NRM planning Flying Scotsman centenary celebrations for 2023

THE National Railway Museum is hoping that the forthcoming overhaul of A3 Pacific No. 60103 Flying Scotsman will be completed in time for it to participate in a series of events marking its 100th birthday in 2023.

It was in February 1923 that Flying Scotsman was outshopped from Doncaster Works as the third of a class of A1 (later A3) locomotives built to a design by Nigel Gresley.

On November 30, 1934, it became the first steam locomotive to reach the officially authenticated speed of 100mph on Stoke Bank, in Lincolnshire, while hauling a light test train.

A statement from the York museum said: “The National Railway Museum and Locomotion are planning to mark Flying Scotsman’s centenary with an exciting programme of activities and events throughout 2023.

“It’s great that people are starting to look ahead with anticipation to the centenary, and we’re working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we deliver a fitting celebration for a much-loved locomotive.

“Flying Scotsman is scheduled for overhaul this year, and we expect to announce the schedule for rail operations later in January.”

A3 Pacific No. 60103 Flying Scotsman at Hellifield at dusk on December 23, after hauling West Coast Railways’ ‘The Flying Scotsman’ trip, originating from Manchester Victoria and running to Carlisle, as the final main line steam charter of 2021. ROBERT FALCONER