1. Sir Jackie Stewart’s F1 car
Do you feel the need for speed? Then what better way to get
around than in a car that’s won eight Grand Prix races? That’s more
than any other car in Formula One history!
The 1971 Tyrell 003 F1 car currently parked in Hawthornden Court
is on loan to us from three times Formula One World Champion and
Scottish sporting legend, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. And if seeing the
car inspires you to get racing, you can try your skills in the Tour
of Scotland Grand Prix simulator, next door in the Connect
gallery.
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2. Concorde
F1 car not fast enough for you? Then why not follow in the
footsteps of the rich and famous and climb aboard Scotland’s
Concorde? Concorde was the world’s only supersonic passenger plane.
Flying faster than the speed of sound, you could fly
from London after breakfast and arrive in New York in time for
a second breakfast – the same day! Retired since 2003, Concorde is
still synonymous with elegance, luxury and living the high
life.
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3. Ellesmere steam engine
The Industry and Empire gallery on Level 5 of the National
Museum of Scotland is dominated by this vast steam locomotive. The
Ellesmere may not be going anywhere today, but then again this
hard-working engine deserves a rest. Built in Leith in 1861, it
toiled in a colliery in Lancashire for nearly a century, until
1957. Move over, Hogwarts Express!
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4. Sedan chair
And now for something rather more sedate. Forget steam power or
even horse power: the sedan chair was powered by people! This
handsome private conveyance was owned by Professor Alexander
Hamilton, Professor of Midwifery at the University of Edinburgh,
and his son and successor, Professor James Hamilton. It was used to
carry them through the crowded streets and narrow wynds of the city
on their medical rounds from c.1780-1839. You can find it on Level
3 of the Museum, in the Scotland Transformed gallery.
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5. ‘Tiny’ the R34 Airship
In 1919, ‘Tiny’ made a historic round trip from East Fortune
airfield to Long Island, New York, then back again to Britain. This
was the first direct flight across the Atlantic, and the longest
journey undertaken by an aircraft at the time. While you can’t see
Tiny herself at the Museum, you will get a chance to land her
safely at East Fortune using our life-size simulator. And if you
can’t wait, you can even have a go at piloting her in our online
game!
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