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Flying Scotsman Retraces its Steps

£750.00
Flying Scotsman Steam Special - Historic Edinburgh at Leisure

Thursday 14th September 2023

York, Darlington

To mark the 100th anniversary of Flying Scotsman - the most famous steam locomotive of all time - we’re heading to Edinburgh for a journey of a lifetime on board the Northern Belle.
£805.00
Flying Scotsman Steam Special - Royal Yacht Britannia - Edinburgh

Thursday 14th September 2023

York, Darlington

Why not enhance your historic journey by visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia a wonderful royal way to spend the afternoon. Flying Scotsman, Northern Belle and the Royal Yacht all in one day. To mark the 100th anniversary of Flying Scotsman - the most famous steam locomotive of all time - we’re heading to Edinburgh for a fascinating excursion to the magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia.

The History

The Flying Scotsman

The Flying Scotsman is a famous steam locomotive built in 1923 by the LNER. It was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the "Flying Scotsman" service between London and Edinburgh.

It set a world speed record of 100 mph in 1924 and underwent several upgrades, including a double chimney and a streamlined casing. In 1963, it completed a non-stop run from London to Edinburgh. It was retired in 1963 and restored by businessman Alan Pegler for use as a tourist attraction.

The National Railway Museum in York acquired it in 1996 and underwent an extensive restoration project. The Flying Scotsman is now a popular tourist attraction used for special events and excursions.

Celebrating the Coronation

We're excited to share with you our new Coronation headboard, which is now proudly attached to our vintage locomotive Class 40 (D345). This new addition celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

Over the next few weeks the headboard will be attached to every Northern Belle journey including Saturday 6th May, (The Coronation) in which we're heading the Edinburgh for a journey of a lifetime.

The new black and gold headboard is a symbol of the Class 40's historical significance and the important role it played in Britain's railway heritage. It's a fitting tribute to the engine and the people who designed, built, and operated it.

Let's celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort together!

History of Flying Scotsman

Flying Scotsman was equipped with a unique feature known as the "continuous firing system." This allowed the locomotive to be refuelled while it was still in motion, without the need for it to stop.

The system worked by feeding coal to the firebox through a hopper mounted on a tender car that was coupled behind the locomotive. As the coal was consumed, more coal was automatically fed into the hopper from a coal storage bunker located at a coal depot along the route.

To ensure that the coal was delivered to the locomotive at the right rate, the hopper was fitted with a device known as a "stoking regulator." This device controlled the flow of coal by responding to changes in the locomotive's speed and the fire's heat output.

Around The World In 100 Years

Flying Scotsman has had a fascinating history that has taken it all around the world. In the 1920s and 1930s, the locomotive was used primarily on the London-to-Edinburgh route, as well as on other express passenger services throughout the United Kingdom.

However, in the years that followed, the locomotive was used for a variety of purposes and traveled to many different countries. In 1969, for example, the Flying Scotsman was purchased by a private American collector named Alan Pegler, who brought it to the United States and had it restored to its former glory.

Today, the Flying Scotsman is one of the most famous and beloved steam locomotives in the world, and it continues to attract crowds wherever it goes. The locomotive's rich history and stunning beauty make it a true icon of steam power, and a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the engineers who designed and built it.

FLYING SCOTSMAN

Gala Dinner 2019

The newspapers, TV channels and radio stations all went crazy covering the story of how Flying Scotsman hauled the Northern Belle from Preston to Carnforth back TWICE on Saturday July 20. "The world's most famous locomotive pulling the UK's most luxurious train" is how many of them billed this special event.

Read more

2023 FLYING SCOTSMAN

Historic Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia

The upcoming trip on the Northern Belle hauled by the Flying Scotsman promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. The journey will start in York and will take passengers on a spectacular steam journey to Edinburgh, powered by the legendary locomotive.