Forum Topic

The Flying Scotsman runs 5th March through West London

The Flying Scotsman is leaving Paddington around 7.15am on the 5th March steaming to Worcester via Solugh, Reading and Didcot.What I would like is suggestions of reasonable near viewing locations from anyone familiar with the route through West London.Thank's.

Adrian Irving ● 1674d11 Comments

This looks like the route.https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64028/2022-02-19/detailedFor locations, maybe Ealing Broadway? I'd have thought there is a better view from a platform there than from a bridge.

Michael Robinson ● 1674d

Does anyone know if the London mayor Sadiq Khan has called for any ban on these beautiful old-fashioned coal-fired railway trains spewing coal dust and carbon fumes all over his "Greatest City In The World" Green Capital? Thank you

Bobbie Carnegie ● 1674d

If he hasn't then he will do so soon. Probably too busy accepting freebies to sporting events to worry hopefully.

Peter King ● 1674d

Thank's Michael, that's most helpful.

Adrian Irving ● 1674d

I need to double check...but my suggestion is the New Southall station.From the platform one can view a mile or two of straight track to watch the Locomotive approaching from West Ealing and Hanwell.Worth a reconnaissance?

Jim Lawes ● 1674d

Thank's Jim. I will take a look.

Adrian Irving ● 1673d

What about the footbridge at Southall. Only problem is it could get crowded. Dolphin junction near Slough is another location I have used. You can park in the side roads and walk to the bridge there.

Nicholas Beard ● 1672d

Thank's Nicolas.I have done a reconnaissance and looked over,Iver, Southall and Hanwell.Hanwell has a very good view down the track and has a beautifully maintained old world charm.I  checked out the footbridge at Southall, although it has windows it is feels enclosed and wouldn't give the full experience of sound, steam and speed.

Adrian Irving ● 1672d

For the last complete HST (Inter-City 125) out of Paddington in May 2019 I used West Ealing station, standing on platform 3 (there are no platforms 1 or 2 on the fast lines).  A still from the video is below. I'm hoping that the detailed timetable will be published on realtimetrains.co.uk a few days before the Flying Scotsman trip.  If so, I'll copy it here.

Richard Jennings ● 1672d

Richard,it would be helpful if you could publish a more detailed timetable.At the moment the only information I have is from the organisers website quoted below. "Our steam train leaves London Paddington at around 07:15 hauled by steam locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line."

Adrian Irving ● 1671d

Will you be filming it.

Janice Evans ● 1671d