The LNER Encyclopedia

Just spotted this on Twitter:

http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/scotsman-season.aspx

I've heard a whisper that it may be visiting the NYMR next Feb/March.

By the way, it's a bit sad when the official Scotsman website refers to -

free cab access to the most famous train in the world

Flying Scotsman - "the most famous 'train' (i.e. locomotive) in the world." Does anyone know why this is? Was this the case whilst she was in service with the LNER and later British Railways? Did Alan Pegler specifically want Scotsman, or would he have been just as happy with some other A3 in good mechanical condition? Alternatively, did Scotsman become famous and loved in preservation?

G'day Gents

Alan Pegler wanted 4472 'Flying Scotsman' he was offered other 'Better' A3's but turned them down as he only wanted 4472, do you think he knew something.

manna

Having read quite a lot about operations at Top Shed it's interesting how many times they got asked to turn out Flying Scotsman
for a special event and how often they suggested an alternative as a better engine.

The first non-stop 10 o'clock down in 1928 is a case in point, 4472 was put on it even though the operating staff wanted to use another engine.
She stayed on it until the end of the week, probably as they more or less had to complete the diagrammed roster to avoid messing up the crews.
One of the others, I think it was Flying Fox, was substituted at the start of the next week and I don't think 4472 was back on it for that season.

Makes you wonder if despite it's fame it was a Friday afternoon job!

Alan

G'day Gents

With locos stripped and rebuilt every couple of years, I've always wondered why engines were so different, 4472 being a case in point, when 2750 was a 'Good Un'.

manna