Famous train to visit West Sussex

A world-famous locomotive train is set to return to Mid Sussex this summer.

The Bluebell Railway will welcome the No. 60103 Flying Scotsman in August for its second visit to the attraction.

The locomotive last visited the steam railway for a sevenday run in April 2017, marking the first time it had visited Sussex in more than 50 years.

Geoff Mee, chairman of Bluebell Railway, said he was thrilled to confirm the visit.

“The last event was a huge success, with many people travelling from far and wide to glimpse the famous loco on Bluebell rails,” he said.

“We have some exciting plans for this year’s visit – including the chance to travel behind Flying Scotsman on regular services and special dining trains,” he added.

The Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive of the newly-formed London and North Eastern Railway. Previously numbered 1472, it was renumbered 4472 in 1924 and given the name ‘Flying Scotsman’ after the daily 10am London to Edinburgh rail service.

It was numbered No. 60103 after British Railways was formed and rail travel was nationalised in 1948.

The Flying Scotsman is now owned by the National Railway Museum and operated and maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd.

It will run non-stop return services between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead from August 25-29 and seats must be pre-booked.

Visitors will be able to see the locomotive on static display at Sheffield Park from August 17-24 and August 30 to September 5.

Tickets for footplate viewings will be available at www.bluebell-railway.com from May 1.