The incredible biography of the most famous steam locomotive in the world. Think of the Golden Age of Steam and one train leaps to mind above all others: the Flying Scotsman, Nigel Gresley’s elegant masterpiece of a locomotive. She broke the world speed record in 1934 and has enthralled millions with her beauty and power. Uniquely, her post-war career has been even more varied and exciting than her early triumphs. Now Andrew Roden tells the Scotsman’s remarkable story, from her construction and the glory days between the wars through the decline of steam and her rollercoaster fortunes in the subsequent years: nearly abandoned on a tour of the United States after the money ran out, crossing the Australian interior, then put up for sale yet again when the company that owned her went bankrupt in 2003. A massive public campaign saved her for the nation and the Flying Scotsman’s restoration began in 2005 at the National Railway Museum. With the aid of numerous interviews with those involved with the Scotsman over the years, Roden brings her story memorably to life. Above all, he asks: why do grown men risk their life savings to own her? Why do thousands of people still line the trackside when she’s due to race past? And just what is the eternal appeal of the Flying Scotsman?

Eric Liddell is famous for being the man who would not compromise his religious principles and refused to compete in the Olympics on a Sunday - despite the fact that he was the red hot favourite for the gold. Instead, he entered a different event that was not being competed on the Sabbath...and won a gold anyway. One of Scotland's finest athletes, Liddell was feted throughout the United Kingdom. At the height of his fame, however, he slipped quietly out of the limelight to become a missionary in China, where he later came to an unpleasant end in a Japanese internment camp. Eric Liddell's remarkable story was the subject of the smash 1982 film "Chariots of Fire."

Trains & Railways.

Built at Doncaster works in 1923 the Nigel Gresley designed then-A1 class Pacific (4-6-2) first entered service as No 1472. The new locomotive did not receive a name until it was sent for display at a Wembley exhibition in 1924, and then the name Fying Scotsman was chosen. The Legend was born. In 1928 the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) express steam locomotive hauled the first nonstop service from London to Edinburgh and in 1934 went on to break through the 100mph barrier.In addition to regularly hauling express trains for the LNER and later British Railways (BR), the Gresley steam icon has also traveled to, and worked passenger trains in, North America and Australia. Withdrawn by BR in January 1963 as BR No 60103, the locomotive was bought for preservation and soon became a regular sight on mainline specials and at preserved railways. The locomotives history in preservation is an interesting if not chequered one, however stability is now assured as Flying Scotsman has rightly become a part of the national collection administered by the National Railway Museum (NRM). The excitement which surrounded the return to steam of Flying Scotsman in 2016, and the ongoing celebrity status afforded to the famous Gresley designed engine, are perchance confirmation of the fact that it is The Worlds Most Famous Steam Locomotive. The most famous phrase entered into locomotive preservation folklore when first broadcast by John Noakes, a BBC TV Blue Peter presenter. A great many words have been written about the engineering specification and in service performance of Flying Scotsman. Accordingly, this keepsake publication simply uses carefully selected images, dating from the BR steam era to the present day, to celebrate the Return of the Legend. This publication includes a selection of QR Codes with links to items of film footage.

The legendary '4472' - better known as the Flying Scotsman - receives the famous Haynes Manual treatment with the full co-operation of the National Railway Museum. Here is a unique perspective on what is involved in maintaining, operating and restoring this Class A3 Pacific, the first steam locomotive to achieve 100mph. This highly detailed manual, based around 4472's recent overhaul and subsequent return to main-line operation, also looks in detail at every aspect of its engineering and construction, providing a feast of information and insight.

Murder On The Flying Scotsman.

From hauling the first non-stop express from London to Edinburgh in 1928 and breaking the 100mph barrier in 1934, to being sold in 1963, and to its final home at the York National Railway Centre, The Flying Scotsman has a rich and, at times, controversial history.It has travelled across the USA and steamed across Australia, changed owners and color and sold for the highest price ever paid for a locomotive. Relive the great age of steam and follow the making of the legend that is apple green and called Flying Scotsman. An informative and highly illustrated account of British Steam engines and railways, which includes concise, appealing articles on locomotive development and industrial progress.