Flying Scotsman comes face-to-face with its modern day equivalent

Flying visit: The Virgin Class 91 Flying Scotsman is lined up opposite the 1920s built steam locomotive Flying Scotsman
Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
Laura Proto25 March 2016

The Flying Scotsman has come face-to-face with its modern-day equivalent at the National Railway Museum.

A Virgin Trains powercar was taken to the York attraction on Friday morning and was placed nose-to-nose with its older relative.

The Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, made a triumphant return to the King’s Cross to York route last month after a £4.2 million decade-long refit.

The one-day visit from the modern powercar came as the National Railway Museum launched its Stunts, Speed and Style event, which gives visitors the chance to step on board the cab of Flying Scotsman.

Drivers: Mike Ingledew (left), driver of the Virgin Class 91 Flying Scotsman, with David Court (right), former driver of the 1920s built steam locomotive Flying Scotsman
Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

The six-week long opportunity will involve the famous engine alongside three other locomotives which have pulled the Flying Scotsman service - GNR No 1, Henry Oakley and the newly restored King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

Visitors to the museum can also take a virtual tour of the Flying Scotsman service through the ages with the museum's Service with Style exhibition.

Paul Kirkman, director of the National Railway Museum, said: "Our Scotsman Season is a tribute to all the people who have worked so hard to bring a legend back to life, from those that have worked on the restoration itself to the public that donated to our appeals."

Nose-to-nose: The two trains at the York museum on Good Friday
Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

The Good Friday event was not the first time the Flying Scotsman has come close to a Virgin Trains service.

A video of a Virgin train travelling past the historic engine went viral last month after it completely blocked trainspotter Ryan Allen’s view of the 93-year-old engine.

Virgin Trains apologised for the mishap and offered Mr Allen, 34, flights to Atlanta, Georgia courtesy of Virgin Atlantic.

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