By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The owner of the Flying Scotsman, arguably the world’s most famous steam locomotive, has selected a new operator for the 4-6-2 that will see the engine running for years to come. 

London & North Eastern Railway Class A3 4472 was outshopped at the Doncaster Railway Works in Doncaster, England, as an A1-type locomotive. After a storied career on the L&NER and Britsh Railways, the locomotive was sold to businessman and railway preservationist Alan Pegler in 1963 and became one of the first preserved locomotives to run on the main line in the post-steam era. Since then it has had a number of owners, most recently the National Railway Museum. 

NRM has contracted with other outfits to operate the locomotive and that agreement went out for a new bid earlier this year. Last week, the museum announced that Northern Steam Operations Limited had won the contract to care and operate the engine until 2032. As part of the deal, the locomotive is expected to be on display at least 30 days every year, make 15 heritage railway visits annually and hit the main line on at least 20 excursions throughout the year.