The Flying Scotsman’s stay in County Durham has been extended until later this year.
The world-famous locomotive is taking part in the museum’s Summer at Locomotion festival and was originally due to leave the site on August 18 - but it has now been confirmed that it will be staying in Shildon until September 1.
Over 5,000 people have already taken a ride on a train hauled by Flying Scotsman during the festival.
More opportunities to book a ride have been released, plus a limited number of previously sold-out exclusive ‘footplate experiences’, which offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride alongside the driver in the cab.
Due to popular demand, Locomotion is now also offering footplate experiences on a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket and the 08 Diesel Shunter.
Behind-the-scenes tours of Flying Scotsman’s support coach have also been extended until the end the festival.
A free ‘Shildon-by-the-Sea’ pop-up beach and a host of kids’ activities are also on offer during the festival.
The Flying Scotsman will also be on static display on selected dates with an opportunity to explore the cab.
Lead sponsor Hornby is displaying a special model railway layout during the festival, running the ‘Flying Scotsman’ with a Steam Generator model locomotive and a selection of hands-on railway-themed activities.
Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said: “Summer at Locomotion has been a huge hit so far. I’m thrilled that our visitors will now get the chance to experience Flying Scotsman up close right up until the end of the school holidays, and there’s so much going on besides. Come and join our summer celebrations!”
Locomotion now boasts the largest undercover collection of historic rail vehicles in Europe, with over 100 vehicles on display.
A new 47-vehicle collections building was added in May 2024, alongside other improvements to the site.
Highlights of the collection include Locomotion No.1, which hauled the world’s first passenger train on the Stockton and Darlington railway in 1825.
Rocket and Sans Pareil are also on display— together again after they faced off in the historic 1829 Rainhill Trials.
A model railway weekend in association with Locomotion Models will also take place, including a large-scale model railway layout in front of the museum’s Main Hall.
Hornby marketing manager, Catherine Dunning, added: "We are thrilled to be the lead sponsor of Summer at Locomotion. This partnership highlights our dedication to celebrating railway history and inspiring future generations of train enthusiasts.
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“At Hornby, we believe in the magic of railways and their ability to inspire, educate, and entertain. We look forward to celebrating the history and excitement of rail and we hope this event will inspire and captivate railway enthusiasts of all ages."
Ben Simkin, Director of CrossCountry’s North East & Scotland Region, who are also sponsoring the event, said: “We’re pleased to support Summer and Locomotion and hope that as many visitors as possible can make it to Shildon over the holidays.
"While Flying Scotsman has proved to be a scene-stealer, it’s great to be able to enjoy such a range of railway heritage whilst also educating young people on the history and contribution of the railway in Britain.”
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