Considered the world’s most loved steam train, the Flying Scotsman, is celebrating its magnificent centenary after entering service on 24 February 1923. Take a trip back in time with us to learn about its early history and discover why this locomotive is so popular!
Early History
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A1 class, the Flying Scotsman was built at Doncaster Works and was the first locomotive of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Named after the daily 10am London to Edinburgh rail service that started in 1862, the train soon rose to become a household name, appearing at the British Empire Exhibition due to its powerful pulling abilities and innovative design.
The Flying Scotsman’s first refurbishment came in 1928, allowing it to haul its first ever non-stop service from Edinburgh to London, slashing the journey time to just eight hours! Later in 1934, the locomotive successfully travelled at 100mph, becoming widely known as the fastest train in the world.
Changes Through the Years
To comply with the blackout-blitz measures during WWII, the Flying Scotsman was repainted ‘wartime black’ in order to deceive enemies during aerial raids. After the war, the popular train was re-coloured back to its original apple-green shade until the nationalisation of British rail travel in 1948, where it was painted blue for a period.
By the 1960s, steam engines had begun to decrease in popularity due to new developments in locomotive technology. Consequently, after dutifully chugging away for approximately 2.08 million miles, the Flying Scotsman pulled its last scheduled run on 14 January 1963, marking the end of nearly 40 years of magnificent service.
Who is the Owner of the Flying Scotsman?
Due to its record-breaking history, the Flying Scotsman was still hugely popular even after retirement and, over the next few decades, would embark on tours of the USA and Australia under different owners. Retirement wouldn’t stop this iconic engine from breaking records, and in 1989 it took the record for the longest non-stop steam run, clocking in at 422 miles!
In 2004, the Flying Scotsman was purchased by the UK and taken to the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York where it was painstakingly restored and certified for modern use. Although the NRM estimated that its overhaul would take only one year to complete at a cost of £750,000, in reality it took ten years and cost £4.5 million!
In 2016, the Scotsman finally returned to the tracks and now splits its time between making personal appearances at York’s National Railway Museum and hauling passengers on special tours throughout the UK.
Our Tours
To celebrate its centenary year, the Flying Scotsman will be soaring up and down a range of railways this year, including the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Get ready to see this beautiful engine in all its glory and relive the golden age of steam on an exciting getaway this spring!
Be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event on our spectacular 2-day Flying Scotsman Centenary Yorkshire Steam Train break. Embark on a picturesque steam-hauled journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway behind the Flying Scotsman, taking in the impressive rugged views of the Yorkshire countryside as you sit back and relax. With hotel accommodation and return coach travel included, there’s never been a better time to discover the enduring appeal and impressive legacy of this storied steam engine.
Fancy a longer trip? We also have a 3-day Flying Scotsman Centenary Anniversary Celebration break, including 2-nights hotel accommodation and return coach travel plus a steam-hauled journey behind the Flying Scotsman on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Both breaks also give you the opportunity to upgrade your train ticket to either Premium Class, complete with complimentary cream tea, or Pulham Class, offering elegant carriages with traditional decor and a cream tea to enjoy in the most comfortable seats on the train.
Take a Trip to the Past with National Holidays
Undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of British Railway heritage, the world-famous Flying Scotsman has captured the imagination of generations and seeing it up close guarantees a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to see this beloved engine during its centenary year on a Flying Scotsman coach break, it’s the perfect ticket for fans of all ages!