Royal Scot was built in 1927 for the fastest trains on the London Midland & Scottish Railway.

Royal Scot was the first in a new breed of steam locomotives, built by the LMS for their fastest passenger services from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

She was chosen to appear on behalf of Britain at the 1933 'Century of Progress' exhibition in Chicago, USA. The locomotive as well as a full rake of carriages were shipped to the United States and appeared not only at the exhibition, but also toured the USA and Canada, even crossing the Rocky Mountains!

Royal Scot was rebuilt by British Railways in 1950 and went on to serve another 12 years in traffic on the West Coast Main Line. She was eventually retired in October 1962 and was purchased by Billy Butlin. She became a star attraction at Butlins in Skegness as a static exhibit.

Royal Scot briefly returned to steam at Bressingham Steam Museum from 1972 to 1978 before spending almost the next 30 years as a static exhibit. She briefly steamed in 2009 before it was discovered that a major overhaul was required.

Royal Scot, which was built in 1927, was the first in a new breed of steam locomotives, made by the LMS for their fastest passenger services from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. She was then rebuilt by British Railways in 1950 and went on to serve another 12 years in traffic on the West Coast Main Line. She was eventually retired in October 1962.

After a major overhaul, Royal Scot returned to steam in September 2015. She made her successful main line debut on December 22nd and 23rd with test runs from Crewe to Carnforth and return. She hauled her first main line passenger train for over fifty years on February 6th 2016 from Crewe to Holyhead and will travel through the North York Moors National Park from Saturday 25th March 2017.

 

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Facts & Figures

THE BASICS
Designer Henry Fowler
Company British Railways
(originally LMS)
Class Rebuilt Royal Scot
Built At North British Glasgow Works
Entered Service 1927
Number of Class 70
LMS Number 6100
BR Number 46100

POWER
Power Class 7P
Wheel Arrangement 4-6-0
Boiler Pressure 250psi
Cylinders 3: 2 outside, 1 inside
18in x 26in
Driving Wheels 206cm diameter
Tractive Effort 33,150 lbf
Valve Gear Walschaerts

IN SERVICE
Loco Weight 85 tons
Max Speed Over 100mph
Coal Capacity 7,000 kilograms
Water Capacity 18,000 litres
Range 300+ miles
Withdrawn October 1962

PRESERVATION
Bought from BR Late 1960's
Max Speed 75mph
Range 100 miles
Last Overhaul 2015
Boiler Ticket Expires 2022
Owner Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust
Current Status Undergoing testing
 

The Royal Scot Trust

Based in Crewe, London and North Western Railway Heritage are dedicated to the overhaul and restoration of steam locomotives for both preserved railways and main line operation. The Royal Scot Trust are dedicated to the preservation and operation of heritage steam locomotives on the mainline and preserved railways of Britain. www.royalscot.org.uk

Icons of Steam

With twelve magnificent steam locomotives in our charge which operate on preserverd railways and the main line railways of Britain.

By working with the Royal Scot Trust, who own six of our locomotives, and other groups we are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that our railway heritage and the associated skills are being preserved for generations to come. www.iconsofsteam.com

Photo Credit: Bob Green