Families and steam enthusiasts across the region can see world famous engine Flying Scotsman this summer for free at Locomotion in Shildon.
The record-breaking A3 class Pacific locomotive, no. 60103, will go on public display at Locomotion from 28 July to 17 August.
Flying Scotsman will be positioned outside the main visitor hall and visitors will be able to get up close to the famous engine and take photos of the Flying Scotsman nameplate.
The visit was originally scheduled for 2020 but plans were postponed following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Visitors can see Flying Scotsman for free from 10.30 to 16.00 daily, although booking online is required to comply with Test and Trace measures and visitors must observe social distancing.
Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said: “It is really positive to see Flying Scotsman returning to Shildon for the first time since 2019 after what has been a really difficult year for everyone. I look forward to welcoming people to the museum in what should be a great family day out and the only chance to see Flying Scotsman up close in the North East.”
Built in Doncaster in 1923, to operate high speed passenger services on the east coast main line between London and Edinburgh, the engine quickly became a celebrity.
The locomotive broke several records: in 1928 hauling the first regular service to travel non-stop between London and Edinburgh and in 1934 Flying Scotsman became the first locomotive in the world to achieve an authenticated speed of 100mph.
Flying Scotsman has visited Australia and the USA and was even the subject of a feature film. Visitors to Locomotion will be able to learn more about the engine with a series of talks from experts including the free presentation ‘Flying Scotsman: how good is it?’
As well as the chance to see the locomotive, visitors can take part in free, environmentally-themed family learning activities which take place daily throughout the school summer holidays (no booking required).
Visitors can also relive some of the glamour of steam’s golden age by ordering afternoon tea from the museum’s café.
Flying Scotsman is owned by the National Railway Museum in York and is operated and maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd.
Locomotion is open from 10.30am to 4pm daily and parking and admission are free of charge. For more information about the Flying Scotsman event programme, please visit: www.locomotion.org.uk/whats-on/flying-scotsmans-shildon-summer. Steam rides behind Flying Scotsman will not be taking place during the visit.
