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2023 has been a really good year for steam trains in the UK. However, 2023 was a year of celebration for two different types of steam engines. The world's most famous steam locomotive 'Flying Scotsman' and The Great Western Castles celebrated their 100th birthday since their introduction to steam back in 1923. The Flying Scotsman was to tour the whole of Great Britain pleasing and attracting crowds wherever she went, ranging from as far south as Cornwall right up to the North of Scotland. She became a railway magnet in 2023, particularly during her centenary celebrations, it made more news than ever before. The Great Western Castles also drew a lot of attention from the general public with not one, not two, but three Castles in steam during their centenary celebrations. One of the Castles is 4079 Pendennis Castle which steamed around various heritage railways including The Severn Valley Railway and The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. The other two were Tyseley Castles for the mainline circuit with 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle doing the honours. Occasionally, 5043 and 7029 would double head railtours across the southern part of the country.
The highlights of the centenary year for Flying Scotsman included tackling the fearsome South Devon Banks of Rattery and Hemerdon as well as her visit to Cornwall on The Royal Duchy back in April and then tackling the Lickey Incline signing of the Flying Scotsman Centenary tour in style. The highlights of the Great Western Castles were Pendennis Castle's brilliant display of power and grace on the Severn Valley Railway and the two Tyseley Castles double heading to Didcot and The Welsh Marches, as well as the amazing unassisted climb up the Lickey Incline making steam preservation history in the process.
As always a big thanks to all the operators and volunteers for their relentless effort which without wouldn't make this video possible. Also, A big thanks to all my subscribers and viewers for your comments and support throughout the year, you guys have been so supportive and generous, my second part of 2023 will be uploaded very soon. I hope you guys love the video.