Flying Scotsman

The LNER A3 "Flying Scotsman" is a British locomotive who is by no doubt the most iconic steam locomotive in the world along with his cousin, the Mallard.

Bio

The Flying Scotsman was designed by none other then Sir Nigel Gresley. He was built in 1923 at Doncaster works, alongside Gordon. The latter was completed first. He pulled a train named after him that ran from London to Edinburgh. He was the first locomotive to officially reach 100 mph without any dispute in 1934. City of Truro from the GWR had claimed to have reached this record 30 years prior, but it is disputed. In 1963, he was withdrawn from service but was preserved by Alan Pegler.

Scotsman visited Sodor in 1967 as a treat for Gordon who was depressed about the decline of steam. He was a major attraction and he got on well with most of the engines. Henry got jealous of him having multiple tenders but soon got his comeuppance from Duck. He also saved "The Limited" express after 7101 (Bear) suffered an injector failure and was salvaged by Henry, who had also salvaged D199 (Ted).

In 1969, the Flying Scotsman began a big tour of the United States and Canada. This went well until in 1972, whilst in San Francisco, Alan Pegler went bankrupt. Scotsman was left in Lathrop, California and his future was unknown. Fortunately, he was bought by William McAlpine who shipped him back to the United Kingdom and was then overhauled at Derby Locomotive Works. A decade later, he went to Australia and set many records whilst down there. He didn't return to England until 1990. He was refitted with German style smoke deflectors. However, once again his future did not look promising as he fell into decline and was taken apart. Fortunately, like in Lathrop, he was bought again by Tony Marchington and restored to his former glory by 2000. Three years later, he was sold to the National Railway Museum in York.

In 2006, Scotsman began a massive overhaul. Originally planned to take one year, it took a decade (almost to the day). He was on display at the museum during his overhaul, which Thomas1Edward2Henry3 saw in 2011. However, for the majority of this only smart parts were visible. Finally, in January 2016, he was restored and began touring the UK.

Trainz Models

In Pride of the LNER, the default Auran model was used. Now WildnorWester's model is used.

Basis

Flying Scotsman is based on the LNER Gresley Classes A1 and A3, a class of locomotives built by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) from 1922 to 1935. These engines were rebuilt between 1928 and 1949 and withdrawn between 1959 and 1966 with only one being preserved. Gordon, Jeremy, Boris and Flying Thistle are also members of the same class

Scotsman himself is a real life engine built in 1923 and was rebuilt into a A3 in 1947. He was withdrawn in January 1963 and is now preserved as part of the National Collection in the National Railway Museum in York.

Appearances

The Engines of Sodor

Specials

The Most Famous Engine

NWR Origins

Season 1

Pride of the LNER (does not speak; faceless)

Season 2

Country Tram (cameo)

An engine using the Flying Scotsman's model appeared in Smuggling from Scotland. However, this was not intended to be him.

Thomas1Edward2Henry3's Remakes

Super Rescue (does not speak)

Voice Actor

Jackson Begley (The Most Famous Engine)

TV Appearances

Whilst having a large role in the RWS book Enterprising Engines, only his tenders appeared in the third season episode Tender Engines (which was based off of that book). It was revealed the reason was because it was too expensive to build a full model of the Flying Scostman. He was not referred to by name.

He then made a full appearance 24 years later in the special The Great Race. He was voiced by Rufus Jones. He then made a cameo in Journey Beyond Sodor and had a speaking role in Big World! Big Adventure!. He also appeared and spoke in the Season 22 episode Confusion Without Delay.