Hopes iconic loco's visit will give railway a boost

A heritage railway and working museum said it hoped a visit by the legendary Flying Scotsman locomotive would give its finances a boost.

The Nene Valley Railway (NVR) said next month's appearance by the steam train in Peterborough was "important" and would "bring both railway enthusiasts and people who are not enthusiasts".

In May 2024, NVR launched a fundraiser with a £300,000 target as it faced an "unprecedented" risk of closure.

Michael Purcell, its chairman, said the volunteer-led organisation had raised about £80,000 so far, but was still "not out of the woods" as costs continued to go up.

For the last 40 years, NVR has offered visitors an immersive journey through time aboard restored steam and diesel locomotives.

But rising operating costs, the economic climate and dwindling passenger numbers since the pandemic had led to "stark financial challenges".

NVR reported having a "successful Christmas", with more than 10,000 passengers.

"This is hugely important for heritage railways like us", Mr Purcell said.

"The issue is, we had a few years of deficit, mainly due to the pandemic, and we have had to eat into our reserves, so we are trying to build our reserves for any unforeseen circumstances."

The Flying Scotsman has been described as a "locomotive with many rosettes" by Murray Brown, a railway author and enthusiast from Peterborough.

The steam engine, currently owned by the National Railway Museum, first entered service between London and Edinburgh in 1924.

In 1934, it was timed at 100mph (161km/h), which it made it the first locomotive in the UK properly authenticated to have reached that speed.

Mr Brown said: "It is widely seen as one of the best-looking locomotives ever built."

It will be visiting Peterborough from 22 February until 9 March as part of a celebration of 200 years of British Railways.

The locomotive BR 70000 Britannia, the first British Railways standard locomotive to be built, will also be a guest at NVR from 12 March.

Tickets for both visits are expected to go on sale this week.

Mr Purcell said: "We are so fortunate to get both of these locomotives.

"It is also important, as we are a volunteer-led organisation. For them to have the opportunity to have visits from icons is great for their morale."

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