LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman Steam Locomotive

Find out about LNER’s iconic Class A3 Flying Scotsman which went on to become the railway’s flagship locomotive in the 1920s.

Class A1

The LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman steam locomotive was built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway. Originally designed by Nigel Gresley and built as a class A1 at Doncaster, it went on to become the LNER’s flagship locomotive.

Leicester Central Shed

Later allocated to Leicester Central shed on the Great Central line, it operated Nottingham Victoria to London Marylebone services and hauled one of the last trains on that line before its closure.

Preservation at Darlington Works

In 1963 the engine was sold for preservation at Darlington Works, but has since had a more troubled history under a variety of owners. Eventually in 2004 the National Railway Museum acquired the locomotive and The Flying Scotsman now forms a key part of the national collection.