Flying Poem by Mary Champion

Legend'ry engine, Doncaster's beauty,
born of the brilliance of Nigel Gresley.
4-4-7-2, that was the number;
apple-green livery - gleaming wonder.
L -N -E- R, the badge it was wearing.
Driven by men both dashing and daring.
Then, in November 1934
exuding a power, none could ignore,
it left Leeds station in a cloud of steam,
off on a mission, pursuing a dream.
Driven by Sparshott with fireman Webster,
full steam ahead - today they would test her.
Faster and faster the engine thundered,
breathless bystanders stood there and wondered.
Passing them all like a roaring dragon,
filling their hearts with a pride and passion.
Crossing Stoke Bank it fulfilled ambition,
winning historical recognition.
Doing the ton through the hills and the dales -
the Great Flying Scotsman - ruling the rails.