A History of Royal Scot
From 1927 to 2017, Royal Scot very nearly has 90 years of stories to tell, with many more adventures yet to come. Explore her past with us...
Royal Scot Returns
First mainline run in over 50 years
Royal Scot ready for the off at Crewe with her first main line train in over 50 years!
Ready for the big day!
Royal Scot simmers at Crewe the night before her first main line train in over 50 years!
In fine form!
Royal Scot speeds past Eldroth on her first loaded main line train in over 50 years!
Steaming for action
Royal Scot being readied for her first main line test runs at LNWR Heritage in Crewe.
Return to the main line
Royal Scot made her main line return (diesel hauled) on November 25th.
High speed testing on the Severn Valley Railway
Royal Scot was tested at up to 50mph before venturing onto the main line.
Return to public service
Royal Scot hauled her first public train for over six years at the Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala.
Back in action on the Severn Valley Railway.
The LNWR Heritage team work with the SVR crews to put Royal Scot through her paces.
Royal Scot back in action on her first test run.
Royal Scot arrives at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway.
Our first look at Royal Scot's British Railways insignia, affectionately known as 'The Cycling Lion'.
Royal Scot cools after a successful first steaming.
Pressure climbing before Royal Scot's first steam test.
Royal Scot wears her name and number plates for the first time.
A first look at the old and new gauges inside Royal Scot's cab.
Royal Scot comes together for the first time after 5 years.
With undercoat applied the last components are being attached to Royal Scot.
Royal Scot in Service
Retirement
Royal Scot was among the first of her class to be retired in October 1962. Only one other member of the class was preserved: Scot's Guardsman
Rebuilding
Starting in 1943 the LMS rebuilt the Royal Scot's with new frames, boilers and cylinders. Royal Scot's turn came in 1950, resulting in a much improved engine.
British Railways
In 1948 the 'Big Four' railway companies, including the L.M.S. were amalgamated into the new nationalised British Railways. As a result Royal Scot changed from No. 6100 to No. 46100.
Touring America
After the World's Fair No. 6100 toured the USA and Canada, climbing the Rocky Mountains, travelling from Montreal to Missouri and seen by over 3 million people.
Chicago World's Fair
In 1933 Royal Scot attended the World's Fair in Chicago, showcasing the latest technical innovations of the age, with the motto 'Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Conforms'.
Identity Change
In 1933 King's Dragoon Guardsman became Royal Scot, in anticipation of the LMS representing Britain at the World's Fair. When she returned the identities weren't swapped back.
The Royal Scot
In October 1927 the first Royal Scot's were delivered to the LMS, revolutionising services on the West Coast from London to Manchester, Carlisle and Glasgow.
Placing an order
Depsite testing a GWR engine the LMS had to borrow drawings for the Southern Railway's Lord Nelson Class. They ordered 50 Royal Scot class locos from North British.
Borrowing a Castle
In 1926 the LMS borrowed a Castle from the GWR to find out the best features of the class to help design their own engine.
The L.M.S.
Formed in 1923 the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company was the largest railway company in Britain and by 1938 was to operate almost 7,000 miles of track.