Locomotion Celebrates 15th Birthday with Flying Visit from World-Famous Engine
Steam rides, cab access and free activities as Flying Scotsman visits Locomotion.
Steam enthusiasts in the region are in for a treat this summer as Locomotion in Shildon hosts a special visit from world-famous A3 class locomotive no. 60103 Flying Scotsman.
After taking part in the launch of the new Azuma trains at Darlington station on 30 July, the record-breaking icon of the steam age will travel to Locomotion until Sunday 11 August as part of the museum’s 15th birthday celebrations.
Flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster in 1923 to operate high-speed passenger services on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh.
The locomotive soon attracted a loyal following and the legend grew as the locomotive broke several records: in 1928 hauling the first regular service to travel non-stop between London and Edinburgh. In 1934 Flying Scotsman became the first locomotive in the world to achieve an authenticated speed of 100mph.
Visitors to Locomotion this summer will be able to travel behind Flying Scotsman with steam rides running between 2–5 August*.
On other dates, the locomotive will be on static display, giving people the chance to get up close to the locomotive for free and to see the cab, controls and the corridor tender.
New for 2019, the museum will be running a special free guided tour “Flying Scotsman: Why So Famous?” which explores the locomotive's journey to stardom.
As well as the chance to see the locomotive, visitors can take part in a host of family activities including Flying Scotsman make and take sessions and a display of Flying Scotsman artwork over the ages.
The record-breaking locomotive is halfway through a national tour taking in main line trips across the UK as well as visits to selected heritage railways.
For more details of the tour and where to see the locomotive, visit the Flying Scotsman website: www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/events/scotsman-on-the-tracks/
Locomotion is open from 10.00 to 17.00 daily and parking and admission are free of charge. For more information about the Flying Scotsman event programme, please call the museum team on 01904 685780 or visit www.locomotion.org.uk/whats-on/flying-scotsman-up-close
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Pam Porter
Events Officer
pam.porter@locomotion.org.uk
01904 685784
Simon Baylis
PR & Press Manager
01904 686 299
simon.baylis@railwaymuseum.org.uk
*A small fee is charged for steam rides. Steam rides subject to operational availability. Rides due to depart every 15 minutes on the hour.
About Locomotion:
- Locomotion offers visitors the chance to see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in Shildon, the world’s first railway town.
- Locomotion forms part of the Science Museum Group, along with the Science Museum in London, the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford and the National Railway Museum in York.
- Locomotion is a partnership between the Science Museum Group and Durham County Council, which is a major funder of the museum.
- Admission to Locomotion is free.
For more information visit www.locomotion.org.uk
