Channel 4 is firing up the engines on a new documentary series that tracks the legacy, mechanics, and myth-making around one of Britain’s most iconic machines. Secrets of Flying Scotsman premieres Saturday, 31 May at 8:20 PM, diving into the history of the steam locomotive that helped define an era of British engineering.
The hour-long opener unpacks how the Flying Scotsman—built in 1923—became the first steam train to break the 100mph barrier. Designed by legendary engineer Sir Nigel Gresley, the locomotive’s innovations included a corridor tender that allowed driver swaps without stopping, a game-changer in long-distance rail.
The doc isn’t just a greatest-hits reel of mechanical feats. The series also traces the train’s near-extinction in the scrapyard before being salvaged by entrepreneur Alan Pegler, a move that helped cement its status as a national treasure. It became more than a mode of transport—it was a symbol of post-war optimism and Britain’s golden age of steam.
Secrets of Flying Scotsman blends archival footage with new insights into how this engine went from cutting journey times to capturing the imagination of a country. The show tracks not only the highs of its 100mph headline and overseas tours but also its decline and eventual restoration.
