LNER 4472
From Railways
A3 Pacific locomotive number 4472 (originally no. 1472) of the London and North Eastern Railway company, built in 1923, Doncaster to a design of Sir Nigel Gresley. It ended service with British Railways in 1963, and was sold to preservation, initially to Alan Pegler who saved the locomotive from being scrapped. It is frequently referred to as the most famous steam locomotive in the world. It went on a tour of the USA and was also at the bi-centenery of Australia.
In 1995 the Flying Scotsman was in pieces and was facing an uncertain future at Southall depot in West London due to the enormous cost of restoration and refurbishment necessary to meet the stringent engineering standards required for main line operation today.
In 1996 Dr. Tony Marchington purchased the Flying Scotsman and has restored it to its former magnificent glory at a cost of some £750,000.
In 2004 the Flying Scotsman was for sale, but was purchased by the National Railway Museum in York and is now part of the national collection.
