A spectacular sight in full flow, the iconic Flying Scotsman will be passing through Chester this month.
The first steam locomotive to officially clock 100mph, it has been restored to its former glory and enthusiasts now have the chance to get on board tours of the UK and Ireland.
Devoted trainspotters can see the Flying Scotsman through Chester on June 15.
But ‘for safety reasons’ more specific times for when the locomotive is passing by are being kept secret.
Network Rail said ‘a huge number of trespassers’ keen to get a look at the Scotsman risked their lives by straying on to rail tracks earlier this year, which is why the precise timings of future journeys have not been divulged.
The Scotsman’s appearance in Chester forms the opening day of The Emerald Isle Explorer trip to and from Ireland from London.
History of the Flying Scotsman
Built in Doncaster in 1923, the Flying Scotsman went on to become perhaps the most famous locomotive in the world.
Put into service initially on the London and North Eastern Railway, the train served through the Second World War and the nationalisation of the country’s railways.
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The Scotsman retired in 1963 after covering more than two million miles of British track.
Named for the daily London to Edinburgh rail service, it also set a second world record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive in 1989.
A series of owners preserved the train as it toured across the globe, before a campaign surged to have it restored in 2006.
Ten years and a £4.2m investment later, the legend was ‘brought back to life’ in its iconic green coat.
'Safety reasons'
A statement on the Steam Dreams website says: “Please note that for safety reasons we are unable to give out the timings for these trips to anyone who is not travelling.”
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For further information and prices for remaining tickets for trips with Flying Scotsman, contact the Steam Dreams booking office on 01483 209888 or visit www.SteamDreams.co.uk.
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