Flying scotsman

As early as 1925 the London & North Eastern Railway were cannily marketing both the locomotive Flying Scotsman (4472) and the named train service - it certainly probably was a contender for the confident assumption that it was the most famous train in the world. The cover artwork is very potent - worked up by Harry Gawthorn, a well-known commercial artist who also did many posters for the company.

After 10 years of painstaking restoration, the world's most famous steam engine is back in business.

The cloudy, grey day was brightened up by the iconic locomotive chugging along the tracks of the Harringworth viaduct in Northamptonshire - the longest masonry viaduct in Britain.

The Flying Scotsman has been pictured in Cumbria as part of its latest journey in its centenary year.

Sharp edges and clanging steel, scalding pipes and oily underfoot, steam curling gently from a valve, an ear-piercing shriek, and the firebox;

While the NRM's multi million pound restoration of Flying Scotsman continues here is a shot taken at the Severn Valley gala of 1990 to stop the LNER buffs getting cold turkey.

Flying Scotsman on it's way to Edinburgh

Find out all about the world's most famous steam locomotive, with info about passenger tours, stories and more.

Flying Scotsman