Press Office
National Railway Museum finalises plans for Flying Scotsman
The National Railway Museum (NRM) has set an estimated completion date for the overhaul of its flagship locomotive, Flying Scotsman.
Following discussions between the NRM’s Workshop team and contractors, an estimated completion date of December 2008 for running in, ready for mainline operations in January 2009, has been agreed.
The NRM is aware that this is a substantial delay to the original time plan, however it was discovered that the locomotive’s firebox needed more extensive work than was first anticipated. In order to carry out this work, specialist copper is needed of which there has been a substantial shortage in the UK. However, the copper has now arrived and is ready for pressing, which will be carried out at R K Pridhams new premises in Tavistock.
Helen Ashby, Head of Knowledge and Collections for the NRM, said:
”We are aware that unfortunately there has been a delay to the overhaul of Flying Scotsman, however it was crucial that we had the correct copper and we have also been very keen to keep the work in the UK.
“We are however really pleased to be able to give a more definite date of completion for the work on Flying Scotsman. As an engine that means so much to so many people, we are really excited about seeing her back in steam on the mainline in 2009.
“We will also shortly be publishing plans for our other star locomotives for 2008. The streamlining of Duchess of Hamilton will create a major new display for next year and also Oliver Cromwell will be returning to the mainline to mark 40 years since the end of steam!”
4 June 2007