The Flying Scotsman Returns to London For it's Centenary

This past weekend saw the iconic Steam Train the Flying Scotsman return to London's

Kings Cross Station for a weekend of celebrations to mark it's centenary.

The all ticket event on Platform 8 was sold out but the rest of the public were able to view

the Steam locomotive from the Station's concourse as well as from the adjoining platform.

So I was happy to get a few pictures from just a few feet away having missed out on a ticket.

The lucky few with tickets were allowed close up access and some even took advantage

by having their pictures taken up in the train drivers cab. There was also quite a bit of activity  

on the main Station concourse with several stalls set up selling Flying Scotsman

merchandise. And the whole event was organized by The National Railway Museum.

And yet it's easy to see how loved this iconic train is when you observe all the enthusiasts

that were there on Saturday morning. Perhaps we're all nostalgists at heart. And with

all the changes we've seen in Britain, one thing we do still have is our beloved Flying Scotsman.

And so 2023 is going to be a busy year for this steam legend as a busy itinerary has been

planned with many stops and Flying Scotsman journeys that are to take place around the U.K

next year.

The weekend's event coincided with the 170th Birthday of Kings Cross Station when

it first opened it's doors to rail passengers on the 14th of October in 1852.

EXPLORE THE FLYING SCOTSMAN'S

CENTENARY PROGRAMME HERE

THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM HOME PAGE

Above is the statue of Railway Engineer Sir Nigel Gresley who designed the Flying Scotsman

as well as the famous Mallard. It can be found on the main Kings Cross concourse.

Below is just one of the merchandise stalls selling Flying Scotsman memorabilia as part of

the weekend's celebrations. 

Above:  I was quite taken with this new Flying Scotsman Christmas card, but unfortunately

none of the merchandise stalls had any. So I might have to send off for one.

Above is the model railway that is on display in the new family hospitality room, as sort of 

waiting room to keep the kids occupied while waiting for their train departures.

Below; Quite a crowd of Harry Potter fans was building up for a chance to have their photo

taken by the nine and three quarter Platform sign. The sign is right next to the Harry Potter

merchandise shop.

Above is St Pancras Station.

Below is the spectacular Gothic Victorian architecture of St Pancras and the iconic St Pancras

Renaissance Hotel which first opened in 1873 and was designed by George Gilbert Scott, 

although it was originally called The Midland Grand.

   

A Festive St Pancras and some Novelty Festive Bus Tours.

THE ST PANCRAS STATION FLORAL CHRISTMAS TREE

Above and below is the rather impressive floral festive tree that
stands on display in St Pancras International Station.
The 47ft tree was designed by luxury florists Moyses and features
roses, petals and pine cones instead of string lights.
The tree will stay up until January 3rd.

 

Below: The John Betjeman Statue as well as The Lovers Statue.

 

Now here's a festive novelty. A private Vintage Bus Company is running a free vintage
bus ride service in the Capital on Christmas Day.
With all of London's buses taking the day off for the holidays, a 1950's RT double
decker will ply part of the 430 route,  from Putney Bridge to Roehampton.
Running from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, the route terminates at Danebury  Avenue in
Roehampton Village, close to a community centre which is hosting a free lunch
and dinner for those who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day on their own.

I do miss the old Routmasters even though one or two still run around the Capital,
but just not in my part of town. The current crop of new London buses still seem to
be having problems with their stop and start quick breaking. And any older passengers
navigating their way to a seat might just endure a touch of whiplash when these
new buses slap on those rapid breaks.

For more information on the Christmas Day Vintage Bus visit their website at....

THE VINTAGE CHRISTMAS DAY BUS

Below: Yet another London Bus novelty tour that takes in the sites
around the Capital while you tuck in to tea and cakes, but at quite
a hefty price.

LONDON BUS AFTERNOON TEA TOUR 

Below: There's even a special holiday Bus tour around some of the
capital's festive sights taking in the street lights and many
of the decorated Stores.

CHRISTMAS BUS TOUR & AFTERNOON TEA