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Roger Westney
I saw Flying Scotsman screaming through Doncaster on the non stop run and have followed her ever since then. Loved it when she returned to York and had a great trip from York to Scarborough, and only last week I got to go in the cab. Also had great views on North York moors railway.
Andy Howes
My dad worked on the railway during the war doing his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Statford, East London. And my Uncle used to drive the US ambulance trains which operated around England during that time and then later became a Diesel train driver on the Eastern Region, Liverpool Street Line. The money paid to railway workers was very poor during and after the war I can remember my dad bringing home old sleepers strapped to his back on his bike so we could keep the fire going.
Diane Tusker
My mother, Mrs Vera Pass was the first woman to work at Retford Loco sheds during the war,they advertised for staff,my mother applied,and the foreman was surprised but said he was not looking for women, but dammed if wouldn't give her a go. She ended up a fitters mate. One day 'The Flying Scotchman' came in with a problem, it was worked on and my mother asked to drive it out the shed which she did and a short run to check it was okay. She later left to have a baby, my father got a Military Medal and was mentioned in dispatches.
Carol Betts
When my dad was Foreman at Euston station. When me and my brother were children we use to go over to the flying scotsman and stand by the fireman dad would explain to us about the engine and have bacon and egg off the shovel.
Trevor Smith
In the early 1950's, I was a keen Loco. Spotter in Cambridge. On one of several occasions, the Scotsman was on the Cambridge Buffet Express to Kings Cross. I was on the Platform next to the Engine and talking to the Driver about driving such a powerful Loco. Much to my surprise and delight, he asked if I would like to get on the Footplate. Checking that no-one was looking, he helped me up, saying "Don't touch any thing and keep away from the Firebox" He then let me sit in his Driver's Seat. What a wonderful experience, sitting there, with the Engine pulsating and the warmth from the Firebox, something I will always remember. I then left the Cab and watched The Scotsman power off to London. With great delight, I told my friends that I had "cabbed" the Flying Scotsman.
Marcus Burrows
I'm not sure exactly when this happened, but I am guessing it was 1994 or 1995. I was driving to work along the A312 around Hayes, when I spotted the 'Flying Scotsman' on a low loader, parked in a lay-by. How could I resist stopping to take a closer look? I pulled up behind the trailer and walked toward the object of my childhood fascination. As a mid-thirties 'professional' it took some wrestling with my conscience before I abandoned my 'grown-up' persona and climbed up onto the footplate. Imagine my sensation as I stood on the footplate of, yes THE FLYING SCOTSMAN! Clad in a business suit that was rapidly acquiring the grime of footplate life, did I care? Not a chance! I was going to be late for work and nobody was going to interfere!
Jimmy McCarthy
In 1981 when I was 13 years old I was chosen to play a leading role in a television advertising campaign for Hovis. The advertisement was called 'Trainspotters' and was filmed at the Keighley Worth Valley Railway over three days. Filming of the advertisement was put back twice and from what I remember the Flying Scotsman made the journey from The Railway Museum, York for filming. The excitement of the filming, the lighting, re-shooting scenes and not only seeing the Flying Scotsman for the first time but the section of filming sitting inside the locomotion was something that will stay with me forever.
Mike Charlton
When the Scotsman came into Doncaster for a refit when Mr Peglar owned this fantastic engine prior to going to the USA I worked on it's electrics. I should have gone with the Scotsman to the USA but the Foreman went in place of me. I was glad in a way as it broke down and a rescue fund had to be raised to bring her home. I worked on all the steam Loco's that came into Doncaster and they all got repaired in the Crane shop . I was a very lucky Apprentice . I have lasting memories of such great pieces of history . The Mallard, Sir Nigel Gresley to name just a couple. I never got to ride on any of them that I worked on which is a shame.
Sandra Phipps
As a young child I lived in a third floor flat overlooking the main Kings Cross to York line. My father knew a lot about trains and always knew when the Flying Scotsman was due. We would all stand on our balcony waiting for the event with great excitement. There was a tunnel very close by and if Scotsman was on the way to Kings Cross we would first be greeted by a huge cloud of steam, then the beautiful Scotsman would appear. We would also get a glorious whiff of the smell, nothing else like it ever.
Derek Crofts
Whilst a student in the summer of 1963 I was working in the BR Research Dept in Doncaster. Walking through the 'Plant' one day I came across a gentleman standing by the Scotsman. He asked if I would like to help with the engine preparation if I could spare the time. That man was Alan Peglar!