One of the world’s most iconic locomotives, the Flying Scotsman, is delighting railway enthusiasts during a special visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The historic engine will haul special services between Pickering and Grosmont until 12 November as part of celebrations marking 200 years of rail travel in Britain.

Staff at the preserved line described it as a “huge honour” to host the legendary locomotive. Paul Middleton, the railway’s director of engineering, said: “It doesn't get any more special than Flying Scotsman; this is the big one.”

Fans were quick to snap up tickets for the 36-mile round trips. Debbie Croft from Newcastle, who described herself as “obsessed” with the train, said: “As soon as I heard about it on Facebook I was straight in there to buy a ticket because I've only ever seen it in a museum. When I saw it coming into the platform I actually screamed 'oh my god' because it was just so amazing.”

The locomotive’s arrival caused congestion in Grosmont on the first day, with hundreds of passengers attempting to park near the station and many more spectators gathering in the village to take photographs.

Built at Doncaster Works in 1923, the Flying Scotsman operated the London to Edinburgh route until its retirement in 1963. It is now owned and maintained by the National Railway Museum in York, which manages its schedule of appearances carefully. Middleton has been caring for the engine at Grosmont each evening and said he is enjoying the chance to showcase a “living, breathing machine.”

He added: “If you've never experienced all the chuffing and the clickety-clack, and the smell of the hot oil and smoke, you really must. Riding behind it is a bit like time travel.” Visitors Helen and Graham Kemp from Cumbria described their journey as a “once in a lifetime” experience. Mrs Kemp said: “My husband's absolutely mad about trains. And of course this is the most famous train in the world. Everyone needs to experience it at least once.”

Image: NYMR