Flying Scotsman Steam locomotive coal model figure Made with coal and superbly detailed
London North Eastern Railway Flying Scotsman 4472 Steam Locomotive
In 1928, the Flying Scotsman made the first non-stop journey from London to Edinburgh and on November 30, 1934, it powered its way into the history books by becoming the first locomotive in the UK to reach speeds of more than 100mph.
This quest for speed was fueled by rivalry between two companies that once ran the railways in the North of England. The challenge began between London Midland and Scottish (LMS) and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to get to their northern destinations quicker and prove their superiority.
It was during one of the speed runs that the 1923 Doncaster-built Flying Scotsman became the first engine to officially pass the 100mph barrier.
In 1948 the four UK regional rail companies were nationalised to become British Rail and the Flying Scotsman was renumbered to '60103'. and continued in full service until 1963 having completed some 2,076,000 miles.
