Scotsman at 100
IT’S not the oldest, it’s not the fastest, it’s not even the most powerful – but ex-LNER and BR Pacific No. 1472/4472/502/103/60103 Flying Scotsman is, as our consultant editor Nick Pigott quite rightly argues in the introduction to our special coverage this month, the most famous locomotive in the world bar none! I would add it must surely have had one of the most interesting histories of all locomotives too, from such highs as hauling prestigious nonstop services between London and Edinburgh, being the first to officially break the 100mph barrier, visiting both the USA and Australia, and becoming ‘The People’s Engine’; to the lows of facing scrap by BR, being marooned in San Francisco, bankrupting owners, and needing a lengthy (and costly) 10-year overhaul after being acquired by the National Railway Museum. All of these moments and more are covered in our souvenir tribute this month, which coincides with the loco entering service 100 years ago in February 1923. Flying Scotsman has featured countless times in this magazine since then, but we have managed to unearth some previously unpublished photos, and I can highly recommend taking in our section of reader memories (page 22), which illustrates how the loco has touched the lives of many people way beyond just being a functional piece of railway machinery. We hope you enjoy our tribute to this great locomotive, and please do continue to share your thoughts with us as it gets ready to tour the country this year on a series of centenary events organised by the NRM.