No. 1472 was renumbered to her famous number 4472 and was named “Flying Scotsman” after the LNERs flagship train that ran from London's Kings Cross Station to Edinburgh's Waverley Station in Scotland. “Scotsman” made a return to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley again in 1925 where she was placed on display next to the Great Western Railways Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 4079 “Pendennis Castle” which would be a rival to “Flying Scotsman” as No. 4079 came out on top during a trial run on the LNER in 1924 which led Gresley to modify his A1 Pacifics with new design to the valve gear and an improved steam circuit to the cylinders.

In 1928, fitted with a new corridor tender to change footplate crews on the move, No. 4472 “Flying Scotsman” hauled the first non-stop run from Kings Cross to Edinburgh covering the 392 miles in 8 hours and 3 mins which put “Flying Scotsman” on the path to becoming the world’s most famous steam locomotive.

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:04 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 2

In 1929 No. 4472 became a film star when she starred in the first British made feature film with sound titled “The Flying Scotsman”, it was made partly silent and partly with sound and starred Pauline Johnson and Ray Milland along with Moore Marriott and Alec Hurley. The film was an action thriller that was filmed mostly on the Hartford loop line and parts of the East Coast Mainline between Kings Cross and Edinburgh. But it was not the sort of publicity that the LNER wanted for its star locomotive as the film featured stunts that practically broke every health and safety rule in the book. The locomotives designer, Nigel Gresley, was not amused at all with the film and insisted that the film should have titled stating “Dramatic license has been taken for film purposes and does not represent the actual safety equipment used by the LNER”. The film ended with a happy ending and “Flying Scotsman” continued in service into the early 1930s.

In 1934 No. 4472 was in the headlines again when it worked a test train from Kings Cross to Leeds and back as part of a trial for a faster service. During this test run with a dynamometer car in the train No. 4472 reached the speed of 100mph, it was the first time a steam locomotive had been officially recorded at the magic ton.

During the 1940s the A1 Class Pacifics like “Flying Scotsman” were all rebuilt as A3s with a new boiler working at the pressure of 220psi and was later converted from right hand driven to left hand drive. During the Second World War “Flying Scotsman” had been repainted into wartime black livery and was given a new number as part of a new numbering system by the LNER. She was first numbered to No. 502 but was soon changed after a few months to No. 103. When the railways were nationalised into the newly formed British Railways from 1948 “Flying Scotsman” was renumbered to 60103 and like her sister A3s had further modifications added in the 1950s as she was fitted with a double chimney with a Kylchap blast pipe to help with better performance on poor coal and German style smoke deflectors to help with the problem of drifting smoke.

By the 1960s steam's time on the railways of the UK was coming to an end as it was out with steam and in with Diesel and Electric traction and the famous East Coast Mainline was to see the next generation of motive power in the form of the Class 55 Deltics which were taking over duties from Gresley's Pacifics. “Flying Scotsman” was to be withdrawn from service in January 1963 and sent for scrap. A group called Save our Scotsman tried was formed to try to save “Scotsman”, but they couldn't reach the asking price British Railways wanted for the locomotive. A Doncaster businessman by the name of Alan Pegler who was a former RAF Pilot and well-known railway fanatic bought “Flying Scotsman” from British Railways at the cost of £3000

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:41 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 3

After hauling her final train with British Railways and now under the ownership of Alan Pegler, “Flying Scotsman” went back to Doncaster works where she was overhauled and put back to near LNER condition with the single chimney refitted and repainted back to the famous LNER Apple Green livery with her famous running number No. 4472. He also had a contract to allow running of the locomotive on British Railways. From that point on “Flying Scotsman” toured the length and breadth of the UK working many mainline railtours for railway clubs and societies and members of the public through the 1960s. As steam locomotive servicing facilities were disappearing through the 1960s, to help with the problems of water supplies, in 1966 Alan Pegler bought a second LNER corridor tender for “Flying Scotsman” converted to carry water only to help with long distance running. The new tender was also painted in LNER Apple Green livery but with the running number 4472 painted on the sides which was moved from the cab sides to enable the LNER Coat of Arms plaques refitted to the cab sides just as fitted when new in 1923. The second tender was to play a big part when in May 1968 to mark the 40th anniversary of the first nonstop run from London to Edinburgh “Flying Scotsman” repeated it 40 years on running nonstop from London to Edinburgh and back successfully, it was a national event and was even broadcast in a special television documentary by the BBC.

On August the 11th 1968 the very last steam train ran on British Railways (or British Rail as it was now known) and the age of steam on the UK's railway network was over, but Alan Pegler's contract to run “Flying Scotsman” on the mainline became unique as No. 4472 was the only steam locomotive still allowed to continue running on the national network into late 1968 and early 1969. But British Rail wanted all steam locomotives off their tracks including “Flying Scotsman”, but 1969 would be the year that No. 4472 would become a world traveller. Alan Pegler announced he was going to take “Flying Scotsman” on a visit to the United States of America and Canada and tour the two countries, with support from the British government led by Harold Wilson to promote British made goods in the USA and Canada on a special exhibition train of British carriages hauled by “Flying Scotsman”. For her American adventure “Flying Scotsman” was sent to the Hunslet Engine Company works in Leeds for a full boiler overhaul and to make sure that she was in tip top condition, she also had to undergo several changes in order to meet health and safety standards to run on the American Railroads, as she had to be fitted with a cowcatcher along with a buckeye coupler in order to hook on to American locomotives and rolling stock, she was also fitted with a US-style bell which was a safety standard in both the USA and Canada and a loud hooter whistle, which was later changed to a chime whistle, was fitted to replace her standard LNER whistle, she even had an electric headlamp mounted on top of her smokebox door. After final painting which was done in her birth town of Doncaster and test runs and one last railtour in the UK, “Flying Scotsman” and her special exhibition train left Twickenham where the train was prepared to Liverpool Docks to be loaded aboard cargo ships to take them across the North Atlantic to Boston in the state of Massachusetts where both the locomotive and the train were prepared for the tour round the United States of America and Canada.

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:56 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 4

The first leg of “Scotsman”s tour round the United States America started in October 1969, starting from Boston “Scotsman” travelled to Hartford, Connecticut and on to New York and Washington DC and then toured through the eastern states of the USA to Atlanta, Georgia and then onto Anniston in Alabama where “Scotsman” met up with two of North America's preserved steam locomotives. One them was the former Southern Railroad MS Class 2-8-2 No. 4501 which is the United States of America's most famous steam locomotive. The first leg of the tour was a big success for Alan Pegler and the exhibitors as thousands of people turned out to see the locomotive, the first leg of the tour finished in Texas in November 1969 and “Flying Scotsman” and her train were put away for the winter in a roundhouse at Slaton in Texas. But sadly, from this point on everything fell apart, despite of a good start to it all, the “Scotsman” USA Tour came off the rails. Under American law then the train was not allowed to carry any fare paying passengers as it was only licensed to run on the American Railroads as an exhibition train. In 1970 Alan Pegler tried to get funding to run another tour around the USA but the British Board of Trade pulled out, so Alan Pegler had to fund it himself which was to really bite him financially. This second leg of the tour took “Flying Scotsman” up the central spine of the USA to Chicago and then onto Green Bay in Wisconsin for a visit to the National Railroad Museum there, then she crossed the border into eastern Canada where she visited Montreal, Kingston and Niagara Falls before being put away for the winter in a roundhouse in Toronto. This second tour was not a success as it didn't attract enough visitors to the train and money was running short along with a lot of problems. In 1971 in an attempt to boost the exhibition train “Flying Scotsman” headed to the west coast of the United States of America, travelling from Toronto, Canada via Buffalo, New York, to San Francisco to be on display on the famous Fisherman's Wharf during British Week then. But sadly, it all didn’t work out and in 1972 the money ran out and the creditors were moving in, there was nothing Alan Peglar could do but get “Flying Scotsman” into safe storage from the creditors at a US Army base at Sharpe near Sacramento in California while he faced financial ruin and bankruptcy as his time owning the locomotive, he had saved from the scrapmen had sadly ended.

With Alan Pegler out of the picture “Flying Scotsman” was now abandoned at the American Army base at Sharpe in California following the rise and fall of its ill-fated tour of the United States of America and Canada from 1969 to 1972, and with creditors from the American Railroad Companies that played host to her banging on the gates demanding their money there was worrying fears that the most famous steam locomotive in the world would never return home to the UK. But a new saviour stepped in, Sir William McAlpine, head of the well-known McAlpine Construction Company paid off some of the creditors paving the way for “Flying Scotsman” to be repatriated back home to the UK. In January 1973 “Flying Scotsman” was moved to the shipping port at Oakland near San Francisco where she was loaded aboard the cargo ship “California Star” for her trip back home to the UK

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:54 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 5

The journey home was very memorable travelling via the Panama Canal which “Flying Scotsman” was the first steam locomotive to sail through it, arriving back home in the UK February. She was unloaded at Liverpool Docks and then she travelled under her own steam all the way to Derby where she was de-Americanised and received a full overhaul and she was back in steam again with fresh paint of her famous LNER Apple Green livery again. She was run in at the Dartmouth Steam Railway in Devon before she took to the rails again and from 1974, she was based at the then Steamtown Centre at Carnforth in Lancashire, working many mainline railtours and appearing at big special railway events across the whole of the UK along with many other preserved steam locomotives during the 1970s and 1980s. She even appeared in several television adverts and feature films then too. In 1977 an Australian organisation were interested in buying “Scotsman” off Sir William McAlpine but thankfully it was a relief when he sold them his other locomotive and rival to “Scotsman” the Great Western Railway Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 4079 “Pendennis Castle”.

But “Flying Scotsman”s travels were to continue with another overseas adventure this time to the other side of the world

In 1988 Australia was celebrating its bicentenary and they were big celebrations across the country to mark it, and there was one big celebration aimed at railways and the steam locomotive to mark their part in the making of Australia that we know today. The event was called "Aus Steam 88" and it was held in Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Now Australia's first steam locomotives came from the UK, and it was only fitting that a well-known locomotive from the UK should be sent over from that part of the world to take part in the celebrations. Now originally the Australians wanted the famous streamlined LNER A4 Pacific No. 4468 “Mallard” holder of the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126mph to be shipped over to them, but she was not available as “Mallard” was celebrating her 50th anniversary of her world speed record then in the UK, but it was suggested that they should approach Sir William McAlpine and ask him if they could have “Flying Scotsman” instead. Sir William McAlpine agreed to the visit of “Flying Scotsman” to Australia for two-years from 1988 to 1989, but he had several conditions, given what had happen to “Flying Scotsman” when she visited the both the USA and Canada, he made it clear to the organisers and Australian government officials that he wanted the locomotive back in the UK when the celebrations were over so for this the organisers and the Australian government raised the funds for cover insurance in place for the locomotive. For her visit to Australia “Flying Scotsman” was overhauled at her then base at Southall depot in West London to make sure that she was in tip top condition, but unlike her visit to the USA and Canada “Scotsman” didn’t need to undergo any changes apart from the fitment of airbrakes and two electric marker lights on her buffer beam and the addition of a six-note chime whistle alongside her standard LNER whistle. After test runs and some final painting in September 1988 No. 4472 was moved to Tilbury Docks in Essex where she was loaded aboard the P&O Container Ship “New Zealand Pacific” for her trip to Australia which would take five weeks, but her sea crossing to Australia and return made “Scotsman” the first steam locomotive to circumnavigate the globe. After five weeks at sea “Flying Scotsman” arrived safely in Australia for what would be the greatest chapter in its history. Originally she was going to be unloaded in Melbourne but there was no suitable heavy duty crane available to unload her there so instead “Scotsman” was unloaded in Sydney, New South Wales by a massive heavy duty floating crane that placed her on Australian tracks, after an inspection and further testing she was ready to explore the Australian rail network.

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:11 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 6

When she touched down on Australian soil “Scotsman” really wowed the people of Australia, although Australia has its own steam locomotives and a very proud railway heritage “Scotsman” was from a different era and a different part of the world to them and at "Aus Steam 88" thousands and thousands of people came to see and ride on her sell out railtours all around the major states in Australia, she even worked alongside other preserved steam locomotives in Australia including their most famous steam locomotive the former New South Wales Government Railways C38 Class streamlined pacific No. 3801, which “Scotsman” worked double headed with 3801 on a number of trips they did together. But at the time of her visit to Australia “Flying Scotsman” was 65 years old and was still capable of doing some amazing feats and while she was in Australia she broke another world record, one that still stands to this very day. On the 8th of August 1989 while on a historic journey from Melbourne, Victoria to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory “Scotsman” was to enter both the history books and the record books. On a section of the journey and along a good long stretch of track between Parks and Broken Hill in New South Wales “Scotsman” travelled a staggering 422 miles and 7.59 chains in 9 hours and 25mins hauling 535 tons gross, it was the longest non-stop run ever done by a steam locomotive, seven British and Australian drivers took it in turns to drive the locomotive on this historic record breaking run and extra water was carried in long tanker wagons known as 'gins' coupled behind the locomotive.

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:07 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story part 7

When “Scotsman” arrived in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory the whole town came out to see her as she had become the first standard gauge steam locomotive to arrive in the Northern Territory of Australia was one of the big highlights to the visit of Australia then. But at the time of her visit “Flying Scotsman” was not the only British mainline steam locomotive in Australia at the time, as a finale to her visit “Flying Scotsman” was reunited with her former rival, the Great Western Railway Castle Class locomotive No. 4079 “Pendennis Castle” in Western Australia for a series of special double headed and single headed railtours together round Perth and the Darling ranges and Goldfields of Western Australia. It was an awesome site seeing two British steam locomotives working together way outside of the UK. Today, No. 4079 “Pendennis Castle” is now back home in the UK having been repatriated from Australia in 2000 and is now under the care of the Great Western Society at Didcot, but at the time the locomotive was a resident in the wilds of Northwest Australia working tourist trains on the Hammersley Iron Railway system. The visit of “Flying Scotsman” to Australia from 1988 to 1989 was a massive success, having covered 28,000 miles with no serious mechanical problems what so ever and had increased her title as the world's most famous steam locomotive, but all things had to come to an end as in November 1989 No. 4472 “Flying Scotsman” bid farewell to Australia as she was loaded aboard the French container ship “La Perouse” at Sydney to head back home to the UK arriving back safely in time for Christmas that year.

Following her return from Australia, “Flying Scotsman”s fame really grew during the 1990s as thousands of people turned out to see and ride behind her as she continued her touring antics around the UK working many mainline railtours and was even visiting many more preserved heritage railways too which she was bringing good income to them on her travels. In 1993 came a big change of appearance in the locomotive when “Flying Scotsman” re-emerged from FKI Babcock Robey Ltd. Works in Oldbury in the West Midlands following an overhaul and general repair, she had been turned out for the first time since 1963 in her British Railways guise as she had been repainted into BR Brunswick Green livery with her BR running number No. 60103 and she had been refitted with a double chimney that had been found in someone's back garden being used as a flower pot and a new double Kylchap blastpipe fitted along with German style smoke deflectors. (Which this is what we all know “Scotsman” in now in the 21st Century since then). It was also round this time that “Flying Scotsman” had gained a co-owner in the form of music pop producer and well-known railway fanatic Pete Waterman who purchased a share in the locomotive and set up a partnership with Sir William McAlpine then which lasted from 1993 to 1995. But steam locomotives, although they are beautiful machines are very heavy, labour intensive to work on as they need maintenance and repairs carried out and they need to undergo heavy overhauls every seven to ten years and in 1995 “Flying Scotsman” needed a heavy overhaul. In April 1995 while she was on a visit to the Llangollen Railway in North, Wales, “Flying Scotsman” suffered a serious boiler failure as a large crack had appeared on the backhead of the firebox and it was then that Sir William McAlpine had to make a decision whether to overhaul her again or let someone take over. Sir William McAlpine had owned “Flying Scotsman” for 23 years and it was worthwhile and he enjoyed every minute of it but by this point he felt it was now the right time to let go and move on and let someone else take over ownership of the world’s most famous steam locomotive.

Posted: Feb 26, 2023 @ 16:02:45 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 8

In 1996 Sir William McAlpine sold the locomotive to businessman and steam enthusiast Dr Tony Marchington at the cost of £1,250,000. He then spent one and a half million pounds completely overhauling the locomotive which was completed in the summer of 1999. This overhaul then saw “Flying Scotsman” have modifications she didn't really need which would later result to serious worrying problems, her boiler pressure was increased from 220psi to 230psi and had streamlined steam passages and her cylinder bores were enlarged and she didn't look historically accurate as she was turned out in her famous LNER Apple Green livery with the number 4472 but with her BR style double chimney with Kylchap blastpipe in place from her time running on preserved railways in the mid-1990s. German style smoke deflectors would later be refitted and to railway enthusiasts she didn't look historically correct. But despite this she made a welcome return to the mainline again from the summer of 1999, but “Scotsman” spent much of the early part of the new millennium working mostly in the South of the UK hauling luxury Pullman trains out of London, Victoria round the Southern counties. There were even plans for a Flying Scotsman village to be built and opened next to Edinburghs Waverley Station which would have been a home for the locomotive, but sadly those plans were never to happen as, like Alan Pegler, Tony Marchington ran into financial problems and had to give up ownership of “Flying Scotsman” in 2003 while he too sadly faced financial ruin and bankruptcy himself.

In 2004 “Flying Scotsman” was put up for sale again this time at auction and there were fears that the world's most famous steam locomotive would be sold to an overseas buyer, and she would leave the UK for good. Also putting in a bid was the National Railway Museum in York which had started a 'Save our Scotsman' campaign which saw massive donations from members of the public along with a grant from the heritage National Lottery and a generous donation from Sir Richard Branson. Through this the National Railway Museum had raised £2.2 million, twice as much than any of “Scotsman”s classmates. The bids went in, and the National Railway Museum won as “Flying Scotsman” had been saved for the nation she was once again the people's engine and a bright future now lay ahead for the legendary green locomotive

Posted: Feb 21, 2023 @ 13:02:25 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman story Part 9

In May 2004 No. 4472 “Flying Scotsman” arrived at her new home at the National Railway Museum in York during their Railfest 200 celebrations, she was now part of the National Collection and to mark this the National Railway Museum organised a series of Ride the Legend railtours from York to the seaside town of Scarborough and back with “Flying Scotsman”. But underneath things weren’t good as “Flying Scotsman” was not in great shape as she kept having several failures out on the mainline and the National Railway Museum’s engineers were finding a worrying list of problems as that one and a half million overhaul along with the modifications done at Southall in West London had not fared well. At the end of 2005 “Flying Scotsman” was withdrawn from service to undergo what would be the longest and most expensive and complex heavy overhaul she had ever undergone in her life and one that would be a nightmare for the National Railway Museum as the problems kept coming. They found that the front section of the locomotive’s mainframes were damaged and had to be cut off and a new section welded on and all the frame stretchers that supported the mainframes were badly cracked and all needed to be replaced. She also had the wrong boiler on which was off an LNER A4 which was sold off but thankfully “Scotsman” had a spare but more appropriate A3 boiler, but it needed a lot of work doing to it. The overhaul got a bad press and there were several setbacks as well and in 2009 “Flying Scotsman” was placed into the care of Riley and Sons Engineering Ltd. and was moved to the East Lancashire Railway for her overhaul to be completed. “Flying Scotsman” had been off the tracks for 10 years, the longest she had been out of use in her life. But the wait was worth it as after 10 years of setbacks, blood, sweat and tears the sole surviving ex LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) “Flying Scotsman” came back into steam again in 2016. As she was run in at the East Lancashire Railway during the winter of 2016 in Wartime Black livery with the numbers 502 and 103 on each of the cab sides. But after testing and running in was finally complete she was turned on her final livery that was more suited for her from her last years of service with British Railways in the 1960s, BR Brunswick Green Livery with the number 60103 again.

When she made her inaugural run along part of her former stomping ground the famous East Coast Mainline from London’s Kings Cross to York in February 2016 thousands and thousands of people turned out at every station and along the lineside to welcome her back in style.

Today, No. 60103 or No. 4472 “Flying Scotsman” still draws out the crowds wherever she goes as continues her touring antics around the UK hauling trains out on both the mainline and heritage railway circuit. This is a locomotive that has now a very long history and is still adding to that history, she has also appeared in the world of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends both in the railway series books and the popular Thomas and Friends television series. Over the years “Flying Scotsman” has seen many highs and lows and it’s a credit to her designer Sir Nigel Gresley who designed and built such a powerful and beautiful steam locomotive that would go on to break many world records and cover many thousands of miles and travel around the world and would become such an icon for steam locomotives. We owe a great deal of thanks to Alan Pegler, Sir William McAlpine, Pete Waterman, and Dr Tony Marchington for saving and being guardians to the most famous steam locomotive in the world that is still being admired by generation of people over the coming years.

On the 24th of February 2023 LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 or No. 4472 “Flying Scotsman” celebrates her 100th birthday and would have reached another world record as the longest lasting express steam passenger locomotive in the world. So, here's to the next 100 years of the world’s most famous steam locomotive and long may she do so steam ahead in the years ahead.

Posted: Nov 22, 2022 @ 06:11:53 by Russell Newman
On February 24th 2023 will mark 100 years since worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" entered service with the LNER and becoming a legend around the world. To mark 100 years of "Flying Scotsman" in 2023 a number of celebrations will take place at both the National Railway Museum at York and at Locomotion at Shildon from February until the end of 2023 as the locomotive will be at both Museums then. "Flying Scotsman" will also be touring around the UK during the year working many mainline railtours for the Railway Touring Company as well running at the East Lancashire Railway from the 1st to 25th of March 2023 and visits to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway from the 1st to 24th of May 2023, along with a visit to the Bluebell Railway during the summer from the 14th to 31st of August 2023. Details are on the National Railway Museum’s website.
Posted: Oct 8, 2022 @ 09:10:37 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" is now operational again as her overhaul is now complete and is now located at the East Lancashire Railway at Bury in Lancashire, where she has now entered service doing running trials double heading with BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80097 today.
Posted: Oct 3, 2022 @ 14:10:50 by Russell Newman
Prior to her visit to the Swanage Railway this month the worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" will make a special visit to London’s Kings Cross Station to mark the station’s 170th anniversary on the 15th and 16th of October 2022. "Flying Scotsman" will be on display in steam on platform 8 at Kings Cross for visitors to view the locomotive fresh from her overhaul first hand.
Posted: Sep 1, 2022 @ 13:09:20 by Russell Newman
Now in the final stages of her overhaul the worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 (No. 4472) "Flying Scotsman" is set to visit the Swanage Railway in Dorset again this Autumn for 19 days from the 19th of October to the 6th of November 2022. "Flying Scotsman" is located at the East Lancashire Railway at Bury in Lancashire where she is based for mainline running and visits to other preserved railways around the UK under the custodianship of Riley & Son Engineering Ltd. for the National Railway Museum. Riley & Son Engineering Ltd. have carried out the overhaul on the locomotive to be ready for her 100th birthday celebrations in 2023.
Posted: Jul 22, 2022 @ 14:07:03 by Russell Newman
The visit of ex LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" to the Bluebell Railway over August and early September 2022 has sadly been posponed due to the discovery of a a broken piston ring which had damaged the locomotive’s cylinder. Despite the best efforts of Riley & Son Engineering Ltd. who are custodians of the locomotive for the National Railway Museum and a team from the Bluebell Railway the the ring could not be replaced in time for her scheduled visit next month which this is in part due to global supply chain delays. So the visit of the worlds most famous steam locomotive to the Bluebell Railway will instead take place in 2023 during her 100th birthday celebrations.
Posted: Mar 10, 2022 @ 11:03:33 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" will be taken out of service in April 2022 for her overhaul to be carried out to have the locomotive ready to celebrate her 100th birthday in 2023. The overhaul will be carried out by Riley & Son Engineering Ltd which will be completed by the summer. After this "Flying Scotsman" will continue her touring andtics around the UK, starting with a visit to the Bluebell Railway from late August to early September 2022.
Posted: Nov 5, 2020 @ 09:11:06 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous steam locomotive LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" will be at the East Lancashire Railway again for a series of passenger trains there in 2021. "Flying Scotsman" will be visiting the line from the 2nd April until the 6th April 2021.
Posted: Sep 2, 2020 @ 14:09:47 by Russell Newman
No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" will visit the Mid-Norfolk Railway in October 2021 which was meant to visit this year but was put off due to Covid 19. This will be the first ever visit by the worlds most famous steam locomotive to the East Anglian heritage line then.
Posted: Aug 25, 2020 @ 13:08:19 by Russell Newman
LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" is having work being carried out at the East Lancashire Railway as she is having new tires fitted to her driving wheels and a piston and valve exam. When completed the worlds most famous steam locomotive should be ready for the festive season and the 2021 season on the mainline and heritage railway circuit.
Posted: Feb 7, 2020 @ 13:02:02 by Russell Newman
The world famous LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" will be making its very first visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for the first time this Autumn from September 29th to October 21st 2020 as part the 25th anniversary of the Mid-Norfolk Railway this year.
Posted: Dec 5, 2019 @ 14:12:35 by Russell Newman
No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" will visit the Mid-Hants Railway from the 29th of February to the 7th of March 2020. Which this will be the first time that the Worlds Most Famous Steam Locomotive has visited the Mid-Hants line.
Posted: Nov 30, 2019 @ 09:11:05 by Russell Newman
LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" is set to return to the East Lancashire Railway again for a series of visits in 2020. "Scotsman" will be operating their during the 8th to 10th of May and the 26th and 27th of September next year allowing members of the public and fans to ride with the most famous steam locomotive in the world.
Posted: Nov 8, 2019 @ 10:11:37 by Russell Newman
No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" the most famous steam locomotive in the world is heading to the East Lancashire Railway for the Winter as a base for some festive Railtours over the Settle and Carlisle Railway over Christmas and winter maintenance for the 2020 season.
Posted: Jul 28, 2019 @ 10:07:31 by Russell Newman
LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" the most famous steam locomotive in the world will also be part of the celebrated launch of the new Class 800s Azuma trains on the 30th of July 2019 with a special meeting at Darlington Station.
Posted: Jan 22, 2019 @ 09:01:22 by Russell Newman
Following its successful visit last year "Flying Scotsman" is to make another visit to the Nene Valley Railway again in the late summer and early autumn of 2019.
Posted: Jan 18, 2019 @ 05:01:47 by Russell Newman
The world famous "Flying Scotsman" is to visit the Swanage Railway in Dorset for the first time in 25 years after its last visit there. For a weeks stay hauling trains there from the 22nd to the 26th of March 2019.
Posted: Feb 6, 2018 @ 17:02:18 by Russell Newman
Just to add Scotsman will just be on display on the 10th and 11th March as there is no Gala my mistake sorry.
Posted: Feb 6, 2018 @ 10:02:30 by Russell Newman
It has been confirmed that the National Railway Museum has signed a six-year contract with engineering firm Riley & Son (E) Ltd to continue operating and maintaining the most famous steam locomotive in the world No. 60103 Flying Scotsman for the next six years. "Flying Scotsman" will be under the custodianship of Ian Riley until 2024. The locomotive has a busy year out on the mainline with railtours across the UK and will be on display at the East Lancashire Railway at there Spring Steam Gala on the weekend of 10/11 March and the Easter weekend as well. It will return to the East Lancashire Railway for some runs there in July and August/September. Also the Legendry A3 will visit the Nene Valley Railway later in the year.
Posted: Dec 14, 2017 @ 12:12:43 by Russell Newman
LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 "Flying Scotsman" is to remain under the custodianship of Riley & Son (E) Ltd, following a comprehensive tender process by the National Railway Museum. Riley & Sons now have the contract for operating and maintaining the most famous steam locomotive in the world and details on its operating schedule for 2018 will be announced in the New Year.
Posted: Mar 21, 2017 @ 13:03:15 by Russell Newman
The worlds most famous steam locomotive No. 60103 or 4472 "Flying Scotsman" is to make history on the East Coast Mainline on April the 23rd. When it will be part of four trains spanning four generations of ECML motive power running side-by-side, in the same direction, for the first time ever. "Scotsman" will run along side a Virgin Trains Class 43 HST 125, a Class 91, and the train operating companys newest train: an Hitachi Class 800, which is due to enter service next year. This will all take place between Tollerton Junction, six miles north of York, before heading towards the city in a staggered formation at 20-25mph. This will be a once in a life time event well worth seeing and photographing.
Posted: Mar 3, 2016 @ 16:03:10 by Steve Frost
Well, after ten years and £4.2 Million spent, the loco is back - and running again. Not without teething troubles, which is hardly surprising after the amount of work that has been done.

It has been turned out as near as possible to match its appearance in its final years on British Railways. Hence it carries the BR emblem, number and green express passenger livery. It also has the late modifications that made such a difference to these locos' performance - the double Kylchap exhaust and the Witte type smoke deflectors.

It has already made some revenue earning runs including a one way run from London to York with the eye watering fare of £450 (Its only £49 on an ordinary train)! Is it worth it? You decide, but the train was reported to be a sell out, if that tells you anything.

Posted: Jan 10, 2016 @ 06:01:44 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman is now back in service and is currently being run in at the East Lancashire Railway and will take to the mainline at the end of this month before going on tour around the UK.
Posted: Oct 28, 2015 @ 18:10:45 by Russell Newman
Work on Flying Scotsman should be completed round the end of the year and the locomotive will tested in early 2016.
Posted: Oct 6, 2015 @ 11:10:27 by Steve Frost
Well, the hope of it running in 2015 has faded, and, maybe we'll see it in 2016. Perhaps.
Posted: Feb 3, 2015 @ 17:02:00 by Russell Newman
Flying Scotsman will steam again later in the year and will be painted BR Green as 60103 again.
Posted: Nov 5, 2013 @ 15:11:33 by Steve Frost
The sad saga continues. The loco chassis is now back at Bury for assessment, the boiler, tender and a collection of mechanical parts remain in York.

Engineering reports on the loco suggest that the middle cylinder is mis-aligned and other work on the frame of the loco is required before there is any chance of reassembly and a return to the main line. A contract for the work will, probably be let once the assessment is complete.

Meanwhile the debate over the best thing to do about the loco will probably continue for some time yet.

Posted: Aug 23, 2012 @ 14:08:47 by Steve Frost
The 'Scotsman' is still in the workshop. All three valves are out, the safety valves aren't mounted and it looks like the Gresley conjugated valve gear for the middle cylinder is out, too. The main steam pipes were not connected either. No coupling or connecting rods connected and the bogie was out and being worked on with a big hammer.

Work was proceeding on pipework for the lubrication system, but when it will be finished is unknown. The saga continues!

Posted: Aug 9, 2011 @ 12:08:03 by Steve Frost
Despite having appeared at the National Railway Museum with the prolonged overhaul apparently completed, a return to Bury for running in produced yet more problems.

This time it's the horn blocks that have cracks in them which will mean dismantling once more to remove the wheel sets so that a solution can be found. More expense.

A letter into the 'Railway Magazine' suggests that the time may be coming when its future is as a static exhibit only. Let's hope not, but the curse of the Scotsman continues. A bottomless pit that absorbs money like little else.

Posted: Jul 6, 2011 @ 12:07:14 by Steve Frost
The loco is complete and is in war time livery of plain black with the number 103 on one side and 502 on the other. It is back at Bury for final sorting out before returning to York for display in August and a return to the main line in September 2011.
Posted: Jan 11, 2011 @ 14:01:43 by Steve Frost
Now back at York after going to Bury to have air brake equipment fitted to the frames. When the wheels return from Tyseley it should be re wheeled and, if all goes well it will be displayed in the Great Hall of the National Railway Museum, perhaps by May. A return to steam is hoped for by the summer of 2011.
Posted: Mar 6, 2006 @ 19:03:45 by Sam

It is said that the overhaul will take about 18 months.

Posted: Feb 23, 2006 @ 08:02:17 by Sam
Flying Scotsman is in another overhaul, but this one might take longer.
Posted: Nov 22, 2005 @ 16:11:54 by Steve Frost
The loco's German style smoke deflectors have been an issue. As they weren't fitted when the loco was in LNER ownership, being a late addition in BR days, they don't go with the apple green livery. The NRM removed them earlier in 2005 to see if they made a difference - and they do work it seems, so they've been re fitted - unauthentic with this paint or not!
Posted: Oct 11, 2004 @ 07:10:21 by Steve Frost
Now firmly based at the National Railway Museum in York. has hauled excursions to Scarborough in the summer of 2004, with some failures, when Class 47 diesels covered. Briefly appearing at the new 'Locomotion' exhibition at Shildon in September, then off for an overhaul. 
Posted: Jul 23, 2004 @ 14:07:28 by craig smith

The Flying Scotsman is one of the most famous locomotives in the world. In 1969 - 1971 the 4472 took a tour in the U.S.A. at Green Bay, Wi. The U.S. made a few changes on the engine. They gave it a American headlight , a bell, and knuckle-like couplers to make it look like an American engine. In 1987 - 1988 when it took a tour in Australia they didn't make any changes on the engine like Americans did. Now the Flying Scotsman flys along the track like it did when the 4472 gots its name

.

Posted: Apr 7, 2004 @ 13:04:08 by Steve Frost
The loco is now to become part of the National Railway Museum's collection after a successful bid to buy it from the current owners, who were in financial difficulties. Backed by public donations, Virgin Trains chief Richard Branson and Heritage Lottery funding, the loco's future now looks assured, after many patchy years.
Posted: Jun 2, 2003 @ 08:06:39 by Steve Frost
Is this the World's most famous locomotive? Feel free to argue, but this one's history has filled books. Gresley's A1 pacific design for the Great Northern Railway, was built in 1923 as No 1472, then renumbered 4472 by the LNER. It was cut down slightly to fit all regions of the LNER with tighter loading gauges. Later rebuilt as class A3, it achieved fame hauling the non stop train of the same name as the loco.

Its exploits didn't end there, it was preserved directly by Alan Pegler, and hauled many steam specials, before going on tour in the USA. Here, it bankrupted Alan, but was stored on a US Army base in California, before rescue and return to the UK. Subsequent foreign trips took it to Australia, before return to Southall depot in UK, where it was stripped for a rebuild, and was bought in this condition by Tony Marchington, who rebuilt it, at great expense, to main line standard, in its early 1960's form with 'German' smoke deflectors.

Presently, it is back to LNER green and No 4472 as illustrated. The first album photo was taken in the yard at York MPD, as you can see by the Class 40 diesel in the background, it was some time ago.