The National Railway Museum (NRM) is celebrating reaching a major milestone in its “Steam Our Scotsman” appeal

 Having saved No. 4472 for the Nation in 2004, the National Railway Museum (NRM) asked the public to help complete the restoration project to bring the well-loved locomotive Flying Scotsman back to the main line, by sponsoring various vital components involved in the overhaul.

Donations to the SOS appeal, which was launched at the beginning of the year, have now hit a substantial £100k. This represents a significant proportion of the £250,000 needed to help bring national icon Flying Scotsman back into steam.

But what has a Steam Train got to do with me?? 

The appeal has brought forward many people with a soft spot for Scotsman, including me the great granddaughter of train driver William Worboys.  He regularly drove the train between London and Edinburgh in the pre-war years – he was driving the train when it became the first steam train to travel at over 100 mph on 30th November 1934 on it’s regular run between Kings Cross and Edinburgh.  Apparently, they cleared the line to enable them to make the attempt!

William, who lived in Holloway, London and had 9 children, later became a minor celebrity of his day when he starred in an Ovaltine advertising campaign.

As soon as I found out about the SOS appeal I just had to get involved as I have such a strong personal connection with Scotsman. For me and my family this train is so much more than just a machine.

The quest to bring Scotsman back to Britain’s tracks has also struck a chord in a whole new generation of enthusiasts. Fundraisers at the NRM have been overwhelmed by the support received from young members of the public. Six year old Harry England from Norfolk organised a railway themed café day at his local village hall to raise money, while water baby Zak Parlby, also aged six, from Whitby completed a sponsored swim to help bring his favourite steam loco back on track.

Donators receive a certificate to recognise their contribution in bringing Scotsman back to steam. Parts on offer range from a bolt at £25 to the entire outer firebox at £100k.

The Steam Our Scotsman Appeal aims to raise £250,000 towards the overhaul – people can help by sponsoring one of the below vital components.  Alternatively, the public can donate whatever they can – all donations will make a huge difference.

• Outer firebox                  £100,000
  Smoke box tube plate   £50,000
  Ash pan                            £10,000
  Injector steam valve      £ 2,500
  Firebar                                     £75
  Tin of paint                             £50
  Bolt                                            £25

The progress of the appeal is indicated by a giant pressure gauge on the wall of the National Railway Museum and supporters can read the latest news about the restoration and the appeal on the Flying Scotsman microsite. Visitors to the Museum can also check out the latest progress on the restoration in the Workshop

• In 2004, Flying Scotsman was bought  for the nation by the NRM assisted by many supportive organisations including National Heritage Memorial Fund, and the generosity of the general public. Now the engine is undergoing a major overhaul, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund amongst other organisations, so the national treasure can return to the mainline once again.

• The restoration of Flying Scotsman is now on track for completion in 2010.

• The operating partners for Scotsman’s mainline operations in 2010 are the Railway Touring Company and Steam Dreams. Details of exact routes are still to be confirmed

Fran Critchley, Senior Development Executive at the NRM, said:
“We’ve been amazed by the support received and our next target is the half way mark. It just goes to show that even in today’s economic climate people are willing to commit to the causes they care deeply about. The chimney, whistle and valve, Fireman’s Seat and piston rings have now all found sponsors, but we still have a lot of tins of paint to buy and every little donation counts!”  

To donate, supporters should visit www.flyingscotsman.org.uk or contact the Museum’s development team on 01904 685707 or email sos.appeal@nrm.org.uk. Supporters can also write to SOS Appeal, NRM, Leeman Road, YORK, YO26 4XJ.

For more information please contact Gemma Sneyd, Press Officer, National Railway Museum, 01904 686271 gemma.sneyd@nrm.org.uk