Age of Steam returns to Warrington with Royal Scot

STEAM train spotters in Warrington were given a rare treat earlier today when the historic Royal Scot passed through town on it’s way to Carlisle from Crewe on a special rail enthusiast trip.

The train passed trough the Warrington area at 9am where bridges and any spot available en route were lined with train spotters.

These pictures were captured by local photographer Eddie Whitham

The Royal Scot was brought back into service in February after a three year revamp which cost almost £1m.

Royal Scot was built in 1927 for the fastest trains on the London Midland & Scottish Railway.

The Royal Scot was the first in a new breed of steam locomotives, built by the LMS for their fastest passenger services from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

She was chosen to appear on behalf of Britain at the 1933 ‘Century of Progress’ exhibition in Chicago, USA. The locomotive as well as a full rake of carriages were shipped to the United States and appeared not only at the exhibition, but also toured the USA and Canada, even crossing the Rocky Mountains!

Royal Scot was rebuilt by British Railways in 1950 and went on to serve another 12 years in traffic on the West Coast Main Line. She was eventually retired in October 1962 and was purchased by Billy Butlin. She became a star attraction at Butlins in Skegness as a static exhibit.

Royal Scot briefly returned to steam at Bressingham Steam Museum from 1972 to 1978 before spending almost the next 30 years as a static exhibit. She briefly steamed in 2009 before it was discovered that a major overhaul was required.

Royal Scot returned to steam at the Severn Valley Railway in September 2015. She made her successful main line debut on December 22 and 23 with test runs from Crewe to Carnforth and return.

She hauled her first main line passenger train for over fifty years on February 6th from Crewe to Holyhead.
History courtesy http://www.iconsofsteam.com/