Flying Scotsman Flies Again

First Ton up Locomotive

As I write this the world famous Flying Scotsman is travelling on the West Coast Main Line after a ten year restoration programme that has cost £4.2m.  It is a mighty sight I am sure. The loco was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, and dubbed the Flying Scotsman on 24 February 1923. But it wasn’t until the following year with the British Empire Exhibition that it made it world renowned. By 1934 it became the first steam locomotive to break the ton, doing over 100mph.

Rescued at Last

The 70ft long loco weighs in at a mighty 95 tonnes and has already done two and a half million miles. In its time the loco has been painted black because of war and been owned by a record producer from London. But now thanks to those grand folks at the National railway Museum and a certain bearded balloon flying mogul it is back on track.

Back on Track

 Soon it is to be painted in its traditional green livery for its inaugural journey from London's King's Cross to York. Public services will begin in late February, alongside an exhibition at the museum. Naturally we hope to soon see it back north of the border with its ain folk.

Cause for Celebration

And when that fine day happens I hope you’ll toast the Flying Scotsman with a spot of something great, drunk from the fine Scottish Thistle range.  It may be a pint of heavy, or a dram or something sparkling in a beautiful flute. But one thing you can say is that at the moment they are half price.  Toot toot!

https://www.jamespirie.com/royal-scot-crystal/wine-suites/scottish-thistle.html