Rivals Reunited

About

We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming back the iconic Flying Scotsman to Didcot Railway Centre to star alongside Pendennis Castle. On the 100th anniversary of their first meeting, we are beyond thrilled to bring them together again.

In 1924/25, an event at Wembley probably had the most important effect on Wembley's history and this was the British Empire Exhibition. The idea for a great exhibition to show off the industry and natural resources of the British Empire was first suggested before the First World War. In 1919, the Prince of Wales agreed to be the president of the organising committee for an exhibition whose aim was ....to enable all who owe allegiance to the British flag to meet on common ground and learn to know each other.

By 1921 the former park grounds at Wembley Park had been chosen as the place to hold it, within easy reach of London and with a good railway service. It was an exhibition like no other and the engineering hall featured some of the greatest mechanical feats in the world. To this day, these remain steeped in history.

The first part of the exhibition at Wembley featured GWR Caerphilly Castle, now on display at the STEAM museum in Swindon, and when the exhibition reopened in May 1925, Pendennis Castle had taken its place.

It was at that exhibition in May 1925 that Pendennis Castle and Flying Scotsman first met. For the last 100 years, these two icons of steam have a rich history together, having both been owned by Sir William McAlpine (Bill) in the 1970's. Not only did the engines meet here in the UK over the course of their lives, they also met in Australia where Pendennis Castle was resident for a while. They last met together in 1988.

In addition, we are also delighted to be joined by No 31, which is the resident steam locomotive at Fawley. This was also owned by Bill McAlpine. The engine was used on a series of famous construction projects in her time. The Empire Exhibition and Stadium Complex at Wembley (1923-1924), RAF Boscombe Down (1944) and Llanwern Steelworks (1960-1961) were just a few examples. Ordered by the Ministry of Fuel and Power, it was built in 1913 and delivered new to Robert McAlpine & Sons, Cuffley. It was painted in Caledonian Blue, a colour that it retained throughout its working life. It worked on a number of building contracts including Wembley Stadium (1923-1924), RAF Boscombe Down (1944) and Llanwern Steelworks (1960-1961). The locomotive was rebuilt by Hudswell Clark & Co in 1938.