TRAIN fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat when the eyes of the railway world turn to North Yorkshire later this month.

Four trains spanning four generations will run side-by-side to celebrate the past, present and future of the East Coast Main Line.

The world famous Flying Scotsman will travel alongside two trains from Virgin Trains’ revitalised fleet - an HST Class 43, an InterCity225 Class 91 - and the rail operator’s brand new train, the Virgin Azuma Class 800 which is being built by Hitachi in the North-East and will come into service in 2018.

The historic occasion will begin at 6am on April 23 at Tollerton, some ten miles north of York, and the trains will travel four abreast and arrive in York at around 8am for a special celebration lasting around an hour.

The partners behind the spectacular show are Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, the National Railway Museum and Hitachi, which constructs the Azuma at its Newton Aycliffe plant.

The best views will be from York station where a giant screen will broadcast live footage of the trains - and the public are advised to head there

Those hoping to glimpse the trains as they travel between Tollerton and the station are urged to stay safe behind boundary fences and keep off both the tracks and private land.

Organisers say any trespassers will cause the trains to stop and put at risk the completion of both this event and any future plans to showcase the route and its iconic locos.

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Sir Gary Verity said: “We’re immensely proud to be flying the flag for this once in a generation railway spectacular.

“This event shows yet again how Yorkshire is leading the way and the timing is perfect, throwing the county firmly into the spotlight just days before the start of the Tour de Yorkshire.”

Rob McIntosh, the managing director for Network Rail on the London North Eastern and East Midlands route, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create such a prestigious and unique event for the people of Yorkshire.

“The area has a very proud rail heritage and by working closely with our industry partners we’ve been able to turn what has been a logistically challenging vision – to create an iconic railway moment on the East Coast Main Line without impacting on regular passengers - into what will be a truly special occasion.”

National Railway Museum director Paul Kirkman said: “The East Coast Main Line has long been famed for speed and style. In the 19th century elegant locomotives were designed to haul trains on this route cementing its reputation as a railway racing stretch operated by thoroughbred engines.

“The four train line up epitomises the evolution of the later generation of fast, elegant and stylish trains - all with a shared bloodline - that epitomise the history of the route from the 1850s to today.”

Virgin Trains managing director David Horne added: “We’re delighted to present this unique event that showcases the past, present and future of rail travel in the UK.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the icons of the railways and look forward to 2018 when we’ll usher in a new era for travel on the East Coast route.”

  • If you plan to photograph or video this historic happening contact The Northern Echo. Email newsdesk@nne.co.uk or call 01325-505065.