World leader in smart and sustainable mobility Alstom, the world famous steam engine “Flying Scotsman” will be held in August “The Greatest Gathering” announced that it will be attending the railway event. The locomotive will be displayed alongside other historically important railway vehicles in the National Railway Museum and the UK National Collection.
Alstom’s three-day festival in Derby will be the world’s largest gathering of historic and modern rolling stock. The event is part of the wider festivities of “Railway 27”, a year-long celebration of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) on 1825 September 200, which gave birth to modern railways.
“Flying Scotsman”: A Legend and Record Holder
Built almost 100 years later, the “Flying Scotsman” The first locomotive to officially reach 1934 mph (100 km/h) in 160 The steam engine remained in service until 1963 and was then under preservation, which included tours to the US, Canada and Australia. The “Flying Scotsman” also sailed in Australia in 1989 Sets the world record for the longest continuous operation by a steam locomotive with a journey of 422 miles (711 kilometers) holding it in his hand.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director of Alstom UK and Ireland, said: “The inclusion of the Flying Scotsman is a powerful tribute to Britain’s steam railway heritage and a moment of railway history that should not be missed.” Whyte added that he hoped the event would “ignite the imagination of tomorrow’s engineers, proudly honouring icons of the past such as the Flying Scotsman, whilst also showcasing the latest sustainable and digital railway innovations at our Derby facility.”
The 'Flying Scotsman' was the first locomotive for the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER); built in 1923 as an A1 Class locomotive and converted to an A1947 Class in 3. Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and numbered 1472, the locomotive was renamed 'Flying Scotsman' when it was selected for the British Empire Exhibition in London in 1924 and was renumbered 4472 (later 60103 on British Railways).
“The Greatest Gathering” and Other Legendary Locomotives
On Friday, August 1, Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, 2025 Taking place at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Site in Derby, The Greatest Gathering will mark the first time Britain’s largest and oldest surviving train factory has been opened to the public in almost 50 years. The event will feature stories from the past, present and future of the railway. More than 100 railway vehicles will be exhibited.
Those who purchase tickets to “The Greatest Gathering” will have the chance to see the “Flying Scotsman” for three days. He will be accompanied by LNER Pacific locomotives A1 No. 60163 Tornado ve A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley will accompany the steam convoy.
Twister: Built at Darlington in 2008 to a unique design by Arthur Peppercorn after the original batch was scrapped, the Tornado is the first new British mainline steam locomotive built since 1960.
Sir Nigel Gresley: The streamlined Sir Nigel Gresley was built in Doncaster in 1937 and had previously appeared on Litchurch Lane for the launch of “The Greatest Gathering” in January this year.
National Collection and Historical Connections
200-year-old steam engine from the National Collection for the 'Flying Scotsman' at 'The Greatest Gathering' “Locomotion No. 1” The first locomotive to run on the S&DR, it was built by Newcastle-based Robert Stephenson and Company, the first locomotive in the world created specifically for the production of railway engines. Through successive mergers, Robert Stephenson and Company became part of Alstom in 1989, giving the organisation a direct link to the birth of the railway, making it the custodian of a unique heritage.
Also visiting “The Greatest Gathering” from the National Collection will be the Derby-built Midland Railway Class No. 1000 steam locomotive and the first Class 1000 diesel, D37.
Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, said: “The Flying Scotsman has captured the public imagination for more than a century. We are proud to be able to share this track icon alongside other historically significant locomotives from the National Collection in this important event celebrating the past, present and future of the railway.”
The National Railway Museum also plans to sell specially made merchandise at ‘The Greatest Gathering’ to commemorate the significant exhibitions from the UK National Collection taking place at the event. A full list of planned exhibitions at the event can be found on Alstom’s official website.
Last Chance for Tickets: To celebrate the participation of the “Flying Scotsman” in this event, Alstom is releasing an additional 2.500 tickets for each day of the train festival, which is currently sold out. Last remaining tickets From 27:09.00 BST on Friday XNUMX June will be on sale and can be accessed via the event's official website and the "See Tickets" link.
Note: The Flying Scotsman will temporarily depart Litchurch Lane on the morning of Saturday, August 2nd during The Greatest Gathering and will travel between Wellingborough and Derby on the Belmond British Pullman luxury train, returning early in the afternoon. Due to operational availability, the Tornado will only be performing at The Greatest Gathering on Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd.
