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Miniature Flying Scotsman for Island railway track

"The Flying Manxman"

Flying Manxman to attempt speed record

The Isle of Man is to have its own mini "Flying Scotsman".

Organisers of the Groudle Glen Railway network have announced plans for a one thirty-second scale model of the iconic loco to be called "The Flying Manxman". 

The news comes as the railway gears up for its Easter Bunny Specials.

It's hoped the train can be completed in time for the GGR's bicentennial celebrations, when, in a nod to the classic run of the Scotsman between London and Edinburgh, it will attempt to break the speed record between Lhen Coan and Sea Lion Rocks, currently standing at five minutes 25 seconds.

GGR volunteer Alex Brindley, currently on a visit to engineering works in Bolton, says the new train has a top speed of over 60 miles per hour.

He says it's been named "The Flying Manxman" after research indicated a proposed public ballot would choose the less appropriate "Trainy McTrain face".

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