Iconic Flying Scotsman faces being barred from mainline rail routes …
The iconic Flying Scotsman[1] steam train could be forced off certain main lines – due to new rules set to come into force.
Hull Live[2] reports that new regulations have stated that all trains[3] on main lines should have central locking, in order to improve safety.
However, historic[4] trains like the Flying Scotsman have their doors all opened and locked individually with a traditional bolt key.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has called for companies to modernise the carriages with a central door locking system.
The rail watchdog has argued that centrally-controlled locking systems prevent passengers from opening certain doors when the platform is too short to access.
An exemption from regulations banning trains without central locking expires next month, but West Coast Railway Company Limited – owners of the Flying Scotsman – are hoping to have these rules reviewed.
An ORR spokesman said: “A regulation prohibiting relevant organisations from operating rolling stock with hinged doors for use by fare-paying passengers, without the means of centrally locking them in a closed position, came into force on 1 January 2005.
“ORR has granted relevant organisations exemptions from this regulation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with powers afforded to it.
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“ORR determined that it would not issue West Coast Railway Company Limited (WCRC) with an exemption from this regulation in decisions issued on 31 January 2023 and 16 March 2023.
“WCRC has informed ORR that it proposes to challenge these decisions. ORR intends to defend this claim.”
The Flying Scotsman was originally built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), and is considered a historic landmark for British engineering and railway history.
The locomotive, with the official designation LNER Class A3 4472, gained its name from the train service it hauled between London and Edinburgh, known as the “Flying Scotsman.”
The train was renowned for becoming the first steam locomotive in the UK to achieve a record speed of 100 miles an hour in 1934.
The Flying Scotsman has already undergone a plethora of changes and modifications throughout its time on the lines, and was converted to a different class (Class A1) in the 1940s.
The train has also been painted in different liveries over the years, and received a different numbering system (60103).
The steam train retired from regular service in 1963, and is now become a popular attraction for steam train enthusiasts around the world, after being bought over by private owners.
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