Alex Coomber
Here's a story about this worlds most famous Steam Locomotive in the World. The A3 Class 4-6-2 No. 4472 60103 The Flying Scotsman. Probably the most famous locomotive in the world photographed when steam could still be found on the main lines. It was already in preservation on excursion 1X44 as it heads towards Chester at Moore Lane south of Warrington on 4th June 1966. Here is an example of the interest that there was in main line steam even before the mass culling of steam engines. The engine was built at Doncaster Works in February 1923 having been designed by Nigel Gresley. It's first BR shed was Doncaster and it was withdrawn in January 1963 from London Kings Cross. In 1924. The engine was displayed at the British Empire Exhibition and it was here that her fame began. With the addition of a special tender that had a corridor through to the train enabling the crew to change without stopping. It was the first engine to pull a train non stop from London to Edinburgh. In 1934. It achieved 100MPH on a test run. When withdrawn. It was purchased by Alan Pegler who was a member of the British Rail Board under Richard Beeching. The board had refused permission in 1962 for this already famous engine to be photographed next to a new Deltic on the anniversary of its record breaking run and Beeching promptly sacked Pegler for his impertinence in saving the engine against the will of the board who wanted to look forwards and not backwards. This is another example of the apparent short sightedness of a man who seemed to consistently take no account of strong public feelings regarding his plans. It was given a complete overhaul in 1969 prior to a tour of the USA where it was stranded for a while due to Pegler going into bankruptcy. William Mcalpine put together a rescue plan and the engine toured Australia before returning to continue with its duties on Britains Railways. But with several new owners and many ups and downs. In 2004. The National Railway Museum started a campaign to save what had become a National Treasure and the oldest steam locomotive still on the main line with grants from National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund not to mention massive support from the public. The engine is once again in tip top condition. At the time of writing. This National Treasure is still hard at work and is booked to run specials on the main line for the foreseeable future.
