Iconic Flying Scotsman steams up heritage railway

One of the world's most famous steam locomotives has arrived at a heritage railway and museum for a special stay.

The Flying Scotsman will be at Peterborough's Nene Valley Railway (NVR) until 9 March as part of a celebration of 200 years of British Railways, with tickets sold out for the weekend passenger services which begin on Saturday.

Chris O'Regan, commercial manager at NVR, said the team felt "honoured and privileged" to host the Flying Scotsman with people travelling from as far as America to see it.

Last month the NVR said its appearance in Peterborough would help give a "financial boost" to the railway previously facing risk of closure.

The Flying Scotsman has been described as a "locomotive with many rosettes" by Murray Brown, a railway author and enthusiast from Peterborough.

The steam engine, currently owned by the National Railway Museum, first entered service between London and Edinburgh in 1924.

In 1934, it was timed at 100mph (161km/h), which it made it the first locomotive in the UK properly authenticated to have reached that speed.

The volunteer-led NVR put in a successful bid with the museum to have the 102-year-old steam train at Peterborough.

Mr O'Regan added: "It is quite possibly the most famous locomotive in the world. It is a real privilege and honour to have it here at NVR.

"We can't wait to welcome people here. All our passenger services are sold out.

"People are coming from miles away and even across the pond from America to visit the Scotsman.

"The buzz around here is amazing. It's been buffed up all ready for the weekend."

For the last 40 years, NVR has offered visitors journeys on restored steam and diesel locomotives.

But rising operating costs and dwindling passenger numbers since the pandemic led to "stark financial challenges".

In May 2024, NVR launched a fundraiser with a £300,000 target.

Mr O'Reegan said so far about £90,000 have been raised.

"We are not in danger of closure but are in danger of if something catastrophic happens - we don't have a reserve to manage the situation", he said.

The locomotive BR 70000 Britannia, the first British Railways standard locomotive to be built, will also be a guest at NVR from 12 March.

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