Sold out two weeks after its announcement, Steam Dreams’ King’s Cross-York ‘Alan Pegler Farewell’ special hauled by Flying Scotsman was, by popular passenger accord, a fitting tribute to the train’s namesake.
Organised by Steam Dreams’ chairman David Buck at the request of Alan’s daughter, Penny Vaudoyer, the availability of the A3 on Saturday, October 13 was the result of the friendly co-operation of Scotsman’s operator, Riley Engineering, the National Railway Museum and Network Rail.
The train enabled a request laid out in Alan’s will that half of his ashes would be placed in Flying Scotsman’s firebox as the 4-6-2 climbed Stoke Bank. The remainder is to be given similar treatment on the Ffestiniog Railway.
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During the outward journey to York and after the train had departed Peterborough, David escorted Penny onto Scotsman’s footplate, gaining access via the A3’s tender corridor.
The committal of Alan’s ashes was accompanied by a long blast on Scotsman’s whistle, with passengers remaining silent as a mark of respect.
A second blast signalled the end of the minute’s silence, inviting passengers to toast Alan’s memory and achievements with a glass of champagne.
Read more and view more images in Issue 248 of HR – on sale now!
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