Heritage, Flying Scotsman; Virgin East Coast & CrossRail

Harry here! The most significant today is of course the return of the Flying Scotsman, following it's £4 million refurbishment. Further to our recent post, I am delighted to bring you updates regarding it's Trip North from London Kings Cross today, Thursday 25th February 2016. 


Departing London Kings Cross on time at 07:41, there was certainly a large number of spectators for the entire route. Although none of the team could attend, there were indeed many photos published on Social Media (including over 12,000 messages for it on Twitter, causing the event to be trending worldwide).

But it wasn't all simple and plain sailing! The locomotive, which has now been painted into BR green livery, and 300 passengers in its ensemble of carriages, made it as far as Cambridgeshire before being delayed due to 'trespassers on the tracks' - naughty train spotters!

Once moving again following this abrupt, unscheduled stop, the train made its way North almost 1 hour and arrived to almost 1000 people on the Platforms of York. Back on home soil throughout the course of the journey.

Arriving at 13:20 approximately, the consist stayed in the station for numerous hours for photo opportunities before going on display at the National Rail Museum.

What's next for the Scotsman? Well, an exhibition will be undertaken from March through until May at the National Rail Museum, whilst this train will also see use on Mainline and Heritage Route Operations throughout the year. Overall, lots to look forward to! So don't worry if you missed the re-launch, as there are many events upcoming!

Whilst on the topic of the Flying Scotsman, Virgin East Coast also have launched their first refurbished Class 91 set - the Flying Scotsman set - complete with mood lighting on top of all the features listed here. 

Finally, to CrossRail. The route is to be named the Elizabeth line when the service opens in December 2018 to honour Queen Elizabeth II. Perhaps, 'QE Tube' would of been more appropriate? ;-)

I spotted this hilarious photo by Nando's and could not resist sharing it in this post. Seriously though, a map of the route and how it connects the stations. ^Harry
Regards:

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