World-Famous LNER Gresley A3 60103 'Flying Scotsman' made a glorious return to service in January this year, and the National Railway Museum planned a large series of events and exhibitions to celebrate this legend of steam's new lease of life. It all began on the East Lancashire Railway, when 60103 made her first moves for over a decade just after the new year. This was followed by a triumphant return to the mainline in February, before a visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (see separate video) and a series of railtours around the length and breadth of Britain. All of this would culminate in a spectacular gala at the NRM's annexe in Shildon, recreating the days of the 'shed bashes' at the major BR Eastern Region depots in the early 1960s from 23rd to 31st July 2016.
Many special guest locomotives were brought in to star alongside 'Scotsman', several of which would've been commonplace in most Eastern and North Eastern Region sheds at the time. The headlining visitor was John Cameron's LNER Gresley A4 60009 'Union Of South Africa', allowing for the incredible sight of two BR Brunswick Green LNER Pacifics to stand side by side once more. Mixed Traffic and Heavy Frieght classes were represented by the LNER Gresley V2 4771 'Green Arrow' and LNER Raven Q6 0-8-0 63395. Piloting duties were carried out by BR Wordsell J72 0-6-0T 69023 'Joem'. The diesel years were also represented by BR Class 55 'Deltic' D9002 'The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry', which was repainted intro BR Two-Tone Green livery especially for the event. The NRM had brought back from the dead a not-to-be-missed gathering of six LNER thoroughbreds on shed once more.
Rather than just sitting idle, 'Flying Scotsman' was on brake van duties on Locomotion's demonstration line each day from 10:00 until 13:00, after which J72 69023 took over. This enabled me to achieve a variety of shots of the engine bustling up and down the running line. Since this event was due to be extremely busy on all days, i decided to book myself on one of the early morning photography sessions on the 24th, which allowed me to get some excellent shots of the engines preparing for the day ahead. I also visited on the 29th, where i took several videos of 60103 shuttling up and down on brake van rides.
The Full Lineup Consisted Of:
Visiting:
LNER A3 60103 'Flying Scotsman' (From the National Railway Museum, York)
LNER A4 60009 'Union Of South Africa' (From John Cameron)
LNER Raven Q6 63395 (From The North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group and The North Yorkshire Moors Railway)
BR J72 0-6-0T 69023 'Joem' (From The North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group and The Wensleydale Railway)
BR Class 55 'Deltic' D9002 'The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry' (From the Nation Railway Museum, York and recently painted into Two-Tone Green Livery)
Home Fleet:
LNER V2 4771 'Green Arrow' (From The National Railway Museum)
I hope you all enjoy the video. Special thanks to the NRM and all of the locomotive owners for a superb event. Fell free to comment and subscribe!
