Main content
This programme is not currently available on 麻豆官网首页入口 iPlayer

The Return of the Flying Scotsman

Film following the Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam engine, as it returns to the tracks following a ten-year restoration which cost more than 拢4 million.

After a ten-year restoration, we follow the Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam engine, as it returns to the tracks.

It's a locomotive legend. Whether people are interested in steam engines or not, everybody seems to love the Scotsman; it's simply a national treasure. A steel celebrity, a media darling... and after a painstaking restoration that has cost over four million pounds, the Scotsman is finally coming home to York.

There is going to be a real welcome back for the 93-year-old engine with its inaugural run from King's Cross Station in London, pulling a trainload of enthusiasts and supporters 200 miles north on the mainline. It is a triumphant return to the museum - and to a city synonymous with steam.

We are on board the train for its final test runs on the East Lancashire Railway and the scenic Settle-Carlisle railway, across Ribblehead Viaduct, before climbing on board for the inaugural trip. With cameras on the footplate, we capture the exhilaration, the excitement and the sheer hard work required to keep Scotsman on the line.

We join the celebrations - talking to historians, fans and enthusiasts about the engine... and marvel at how the Flying Scotsman has captured the imagination of so many people across the world since it first came to life in Doncaster in 1923.

The programme is narrated by John Shrapnel.

29 minutes

Last on

Sun 22 Mar 2020 19:00

Flying Scotsman fact file

Flying Scotsman fact file
  • Built in 1923 at a cost of 拢7,944.

  • The Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive to make an official 100 mph run.

  • It is 70 feet long and weight 96 tonnes.听

  • The locomotive holds two world records.

  • It has travelled over 2,500,000 miles.

  • The restoration cost is estimated at 拢4.2 million.

  • The locomotive's British Rail number is 60103.

  • The refit involved 20 litres of undercoat and 30 litres of听gloss paint.听

Source: 麻豆官网首页入口 News听听

Get on board. on the 麻豆官网首页入口 News website.听

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Roger Keech
Director Roger Keech
Executive Producer Nicola Addyman
Narrator John Shrapnel

Broadcasts

Featured in...