Virgin Trains announced it will be adding the Flying Scotsman to its fleet to pull regular commuter services in a clever April Fools Day prank.
The unprecedented announcement came from the company this morning via social media, with notice of plans to repaint the historic loco in Virgin’s bright red livery. They also promoted a 25 per cent discount on train tickets for any passengers who help shovel coal on their journey!
The Flying Scotsman, which used to run the London to Edinburgh east coast route, was recently brought back into service by the National Railway Museum following a makeover.
Jim Lowe, Head of Operations at the National Railway Museum, said: “Flying Scotsman has had many different guises throughout its rollercoaster history, and we’re very excited about the steam star’s upcoming transformation. We hope that visitors to the National Railway Museum will be delighted to see locomotive in its new red and white livery as part of our exciting Scotsman Season.”
Hamish Soaring, Head of The Steam Train Rehabilitation Programme said: “At Virgin Trains we’re passionate about giving our customers an awesome experience and think that by bringing steam trains back onto our commuter service, we’re doing just that. We would encourage our customers to book the 25 per cent discounted tickets so we can ensure enough coal is being shovelled at all times!”