A roller coaster history on two of our most famous trains we have had the good fortune to have had the pleasure to journey in. For some of us that is.
And to those who have yet to do the Royal Scotsman hotel locomotive experience
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On one of my travels upto Edinburgh this August for Edinburgh, standing on the Platform waiting for my train, when in pulls very slowly a train that had travelling down from Scotland. At first I blindly ignored it as it sat there, people starring out the coach windows when the name on the side of the train caught my eye. THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN. I then noticed that it indeed had a majestic look about it and the crew getting on and off the train seeing to its needs you could see had a look of being so very proud probably privileged to even having the opportunity to work on that fabulous moving machine. Yes an air of superiority surrounded the train and probably rightly so. I also never realised how interesting the history of trains really is.
But before I go into the story of the Royal Scotsman and outline the amazing tours you can take n this train as a luxury holiday treat, I want to talk about the FLYING SCOTSMANS not to be mistaken for the Royal Scotsman. Trains infact have been quite an invention, and curiosity for this fabulous piece of moving machinery took me to doing some research on the internet, and for those that do know thier trains will know that the Flying Scotsman was indeed a very famous and much loved train. From what I have picked up online is that the first steam locomotive was built around 1804 known as the Penydarren and built by Richard Trevithick in Wales.
Years later in 1923 Number 4472 The Flying Scotsman ( Originally number 1472 ) was built at Doncaster works by a design of H N Gresley. This magnificent moving machine has set two world records for steam traction it was authenticated for doing 100 miles an hour on November the 30th 1934, to go onto a new record 8th August 1989 whilst in Australia for the longest non stop run for a locomotive for 422 miles.
And to those who have yet to do the Royal Scotsman hotel locomotive experience
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On one of my travels upto Edinburgh this August for Edinburgh, standing on the Platform waiting for my train, when in pulls very slowly a train that had travelling down from Scotland. At first I blindly ignored it as it sat there, people starring out the coach windows when the name on the side of the train caught my eye. THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN. I then noticed that it indeed had a majestic look about it and the crew getting on and off the train seeing to its needs you could see had a look of being so very proud probably privileged to even having the opportunity to work on that fabulous moving machine. Yes an air of superiority surrounded the train and probably rightly so. I also never realised how interesting the history of trains really is.
But before I go into the story of the Royal Scotsman and outline the amazing tours you can take n this train as a luxury holiday treat, I want to talk about the FLYING SCOTSMANS not to be mistaken for the Royal Scotsman. Trains infact have been quite an invention, and curiosity for this fabulous piece of moving machinery took me to doing some research on the internet, and for those that do know thier trains will know that the Flying Scotsman was indeed a very famous and much loved train. From what I have picked up online is that the first steam locomotive was built around 1804 known as the Penydarren and built by Richard Trevithick in Wales.
Years later in 1923 Number 4472 The Flying Scotsman ( Originally number 1472 ) was built at Doncaster works by a design of H N Gresley. This magnificent moving machine has set two world records for steam traction it was authenticated for doing 100 miles an hour on November the 30th 1934, to go onto a new record 8th August 1989 whilst in Australia for the longest non stop run for a locomotive for 422 miles.
The Flying Scotsman has had a colourful history, if this moving machine had been a humane it would have been the envy of many, having gone through many modifications, renumbered several times and had a few major over hauls over the years riding the tracks. Described as the most famous of all Locomotives it was retired after 40 years of hard service in 1963. But not to be forgotten, much loved, and soon in the hands of Alan Pegler who took ownership of this magnificent machine and died at the age of 91 after using all his family fortune on restoring this locomotive. The Flying Scotsmans coat of colour had always been an apple green, but had to be sprayed black during the war time. After the war it had been given a new coat of colour and was even blue but only for a short spell before being sprayed to a Brunswick green.
It is a huge task to take on ownership of any train, even for the rich, running costs are high, the Flying Scotsman had seen a few go bankrupt looking after thier dream, therefore the Royal Scotsman was sold and seen with a fair number of new owners over the years. It has toured extensively all over the world United states, Canada and Australia. This machine so fabulous added to its portfolio of famousness has been featured in films, making its' first appearance in 1929 in the film The Flying Scotsman. Seen in a British rail advert, featured in the series Thomas and Friends which was renamed Tender Trains. then again it appeared in the film 102 Dalmatians in 2000 preparing to haul the Orient Express
MOVING ON TO THE SUBJECT OF THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN HOTEL TRAIN
This will be one of the worlds finest luxury train experiences you will ever have
The Royal Scotsman as I saw for myself is a gem of a train, originally introduced to passengers as an express passenger locomotive in 1927 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow. It was named Royal Scot after the Royal Scots. these superior trains are like owning a prized animal, the love and attention they get is beyond the general public's pockets, with the numerous modifications, paint jobs, over hauls to keep it upto date with modern technology, offering comfort and the best views of our countryside. Not to mention the travels that has taken the Royal Scotsman and its crews all over the world. If only trains could write a book. The Royal Scotmans today is a touring holiday hotel on wheels, yes you have it, you will eat, sleep, see wonderful sights of Scotlands most eye catching sights, with unquestionable luxury cabins and superior service to freshly cooked food. this is an indulgence that should be on your bucket list.
It's simple, one of our most favourite hotel trains
The cars save the 1928 era diner, are of 1960's vintage equipment, recast into an Edwardian confection of varnished woods, polished brass and fine fabrics, with an open air observation platform. Put together for those that appreciate a more intimate luxury setting. The list of tours around the Isles and highlands of Scotland, the lochs and Glens will bring you a romantic beauty view of Scotlands heritage and lands. For an exceptionally grand tour and to see the splendour of Scotland, England and Wales, you will depart from Edinburgh, thus making a rare cross border foray, ran only once annually, also limited to just 36 guests at any given time. For this trip of a lifetime you will need to plan and book early to avoid any disappointment. The Royal Scotsman will be home to you over 7 nights exploring the very best of England.
The cars save the 1928 era diner, are of 1960's vintage equipment, recast into an Edwardian confection of varnished woods, polished brass and fine fabrics, with an open air observation platform. Put together for those that appreciate a more intimate luxury setting. The list of tours around the Isles and highlands of Scotland, the lochs and Glens will bring you a romantic beauty view of Scotlands heritage and lands. For an exceptionally grand tour and to see the splendour of Scotland, England and Wales, you will depart from Edinburgh, thus making a rare cross border foray, ran only once annually, also limited to just 36 guests at any given time. For this trip of a lifetime you will need to plan and book early to avoid any disappointment. The Royal Scotsman will be home to you over 7 nights exploring the very best of England.
Tours on this fabulous locomotive can be anything form 2,3,4,5 and 7 nights. You will tour the Lochs, Glens, visit Country homes and gardens and even do a whisky tour. This is not only one of the best adventures you will experience but it is also a learning experience a once in your life time extravagance. Be one of the few privileged to climb aboard the The Royal Scotsman locomotive.
Follow the Royal Scotsman on Facebook Further Information here for Scotlands online train enthusiasts community.
Written by Susanne
for scotlets.co
Follow the Royal Scotsman on Facebook Further Information here for Scotlands online train enthusiasts community.
Written by Susanne
for scotlets.co