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The Story of a Legend

The extraordinary tale of the world’s most famous steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, is explored at the National Railway Museum.

The Flying Scotsman Story tells the remarkable history of the locomotive, the people whose lives it has touched, and the famous London-Edinburgh express from which it takes its name.

The £700,000 permanent exhibition, backed by Yorkshire Forward and the Heritage Lottery Fund, is located in a gallery adjacent to the Great Hall and is the first ever exhibition dedicated to the legendary steam engine.

It traces Flying Scotsman’s extraordinary journeys to the USA and Australia, as well as tackling the biggest question of all…just why is the vintage locomotive so famous?

Other key features of the display include:

  • Personal stories of the people intimately linked with the locomotive and service - from passengers and crew to owners and admirers.
  • Visual access to the behind the scenes world of NRM locomotive preparation prior to operating on the main line.
  • A sought-after glimpse into Flying Scotsman’s footplate when it is on display within the exhibition.
  • Guest appearances by other famous locomotives and engines from the route of the Flying Scotsman and held in the national collection.
  • A 1930s buffet car illustrating the story of the dining experience for passengers travelling on the Flying Scotsman service over the last 70 years.
  • Rare film footage along the Flying Scotsman route and from all the periods of the locomotive’s life.

The National Railway Museum is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm and admission is FREE.

Editor’s notes:

  • Flying Scotsman is currently undergoing a major overhaul in the museum’s Workshop, ready for its return to the mainline as a working locomotive towards the end of 2009. For more information the 24-hour Flying Scotsman information line number is 08448 159985.
  • The Flying Scotsman Story has been made possible by the support of Yorkshire Forward, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Porterbrook Leasing, GNER, Network Rail, Bachmann Europe plc, Great Rail Journeys, the Friends of the National Railway Museum, Friends Enterprises, EWS and Wabtec Rail.