Today marks the anniversary of a landmark moment in British railway history. On 30 November 1934, the steam locomotive Flying Scotsman achieved a recorded speed of 100 mph during a test run. This run is widely cited as one of the first authenticated instances of a steam locomotive reaching that speed, and it contributed to Flying Scotsman’s enduring fame.

Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 at Doncaster Works for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Originally numbered 1472, it was renumbered 4472 and given the name “Flying Scotsman” shortly afterward. The locomotive became one of LNER’s flagship engines, hauling express passenger services and helping to define long-distance rail travel on the East Coast Main Line.

In 1934, LNER arranged a test run to demonstrate the locomotive’s high-speed performance. The run covered a section of line between Leeds and London, and on this occasion Flying Scotsman’s speed was officially recorded at 100 mph. The conditions of the test were designed to showcase the engine’s performance capabilities, though detailed information about the train’s load is not clearly documented.

There had been earlier claims of other locomotives achieving similar speeds. Notably, the City of Truro is sometimes cited as having reached or exceeded 100 mph in 1904. However, differences in measurement standards and documentation mean these earlier claims remain disputed. As a result, Flying Scotsman’s 1934 run is often recognised as the first officially authenticated 100 mph steam run, though it cannot be stated with absolute certainty that no earlier locomotive had achieved the same speed.

Flying Scotsman went on to become arguably the most famous steam locomotive in the world. Its 100 mph milestone is a defining moment in its long career, symbolising the engineering capabilities of its era and inspiring admiration among railway enthusiasts and the public alike.

On this day — 30 November — we remember Flying Scotsman not only for the speed record but also for its role in the development of express rail travel in Britain. The 1934 run demonstrated the potential of steam locomotion and helped establish the locomotive’s lasting legacy in railway history.