National Railway Museum has released details of where 60103 Flying Scotsman will be heading in 2019.
Flying Scotsman will visit three heritage railways in England, beginning with Swanage Railway and including the Nene Valley Railway in Peterborough and a third line to be confirmed later in the year.
The first chance to see Flying Scotsman will be at the Swanage Railway on 22 March and it will be running with the 1940s carriage that accompanied the Flying Scotsman on its tour of the USA, the carriage remained in San Francisco, before it was rescued by Swanage Railway volunteers in 2007.
For the first time in over 10 years, the National Railway Museum is to work with Northern Belle to offer luxurious journeys from Crewe, Manchester and London Victoria.
The locomotive is currently undergoing routine winter maintenance at the National Railway Museum in York, this is expected to be completed in early spring.
Flying Scotsman's first trip of the year, the ‘Scotsman Salute', took place on 11 January as a special tribute to former owner Sir William McAlpine, who died last year.
For 2019, The National Railway Museum and Riley and Son (E) Ltd will work with tour promoters The Steam Dreams Rail Co., The Railway Touring Company, The Spirit of the Lakes, Northern Belle and the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS).
Flying Scotsman will also make visits later in the year at the National Railway Museum in York and at Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham.
Full details of Flying Scotsman's travels can be found here.
What did the officials say?
Jim Lowe, Head of Operations at the National Railway Museum, said:
“I am pleased to announce Flying Scotsman's touring schedule for 2019 which will once again give the public the opportunity to see this magnificent example of British engineering. The schedule will give people a truly memorable experience with a mix of exciting main line tours that will travel across the UK, as well as visits to preserved heritage railway lines.
“As ever, I would like to remind people wishing to see Flying Scotsman, to do so in safety and to ensure they do not trespass on the railway line.”
Colin Green, Director at Riley & Son (E) Ltd, said:
“Flying Scotsman is truly a special engine and after a successful operating tour in 2018, the famous engine still draws a crowd wherever it goes. We look forward to another successful year working in partnership with the National Railway Museum. I would also like to publicly thank my team who work very hard behind the scenes to make sure that Flying Scotsman is maintained and prepared ready for each journey.”
Paul Roe, Locomotive Superintendent at Nene Valley Railway, said:
“We are pleased to announce that Flying Scotsman will return to the Nene Valley Railway in 2019 for public running. The locomotive will be in public service for three running days and we are also planning some special static days to get up close and personal to Flying Scotsman, tickets must be purchased in advance—check our website for all details.”
Mick Gould, Swanage Railway Company Business Division Director, said:
“The trustees, directors, staff and dedicated volunteers of the Swanage Railway are delighted that the Railway has been successful in its bid to host Flying Scotsman. It will be the first time since 1969 that No. 60103 and the unique Pullman observation carriage—known as Car 14—will operate together since they ran as a pair across the USA in 1969.”
Jeanette Snape, Managing Director of Northern Belle said:
“We are thrilled, excited and feel very honoured, to feature Flying Scotsman in our 2019 schedule. Guests can look forward to embracing the golden age of steam in ultimate style and glamour. Under the care of our stewards, trained by the world renown British Butler Institute, fine dining, elegant entertainment and exquisite service comes as standard.”
David Buck, Owner of The Steam Dreams Rail Co. said:
“We are delighted to have secured some special itineraries with this famous engine for 2019, including the exciting prospect of a Highlands holiday with Flying Scotsman. To experience the journey double-headed with a fellow LNER engine, B1 Mayflower, will be a great prospect for all lovers of steam. This will be the first time the engines have teamed up since 1976 and promises to be a memorable experience for those on board.”
Kelly Osborne, Managing Director of the Railway Touring Company said:
“Having celebrated our 21st year, we are delighted to be offering day trips in our 2019 programme with 60103 Flying Scotsman. This iconic locomotive continues to highlight the joy and pleasure involved with travelling behind a steam engine. Flying Scotsman will be with us for the final leg of our annual ‘Great Britain' tour in May, providing a fantastic finale to this exciting nine-day steam adventure.”
Roger Haynes, Commercial Director, at SRPS Railtours, said:
“We are delighted that in May, Flying Scotsman will haul our Forth Circle steam specials which cross the iconic Forth Bridge and feature the Fife Coast and Stirling Castle along this scenic route around central Scotland.”
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The Flying Scotsman was due to pass through West Byfleet at 12.22 pm today. It was already running late at Southampton, but nevertheless, I arrived at West Byfleet Station with my two young grandsons at 12.15 pm, giving us ample time to see it.
However, I then discovered to my horror that the train had gone through at 12.11 pm, much to the extreme disappointment of two small children and myself.
I accept that trains can run late, but surely a train such as this, which is virtually like a carnival procession, should never run early, leaving many prospective onlookers missing out. We weren’t the only ones who missed out at West Byfleet, and I imagine that happened on all stations through to Southall.
It’s too late to do anything on this occasion, but please can you consider ensuring in future that heritage trains do not run early, leading to many enthusiasts missing out.
Very disappointing that Wales, particularly South Wales has been ignored.