In March 2016, the most famous train in the world, the Flying Scotsman, returned to the tracks to great delight amongst the British public, receiving live national press coverage on its inaugural run from London to York.
Two weeks later the Scotsman headed to Pickering to run a series of sold-out services on the North York Moors heritage railway. Beverley Grammar School Year 12 student Phil Akester had the honour of being chosen to fire the train for its first run to Grosmont on Saturday 12th March.
For the past few years Phil has been volunteering in his spare time for the North York Moors Railway. Phil was personally asked to work on the famous locomotive by Riley & Son (E) Ltd., the engineering company responsible for the ten-year restoration of the Flying Scotsman, originally built in Doncaster in 1923.
Head master, Gavin Chappell, commented;
“Phil has clearly gained a reputation for both his firing abilities and his reliability. We think that this is a fantastic achievement and our congratulations go out to Phil.”
In Year 11, Phil studied Engineering at Beverley Grammar School and has certainly put the skills he learnt into practice.
As the interest in steam railway heritage continues to grow, Phil is seriously considering a career working full time on the railways when he leaves Beverley Joint 6th.
