Rail enthusiasts in Denbighshire were given a unique opportunity to see the Flying Scotsman, dubbed a ‘national treasure’ as it steamed through the county last Wednesday as part of its UK tour.
The train has been travelling across the UK and today it was the turn of crowds in North Wales to see the train at first hand as it travelled from Crewe to Holyhead, passing Prestatyn and Rhyl along the way.
The official Flying Scotsman website outlines its history: “The locomotive was built in Doncaster becoming the first locomotive of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). It was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A1 class – the most powerful locomotives used by the LNER at that time.
“By 1924, when it was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, the loco had been renumbered 4472 – and had been given the name ‘Flying Scotsman’ after the London to Edinburgh rail service which started daily at 10am in 1862.
“The British Empire Exhibition made Flying Scotsman famous, and it went on to feature in many more publicity events for the LNER. In 1928, it was given a new type of tender with a corridor, which meant that a new crew could take over without stopping the train. This allowed it to haul the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service on 1 May, reducing the journey time to eight hours”.
Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “There has been a lot of interest in the Flying Scotsman and its visit to different parts of the country.
“We are delighted that enthusiasts, residents and visitors have been given this unique opportunity to see the train travel through Rhyl and Prestatyn, with passengers on the train itself also able to take in the scenery along this popular and scenic coastal route.
“Of course, Rhyl has a long history with the railways. The station building near the town centre opened in 1848 on the main Chester and Holyhead Railway. The station also served the Vale of Clwyd railway, with regular shuttles between Rhyl, Denbigh and Corwen”.
To learn more about the Flying Scotsman, please visit: www.flyingscotsman.org.uk
