The legendary Flying Scotsman will pay a ‘flying' visit to southern England later this month.
The iconic locomotive will pass through Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and parts of South West London.
Flying Scotsman a Class A1/A3 loco, designed by the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) to haul passenger trains up the East Coast Main Line between London and Scotland – so it did not operate in the Southern region.
Network Rail is advising people who want to watch the Flying Scotsman to remain safe as the locomotive passes, watching from a safe location, not trespassing on the track, and taking care when using on level crossings.
Network Rail is also advising the public to:
- stay behind the yellow line on the platforms at all times
- stay aware of their surroundings and keep away from the platform edge
- follow instructions given by railway staff
Eric Woodward, Network Rail's head of safety, health and environment on the Wessex route, said: “It's great to be able to celebrate the centenary of the iconic Flying Scotsman and we're pleased to be able to share the experience of this fabulous locomotive passing through our Wessex route.”
“The safety of our passengers, staff and the public is always our number one priority so we are urging anyone intending to watch or capture Flying Scotsman travelling through our region to please stay safe and vigilant.
“In particular, please do not overcrowd level crossings or platforms and remember that trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence, please do follow any safety instructions from railway staff.”
Judith McNicol, director of the National Railway Museum, said: “We are delighted that Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam locomotive, is able to operate a series of mainline steam tours to celebrate its centenary year. However, we urge everyone to make sure they view Flying Scotsman from a safe vantage point to ensure this is an enjoyable and safe experience for all.
“Please ensure that you follow all instructions from station staff and British Transport Police, and never trespass on the railway.”
Jane Lupson, South Western Railway's safety and security director, said: “We know just how much everyone looks forward to seeing Flying Scotsman and we are very pleased to have our network taking part in its centenary celebrations.
“It's important to celebrate the occasion and view Flying Scotsman safely however, so we are asking our customers and members of the public to remember the rules of the railway.
“If you are viewing the locomotive at our stations you must stay behind the yellow line at all times, listen to our station staff and never go near the track – which on the vast majority of our network is electrified 24 hours a day.”
Inspector Alex Yates, of British Transport Police, added: “Seeing Flying Scotsman is an exciting event on any occasion and even more so as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Our priority is always the safety of everyone viewing and travelling on the train, and our officers will be out and about across the Wessex route.
“Please remember to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line, and do not risk serious injury or death by trespassing on the tracks.
“It is important to remember that the railway is an extremely hazardous environment and those caught trespassing or obstructing trains can expect to be prosecuted. I'd ask anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer or text us on 61016.”
I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I’m wrong,but wasn’t it public donations that made it possible for Flying Scotsman to be returned to a running state?I would imagine there will be a lot of
upset people if its retired.
I don’t think that 60103 should be retired while it is still in working mechanical condition. There will be a time when it will retire because of the needs to replace the frames of wheels etc but that time is not yet. We should enjoy these things while they last, as nothing lasts forever. The delayed posting of route timings has helped, you really have to go digging for them close to the time of the departure date, and there has been nothing high profile for a while (from my understanding) as we would’ve heard about it on the news.
4468 will not be returning to steam anytime soon, there’s a working A4 on the mainline again and I just don’t see it happening unless they did it for the speed record centenary in 2038, some engines need to be exhibits when there are working examples of the class owned elsewhere (the same reason why 92220 hasn’t been steamed in so long, in my opinion)
6229 would be a welcome addition, something new to admire in working condition
Who said or where does it say about the loco being retired? Frames and wheels can be cast new. Mallard will never come back out, far too valuable.
I meant to reply to the message from Railtourer below, I must have clicked on the wrong button – I’m not great on computers to be fair
my comment about the frames was more of a speculative assumption, a museum may treat such renewals differently than a working preserved railway for example. We can all wonder and wait for the day if that happens in our lifetime
I still think Mallard may be rolled out working in 2038 or at the very least they might get a working A4 masquerading on the main line instead. Hopes and dreams like
Stan, Mallard and Duchess of Hamilton will Never be seen in steam ever again, as it would cost so much money the NRM does not have.
On a different note A4 Bittern is to be overhauled, and maybe ready to steam again in 2025.
This is why I think that the NRM should consider retiring Flying Scotsman and start restoring either 6229 or 4468 back to steam.. That fact the Network Rail are releasing things like this about 60103 shows that she is far to dangerous to still operate on the mainline as more people would trespass to see Flying Scotsman then to see another steam engine such as 70000 or 60007 on the mainline..
Flying Scotsman is 100 years old and thus is the oldest locomotive on our national network. I think its time she is either retired from the mainline or all together and put on show at the NRM.
The NRM have hyped up FS to the sky and have created a monster. The loco is not dangerous it is the general public acting dangerously. Also the BTP have not prosecuted ANYONE for trespass, they need to get a grip on the idiots and make a high profile example of them in court. I agree that more people go to see FA than any other loco and that is down to the hype by the NRM.
So if they spent the money and put the Duchess back out they would probably do the same. 4468 will never come back out. Your chance was in the 80’s.
You can’t blame the locomotive as being “dangerous” ANY train is dangerous and all should be treated accordingly. No, it’s the so called enthusiasts who are the dangerous ones by putting themselves, and others, at risk by behaving in an unsafe manner while trying to get the “best angle or view” of the locomotive when it’s on the rails. I have in the past seen many enthusiasts ignoring both station staff, and BTP officers, when asked to move to a safer position. Those are the “dangerous” ones NOT the locomotive.