March 29, 2024

Scotland: Steam Engine Flying Scotsman 100

Exactly 100 years ago this Saturday, the “Flying Scotsman”, a living legend of steam locomotives, so to speak, was put into operation for the first time. The occasion was duly celebrated at an event at Edinburgh Waverley.


(BBC coverage of anniversary celebrations at Edinburgh Waverley Station)

The Flying Scotsman not only looks like a superstar but also breaks records. In 1928 he operated the first non-stop service from London to Edinburgh.

Six years later, it was Britain’s first steam locomotive to break the 100 mph mark. That corresponds to a speed of almost 160 kilometers per hour, which made it clear at the time: traveling by train increases speed.

In 2023, the Flying Scotsman will embark on a massive annual tour of the United Kingdom

To be celebrated and admired, the flying Scotsman will embark on an extensive tour of the UK for the remainder of 2023. Beginners want to give as many people as possible a chance to see the masterpiece up close.

Weighing nearly 100 tons, the locomotive was designed by Edinburgh-born Sir Nigel Cressley and built in Doncaster. The Flying Scotsman last went on a business trip in 1963 – almost 40 years after it was “born”.

By this point, the engine had clocked up more than three and a half million service kilometers, earning its place in the history books. In 2004 it went on display at the National Railway Museum in York.

Even after retirement, the flying Scotsman remained active. This locomotive toured the US and Canada from 1969 to 1973. Australia was in the program in 1988 and 1989.

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Loud BBC Millions of pounds have been invested in maintaining the magnificent engine, which cost only around £8,000 to complete in 1923. As you can see in the video above, every pound was well invested. Happy 100th Birthday!

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