Waterloo Station
West Country no. 34040 'Crewkerne' awaits to depart with the 10.30am to Weymouth. The light engine in the background is Merchant Navy no. 35027 'Port Line' which had arrived earlier with the 7.23am from Bournemouth.

Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam engine, is a national treasure. Large crowds came out to see her early in 2016 when she returned to the mainline.

4472 was considered a national treasure 50 years ago.

Following its purchase and restoration by Alan Peglar in 1964, the engine was destined to travel to the USA on a trade mission. During the summer of 1966 4472 acquired a second tender and was repainted, the main difference being that the '4472' number was on the second tender and the cab featured the LNER coat of arms.

The 10 September tour was its first with this new livery, visiting Farnborough for the air show.

I took this opportunity to spend the day watching the trains and the air display from Farnborough station and get my first sight of 'Flying Scotsman'

The lower picture of 4472 was taken on 20 November 1999, just after it was bought by the late Tony Marchington and given an overhaul. By now the engine was running with an A4 boiler and double chimney but without the distinctive German style smoke deflectors. The drifting smoke shows why they were needed!

Both pictures were taken from the car park at Farnborough station.

The return journey with 4472 waiting the road. The train was largely formed of Metro-Cammell Pullman coaches, built in the 1960's for use on the East Coast main line.

The second picture shows a Waterloo bound electric train. By now the remains of the island platform had been removed, as had the rather fine signal gantry.

These pictures were taken 50 years less 3 hours apart.

The Bournemouth Belle Pullman train came through around 1.15pm hauled by Merchant Navy locomotive no. 35012 'United States Lines'

50 years and a couple of hours later, a class 159 diesel unit rushed through on its way to Salisbury and Exeter.

50 years later, September the 10th was a gray, wet and miserable day. Disappointing as the previous and following week were warm and sunny. Indeed the following Tuesday was recorded as the hottest September day since 1949.

Two stopping trains to Basingstoke. In 1966 the motive power was Battle of Britain no. 34057 'Biggin Hill' whilst in 2016, the standard Desiro electric unit no. 450-548 pulls away from the station. 

Over the 50 years, the trees on the left have developed, there are new office buildings on the right behind the station but the brick hut (to the right of the telegraph pole in the top picture) remains and the former goods yard to the right is now fenced off and is the station car park.

Merchant Navy no. 35023 with a London bound train and 50 years later, almost to the minute, a class 444 electric unit does the same journey.

In 1966 35014 'Nederland Lloyd' and 50 years on, another Desiro class 450