HOME ENGINES TRAVEL BRITANNIA Explore the history of Britannia The first of 55 express passenger locomotives built by British Railways, Britannia entered service in 1951 and worked the fastest services from London to East Anglia and latterly on the West Coast Mainline. Icons Of Steam Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 15 YEARS SERVICE 68 YEARS OF AGE 75 MILES PER HOUR 94 TONS OF ENGINE A NEW BREED The First Standard As the first class built by to a new design by British Railways the Britannia's incorporated design features from the engines of the former 'Big Four' railway companies. Capable of working fast express passenger trains and more menial freight work, the Britannia's were amongst the most versatile locomotives in the BR fleet. FIFTEEN YEARS SERVICE Working with BR After her construction at Crewe works, Britannia entered service in 1951. For the early part of her life she was based in London and East Anglia, working fast boat train services to the eastern docks. In her later years she was transferred north west, to work heavy trains on the West Coast Main Line from Manchester, Carlisle and Glasgow. RETIREMENT Britannia Enters Preservation She was eventually retired in May 1966 and was initially mooted to become part of the National Collection. This was not to be and she instead passed into private hands. A NEW AGE The Royal Scot Trust After two periods of running in preservation, Britannia became part of the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust in 2009. An unfortunate series of setbacks in 2013 and 2015 meant that Britannia required an extensive overhaul before being returned to steam again in 2018. She can now be seen on our mainline tours and numerous heritage railway visits across the country. Photography courtesy Andrew Shapland. OUR ENGINES Royal Scot Britannia Braunton Lord Dowding The Sherwood Forester Blue Peter Bittern King Edward I Nunney Castle 4270 92212 Raveningham Hall Port Line Holland America Line EXPLORE RAILWAYS Journey By Steam Our Locomotives 532interactive The Britannia Story History of Royal Scot Farewell to Bittern Football Special ABOUT US About Us Royal Scot Trust Get Involved Vacancies Contact Us Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube ICONS OF STEAM Copyright © 2012 - 2018 Locomotive Services Ltd. All rights reserved. Privacy Site Map Staff Login Legal Contact Us