ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM BID SAVES FLYING SCOTSMAN FOR THE NATION
Photo:
Flying Scotsman, No 4472, on April 20 1963 hauling a special train from
Paddington to Portmadoc, Wales, for the Ffestiniog Railway Society. Photo: T E
Williams.
Following months of speculation that the world’s most famous steam locomotive might be sold abroad, the National Railway Museum in York has bought the Flying Scotsman. As reported by the 24 Hour Museum in February, the NRM launched a public appeal to help raise enough cash to buy the engine after its owner, Flying Scotsman PLC, announced its intention to sell. The institution raised an incredible £425,000, which, backed by £365,000 from Sir Richard Branson and a £1.8 million grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, was enough to secure the rail icon. "This has been a tremendous victory for the nation," said Andrew Scott, Head of the National Railway Museum.
Photo:
Flying Scotsman in gentle steam at Southall Railway Centre, west London on
March 18. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum"There can be few national treasures capable of stirring up such a passion and a will to succeed, but Flying Scotsman has certainly proved to be one of them," he added. "In the few short weeks since we launched our appeal, we have received literally thousands of donations and messages of support from people of all ages and backgrounds. The strength of feeling among the British public has been truly staggering and we can’t thank them enough." Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built at Doncaster Works in 1923, London and North Eastern Railway locomotive number 4472 completed the first non-stop London to Edinburgh run in 1928. In 1934, Flying Scotsman, as the engine was dubbed, became the first steam locomotive to officially pass the 100 mph mark. In 1963 it was sold by British Rail and subsequently passed through the hands of a number of private owners.
Now, for the first time in 41 years, it is back in public ownership and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was among the first to celebrate the good news. "The age of steam is one of this country’s greatest gifts to the world," she said. "Flying Scotsman stands today as a visible reminder of our proud industrial past, but it is loved for so much more. From Brief Encounter to Auden’s Night Mail, the romance of train travel is a part of who we are." The museum’s offer of £2.5 million was the highest of around eight other bids submitted as part of a sealed bid process on April 2. Peter Butler, CEO of Flying Scotsman plc, voiced his pleasure at seeing Scotsman stay in the UK. "I am pleased that this icon of British engineering will now be in the national collection. I look forward to seeing her out on the mainline for many years to come."
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