The Bluebell Railway has announced extra dates and services when the world-famous locomotive Flying Scotsman visits the railway this summer.

Flying Scotsman was originally scheduled to visit the railway last August 2022, but now the locomotive’s caretakers at the National Railway Museum have arranged an extended visit to the Bluebell for later this year.

For seven days from 23rd to 29th August, Flying Scotsman will be operating non-stop return services between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.

From 30th August to 3rd September, Flying Scotsman will be on static display at Sheffield Park where visitors can view the locomotive and step onto the footplate.

Tickets for Flying Scotsman’s trips between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead and for the footplate viewings must be pre-booked and can be booked online at https://www.bluebell-railway.com/flying-scotsman-2023/

Flying Scotsman last visited the Bluebell Railway in 2017 when people travelled from far and wide to view it on Bluebell rails. This year, Flying Scotsman will operate both regular services and special dining trains, but to cover the expected increase in visitor numbers the railway is looking for extra volunteers in most roles and departments.

Flying Scotsman entered service in February 1923 as the first locomotive of the London and North Eastern Railway and was named after the daily 10.00 London to Edinburgh rail service. It was withdrawn from service in 1963 but was saved by Alan Pegler before embarking on a new life in preservation.

Last year, it underwent an overhaul to prepare it for this year’s centenary celebrations. As part of the overhaul, Riley & Son (E) Ltd restored the locomotive to the same standard as its last overhaul in 2016, focusing on the boiler with retubing and recertification.

Bluebell Railway chairman Paul Churchman said: “After a lot of work on the part of The Bluebell Railway, and the locomotive’s caretakers, The NRM we are thrilled to confirm the world-famous Flying Scotsman is to visit us once again, notably in its centenary year.

“The visit to the Bluebell Railway will be one of the chances to see the famous engine during its centenary year. We look forward to seeing you later in the year, if not before.”

You can find out more on our special Flying Scotsman Page