GREAT to see the mighty Flying Scotsman back on the rails today after her many tribulations. Let’s hope that the skilled engineers appointed by the National Railway Museum have exorcised what many have long regarded as the “Curse of the Flying Scotsman”. And let’s not forget that great man Sir William McAlpine, whose rescue of the loco in 1973 ensured she is still with us today. As indeed is Sir William himself, vigorous as ever. (For an account of her pre-war glory days, read my book ‘Steaming to Victory’.)