Flying Scotsman back on track with Shropshire in its sights
The Flying Scotsman returned to the tracks for the first time in more than a decade when it successfully completed a test-run following a £4.2 million restoration.
The test run, which took place yesterday afternoon, delighted Tim Godfrey, from Claverley, whose grandfather Sir Nigel Gresley designed the famous locomotive.
Shropshire fans of the locomotive, officially the first railway engine to reach 100mph, will be able to travel on the train through the county in June.
A special London-Shrewsbury service will be laid on for June 5, and the engine will also be coming to the Severn Valley Railway in September.
Mr Godfrey, 78, who lived with legendary railway engineer Sir Nigel as a child, said he was thrilled that the locomotive was back in use, and said he looked forward to seeing it in action.
"'I'm really glad it is going to be running once more," he said. "It is about time, it's taken long enough."
Hundreds of rail buffs turned out to watch yesterday's short test run on the East Lancashire Railway in Bury. The National Railway Museum in York bought the Flying Scotsman for £2.3 million in 2004.
Tina Bywater, 67, said it was "amazing" to see the engine running once more.
As it arrived, whistling, on the preserved heritage line run in part by volunteers, the crowd cheered and took pictures before becoming engulfed in clouds of steam.
Mrs Bywater said: "It was perfect. I have always loved a steam engine, I think it's in the blood. It's such a spine-tingling moment. It's thrilling."
