Photo: Flying Scotsman, No 4472, on April 20 1963 hauling a special train from Paddington to Portmadoc, Wales, for the Ffestiniog Railway Society. Photo: T E Williams.
Following months of speculation that the world’s most famous steam locomotive might be sold abroad, the National Railway Museum in York has bought the Flying Scotsman.
As reported by the 24 Hour Museum in February, the NRM launched a public appeal to help raise enough cash to buy the engine after its owner, Flying Scotsman PLC, announced its intention to sell.
The institution raised an incredible £425,000, which, backed by £365,000 from Sir Richard Branson and a £1.8 million grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, was enough to secure the rail icon.
"This has been a tremendous victory for the nation," said Andrew Scott, Head of the National Railway Museum.
Photo: Flying Scotsman in gentle steam at Southall Railway Centre, west London on March 18. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
"There can be few national treasures capable of stirring up such a passion and a will to succeed, but Flying Scotsman has certainly proved to be one of them," he added.
"In the few short weeks since we launched our appeal, we have received literally thousands of donations and messages of support from people of all ages and backgrounds. The strength of feeling among the British public has been truly staggering and we can’t thank them enough."
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built at Doncaster Works in 1923, London and North Eastern Railway locomotive number 4472 completed the first non-stop London to Edinburgh run in 1928.
In 1934, Flying Scotsman, as the engine was dubbed, became the first steam locomotive to officially pass the 100 mph mark. In 1963 it was sold by British Rail and subsequently passed through the hands of a number of private owners.
Photo: Andrew Scott, Head of the National Railway Museum spearheaded the institution's bid to save the famous loco for the nation. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
Now, for the first time in 41 years, it is back in public ownership and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was among the first to celebrate the good news.
"The age of steam is one of this country’s greatest gifts to the world," she said. "Flying Scotsman stands today as a visible reminder of our proud industrial past, but it is loved for so much more. From Brief Encounter to Auden’s Night Mail, the romance of train travel is a part of who we are."
The museum’s offer of £2.5 million was the highest of around eight other bids submitted as part of a sealed bid process on April 2. Peter Butler, CEO of Flying Scotsman plc, voiced his pleasure at seeing Scotsman stay in the UK.
"I am pleased that this icon of British engineering will now be in the national collection. I look forward to seeing her out on the mainline for many years to come."
Photo: in 1934, Flying Scotsman became the first locomotive to authentically pass the 100 mph mark. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
His words were echoed by Virgin empire boss, Sir Richard Branson, who announced his support for the NRM’s bid last week.
"It would have been a tragedy to see such an important part of our heritage sold abroad," explained Virgin boss, Sir Richard Branson.
"It has been an honour to play a part in saving a truly iconic feat of British engineering for millions of people to enjoy for generations to come by continuing to run Flying Scotsman on the national rail network."
Although the NRM has yet to finalise its plans, it will continue to run the locomotive on the mainline as well as heritage railways. However it will also spend some of its time on display at the museum in York.
Photo: Roland Kennington has looked after Flying Scotsman for 18 years and told the 24 Hour Museum that the only way to display it was "hauling 500 tonnes at 75 miles an hour." Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
Yorkshire Forward, the local regional development agency has pledged £500,000 towards creating a special exhibition dedicated to the Flying Scotsman.
"Flying Scotsman was built in Yorkshire and it is only fitting that the world’s most famous locomotive should find a home in our region at the world’s biggest railway museum," said Terry Hodgkinson, Chairman of Yorkshire Forward.
As Andrew Scott explained, the locomotive will also become the centrepiece of the museum’s forthcoming celebration of the bicentenary of steam, which is scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 6.
"We look forward to seeing Flying Scotsman take its place as the star attraction at our Railfest celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the train next month," he said.
"What better way could there be to launch the UK’s biggest rail festival than the arrival of the world’s most famous locomotive?"
