60103 'Flying Scotsman' Races up Stoke Bank with The Centenary Weekender Day 1 - 30/06/23

Closing her centenary specials in the south of England, LNER A3 60103 'Flying Scotsman' worked The Centenary Weekender from Kings Cross to Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Day 1 saw the train running from London to York, day 2 and the special reached Edinburgh. After a day in the Scottish capital, day 4 would see the train reach the 'Granite City', Aberdeen. The special would end with a marathon run from Edinburgh back to London, with 60103 surrendering her position at the front of the train at York, returning to Kings Cross diesel hauled.

The A3 is first seen on the climb of Stoke Bank between Grantham and Peterborough at Lawn Lane, Creeton, not far from the location where the engine was clocked at 100mph in 1934. Class 57 57012 is seen clearing the line ahead of 'Flying Scotsman' looking for any trespassers before the A3 approaches. A short while later and 60103's exhaust can be heard as she charges up the 1-in-200 gradient. Once LNER Class 91 91106 has speeded raced past 'Flying Scotsman' with 1S10, the A3 nears the camera and the cacophony from the chimney grows stronger. Stomping up the bank with the 12 coach load plus Class 47 47812 at the rear, providing no assistance.

Next the train is seen at 'Flying Scotsman''s birthplace, Doncaster. A quick look around the locomotive works and the train pulls into a busy platform 4, crowded with local dignitaries and the media. With 57012 once again leading the way, the A3 prepares to depart. Driver Chris Cubitt sharply blasts the whistle before the train gets underway and a very throaty succession of chuffs commence, as 60103 continues its journey to York.

Fantastic to see 'Flying Scotsman' firmly on home soil where she belongs putting in another cracking performance!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Lawn Lane
01:53 - Doncaster

Filmed on a Panasonic HC-X1500 with an AudioTechnica AT8024 microphone.


Enjoy.