The presenter spends a year working with the team of engineers who have been commissioned to rebuild the most famous steam engine in the world. Starting in February, Robson is given the task of cutting off the front end of the Scotsman and welding on a whole piece, and sets out to Durham, where he discovers how the invention of the steam engine helped to change the world. After a year in the workshop, the iconic train is ready for its first test run, and Robson realises a lifelong dream and gets to ride on the footplate as it sets off.