LOCOMOTIVES past, present and future came together in a spectacle to quicken the heart of rail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

In a once-in-a-lifetime event, four mighty engines rolled side-by-side along the East Coast main line in a scene that created a piece of railway history.

In a staggered formation they travelled four abreast the ten miles from Tollerton to York, never exceeding a stately 25mph to give the watching crowds a chance to see them in all their glory.

The famous Flying Scotsman was joined by two trains from Virgin Trains’ revitalised fleet — an HST Intercity 125 Class 43 and an Intercity 225 Class 91.

And representing the future was the first new Virgin Azuma Class 800, which is being built by Hitachi in the North-East and will come into service in 2018.

The historic run was months in the planning with the idea first emerging last year when Flying Scotsman went back on the rails after its restoration.

It took a long time to find a time when the tracks would be free to host four trains travelling in the same direction and York was chosen partly because engineering works up the line at Thirsk meant the rails would be empty for a few hours.

The journey though the Yorkshire countryside was enjoyed by crowds of rail fans who took advantage of viewing points along the route to marvel at the unique spectacle, which concluded at York station – where a giant screen had been erected so fans could watch all the action.

The event was organised by Virgin Trains, the National Railway Museum, Network Rail, Welcome to Yorkshire and Hitachi to celebrate the start of a new chapter for one of the country’s most iconic railway lines.

The director of the National Rail Museum, Paul Kirkman, said: "In what is genuinely a world first with our engines of the past, present and future coming together in this way, we are delighted to have supported this unique celebration of our railway heritage, unlikely to be seen again in our lifetimes.

“It’s fitting to see the Flying Scotsman participate in something of this magnitude.”

Network Rail’s managing director for the route, Rob McIntosh, added: “The East Coast main line and its long heritage is uniquely placed to have run these four historic trains from four different generations side by side.

“This was a long-standing vision for both myself and our industry partners and that vision has become a reality, creating a wonderful occasion to help us celebrate our proud rail heritage as well as the ongoing success of Britain’s railways.

“To have achieved this truly special, once in a generation event with the eyes of the world watching – and to have not caused any disruption to regular rail passengers - makes me immensely proud to have helped to make a moment in railway history.”