Back on the Footplate: Rail Legend Returns to Flying Scotsman at 79

A rail worker whose career stretches back more than six decades returned to the cab of one of Britain’s most famous steam locomotives as Flying Scotsman drew crowds to Birmingham Moor Street.

Alan Newman, 79, currently a Duty Control Manager at Chiltern Railways, was reunited with the historic engine during its three-day visit to the city between Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 February. On Friday 20 February, he travelled on the locomotive into Moor Street before spending the afternoon on Platform 4 helping visitors as families queued to see and board the train.

Alan first entered the rail industry in 1962 at the age of 15. Over 64 years he has worked across a wide range of roles, including railroad fireman, train driver, driver instructor, train traction inspector, station manager at London Victoria and in national operational posts, as well as positions with Chiltern Railways. Between 1986 and 1987, he drove Flying Scotsman on Sunday Luncheon specials running from London Marylebone to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Now approaching his 80th birthday in November, Alan said the reunion brought back memories of his time on the footplate in the 1980s. The locomotive’s visit to Moor Street was managed by Vintage Trains, the charitably controlled operator which runs steam excursions from Birmingham throughout the year.

Alan Newman, from King's Sutton, Northamptonshire, said:

“I was proud to return to Flying Scotsman 40 years after driving it in the eighties. Seeing so many families excited to see the train brought it all back and really shines the railway in a positive light. The enthusiasm from the general public to see historic locomotives such as Flying Scotsman makes me proud to have worked in this industry since 1962.”

Tony Baxter, Operations Director at Chiltern Railways, said:

“Alan has had a long and distinguished career in rail and he is a credit to Chiltern Railways. It was wonderful to see Alan supporting the public visiting Flying Scotsman at nearly 80 years of age. The popularity of Flying Scotsman was evident last week as so many families were out to visit the locomotive at Birmingham Moor Street.”

Image: Chiltern Railways