London - The Flying Scotsman has topped a poll of the world’s best known trains and locomotives.
The National Railway Museum asked people across four continents to name five trains or engines they had heard of and the Scotsman topped the poll just ahead of the Rajadhani Express – the pride of India’s network – the Orient Express and the Ghan, Australia’s 1 800-mile pan-continental service.
The museum is gearing up for the train’s return to the tracks early next year after a decade-long, £4.2-million renovation.
It returned to public ownership after it was bought from money donated by the public and the result of the poll was released to coincide with the 81st anniversary of the Flying Scotsman being the first locomotive to break the 100mph barrier.
The 92-year-old engine, which was the first to haul the London to Edinburgh service non-stop, will tour the UK as a working museum exhibit, educating people about the wonders of its steam engineering.
Stephenson’s Rocket also featured high in the poll, as did Mallard, the fastest-ever steam locomotive.
And there was also room for some childhood favourites, with the Rev Awdry’s Thomas the Tank Engine and Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express steaming into the top 25.
Daily Mail