NRM CAUTIOUSLY PREDICTS ANOTHER 13 YEARS OF OPERATION FOR ‘A3’

‘Scotsman’ until 2032? Until now, the National Railway Museum has been pretty vague about what happens to its Gresley ‘A3’ after the Doncaster engine celebrates its centenary in four years’ time – but York has now confirmed to Steam Railway that Flying Scotsman’s main line certificate will last “until 2029.”

In addition, there is “the option of three further years on heritage lines only, allowing it to operate until 2032”, the NRM told the magazine in June.

That is entirely logical – since

No. 60103’s next overhaul is to be in 2022. However, it is also positive news, given the museum’s previously more noncommittal stance beyond the 100th anniversary. The current deal with Riley and Son (E), which includes ensuring there is enough money for that overhaul, lasts until the end of centenary year, 2023.

Indeed, even when SR editor Nick Brodrick asked about the future in an interview carried out as recently as March 20, the museum’s Andrew McLean responded: “We’ve got the anniversary coming up, but who can predict what’s going on outside on the main line?

“We’re committed to running it up to the end of its current agreement and we’ll make that decision closer to the time, looking at what those circumstances are. There’s certainly no drive to take it out of service, put it that way.”

Theoretically it is still possible that the ‘A3’ could end up in a seemingly bizarre position – of being ‘stuffed and mounted’ when the current deal with Riley’s runs out, even though the engine will effectively be newlyoverhauled. Realistically though, the museum’s most recent statements mean it should actually still be running some 13 years from now.

There’s no news yet though on whether the 2022 overhaul will include a return to Apple green, or single chimney.