Flying Scotsman steaming into East Lancashire

The iconic LNER locomotive is set to have a period of trials on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) following its much-needed overhaul.

The engine, owned by the National Railway Museum (NRM), has been undergoing a comprehensive overhaul since late 2005, which should be completed within 12 months.

An exact date for the tests on the ELR has not yet been finalised but enthusiasts said they cannot wait for the steam locomotive to travel on the 12-mile line between Rawtenstall and Heywood.

Andy Coward, ELR general manager, said: “The ELR has played host to Flying Scotsman before, back in February 1993, but it is an honour for us to be involved in the testing of the locomotive when it returns to steam next year.

"We are very grateful to Ian Riley and the National Railway Museum for their efforts in allowing us to host it on the ELR, for what is sure to be a high-profile visit.”

As part of the locomotive’s overhaul, the boiler destined for the Flying Scotsman has been extensively rebuilt by Riley & Son (E) Ltd, which is based at ELR’s Baron Street loco works in Bury.

While some of the testing will take place when the railway is closed to public trains, it is hoped that the Flying Scotsman will be used on ELR trains on a number of occasions.

The railway, which is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, is currently opened at weekends and will begin its summer season on March 31.

Flying Scotsman

>> The Flying Scotsman was introduced in 1862 between between Edinburgh and London with journey times of 10.5 hours, later reducing to 8.5 hours.

>> By 1928 it successfully ran the 392 miles between the two cities without stopping and the train boasted improved catering and even on-board services such as a barber’s shop.

>> In 2004, the National Railway Museum saved the loco from being sold abroad. The successful bid included £415,000 raised by the public and £365,000 donated by Sir Richard Branson, in addition to a £1.8m grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.