Myths

Flying Scotsman myths, checked

A famous engine collects stories. Here is what the sources say.

How this site works. Every fact is in our own words and linked to its source, beside it. Where good sources disagree, we show each version in a “Sources differ” box.

1. MythFlying Scotsman was the fastest steam locomotive ever.

   FactThe A4 locomotive Mallard set the world speed record for steam, 126mph, on 3 July 1938, and that record still stands. NRM, Mallard Mallard’s streamlined, wedge-shaped A4 design looked nothing like the A3 class that Flying Scotsman belongs to. NRM, Mallard

2. MythFlying Scotsman was definitely the first locomotive to reach 100mph.

   FactIn 1934 it was clocked at 100mph on a special test run, officially the first locomotive in the UK to reach that speed. NRM Some claim the locomotive City of Truro was first past 100mph, in 1904, when it apparently reached 102mph running down a slope. BBC, 2016

3. MythFlying Scotsman has always been green.

   FactIn the Second World War it was painted wartime black, like all railway stock. NRM British Railways was formed in 1948, and Scotsman, now number 60103, was painted blue for a time, then BR Green. NRM

4. MythIt has always carried the number 4472.

   FactThe National Railway Museum’s history page says it went into service on 24 February 1923, numbered 1472. NRM British Railways was formed in 1948, and Scotsman, now number 60103, was painted blue for a time, then BR Green. NRM

5. MythFlying Scotsman is only the name of a locomotive.

   FactFlying Scotsman is also a passenger service that has run on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh since 1924. NRM, 100 Voices Before 1924 that service was known as the Special Scotch Express, which dates back to 1862. NRM, 100 Voices

6. MythThe non-stop run worked because one crew drove all the way.

   FactIn 1928 it was given a new tender with a corridor, so a fresh crew could take over without the train stopping. NRM The corridor let the driver and fireman walk through to the carriages, so crews could swap mid-journey. NRM blog, 2016

7. MythIt has spent its whole life in Britain.

   FactIn 1969 it went to the United States on a tour meant to promote British exports. NRM It toured Australia in 1988 and 1989. BBC, 2023

8. MythIt is the same engine, with the same parts, as in 1923.

   FactOver its life it has had a constant turnover of parts, with changes to let it run in the 21st century. NRM blog, 2016

9. MythIt has always belonged to a railway company.

   FactIn January 1963 Alan Pegler bought Flying Scotsman, with a complete overhaul as part of the deal. NRM In 1973 William McAlpine heard what had happened, paid off the creditors, bought the locomotive and brought it home. NRM In February 1996 businessman Tony Marchington bought it outright for £1.25 million. NRM

10. MythLots of its sister engines survive.

    FactIt is the only one of its class that has been preserved. BBC, 2023