Nostalgia Week – Flying Scotsman Ride

  

The Flying Scotsman is probably the most famous railway engine in the world and remains as much a favourite now as it did in its hay-day. Recently it has been given a complete renovation and looks brand new again in its deep green livery. It was taken on a tour around the UK giving as many people as possible a chance to see and experience it and provide a few with the opportunity to ride aboard the train.

  

Many people have fond memories of this stately old engine and many would jump at the chance of a ride in a train pulled by it.

 

This rarest of opportunities came our way recently when the newly restored Flying Scotsman was visiting the heritage railway near us, Severn Valley Railway where for a few days people were given the chance to ride with the stately engine. Naturally Jude and I with Daughter Jo and Son-in-Law Rob jumped at the chance to do so.

 

So as part of my week of nostalgia posts here is the story of that day. So many things we saw and experienced that day reminded us of childhood railway journeys that took us to holiday destinations around the British coast.

We waited patiently for the Scotsman to steam into Kidderminster Station and excitement rose as we smelt heard and then finally saw the beautiful old steam engine pull in. As it got closer the tension rose further! We would soon be off on a journey of a lifetime!

 

We walked slowly down the platform admiring the beautifully crafted wooden carriages where we would be spending our journey.

  

Once aboard, we chose our seats, got ourselves comfortable, settled down and enjoyed a coffee as we awaited our departure from Kidderminster to make our way to Bridgnorth Station aboard the train pulled by our favourite railway engines of all time, the Flying Scotsman.

    

The engine pulled its carriages out of the station, in a storm of white steam and black smoke beneath a pall of smuts and the aromas of fire, smoke, hot oil and nostalgia.

   

The Flying Scotsman drew crowds wherever a road or footpath came near enough to the track to see and smell its passing. As we passed cameras were raised to eyes and a multitude of photos taken in a few moments of steamy passing. A hoot from the engine driver greeted each group of spectators who reacted with raised waving arms.

   

In sidings along the way old rolling stock, goods carriages and line-repair vehicles waited their turn to be used or renovated.

A special surprise awaited as we left the station at Kidderminster, a miniature steam railway line which ran alongside the main railway. The engine doubled as a seat for the driver and children sat straddled the carriages.

 

A great day of memories and full of nostalgia which Jude and I shared with our daughter Jo and son-in-law Rob. A day we will never forget!

Come on a quick tour through my gallery of shots taken during our day with the Flying Scotsman.