After a lot of speculation and whispers we are thrilled to confirm the world famous Flying Scotsman is on track to visit us once again.
The locomotive will visit Bluebell Railway in August 2022.
The last event in 2017 was a huge success, with people travelling from far and wide to glimpse the famous loco on Bluebell rails. As you would expect we have some exciting plans for this year’s visit – including running Flying Scotsman on regular services and special dining trains, so keep an eye out for more information soon!
We will be looking for extra volunteers across the railway in pretty much all roles and departments to cover the increase in visitor numbers expected.
Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive of the newly-formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). The locomotive (previously numbered 1472) was renumbered 4472 in 1924 and given the name ‘Flying Scotsman’ after the daily 10.00 London to Edinburgh rail service.
It was numbered No. 60103 after British Railways was formed and rail travel was nationalised in 1948.
The locomotive is due to undergo an overhaul in April 2022, prior to the locomotive’s centenary celebrations in 2023. The visit to the Bluebell Railway will be one of the first chances to see the famous engine following the overhaul. As part of the overhaul, Riley & Son (E) Ltd will restore the locomotive to the same standard as the last overhaul in 2016, with work focusing on the boiler and the required retube and recertification. There will not be any changes to the locomotive’s livery, numbering or chimney configuration.
Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion said: “Flying Scotsman is a symbol of the grace, speed and style of the steam age and the world’s most famous locomotive is a fantastic ambassador for the National Railway Museum. Ahead of the centenary in 2023, we’re keen for as many as possible to see the newly-overhauled Flying Scotsman, whether at speed on the main line or up close at heritage lines and I’m sure the visit to the Bluebell Railway will be a great success.”
The Flying Scotsman will be running non-stop return services between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead for five days from 25 – 29 August. All seats must be pre-booked in advance.
Visitors will also be able to see the locomotive on static display at Sheffield Park from 17 – 24 August and 30 August – 5 September. Tickets for footplate viewings will be available to book online.
Tickets will be on sale from Sunday 1 May.
