CROWDS clambered and strained for a vantage point, its progress was slowed when onlookers got a little too close, but on Thursday night rail enthusiasts and the just plain curious got to see the Flying Scotsman steam through the region.
The legendary locomotive travelled from York, through the likes of Northallerton, Eaglescliffe, Middlesbrough and Nunthorpe on its way to an extended visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
After undergoing a £4.2m overhaul by the National Railway Museum, the Scotsman will be running three journeys a day on the historic railway from Saturday (March 12) until Sunday, March 20.
The Flying Scotsman steams through Northallerton, above. Video: James Garthwaite
Pulling a single carriage, its journey was witnessed at every stage by hundreds of people young and old. Armed with cameras and mobile phones, they cheered and clapped as it passed onward. There were reports of people on the track near Eaglescliffe and its journey was slowed as a result.
Flying Scotsman passes through Nunthorpe. Video: Emma Sadler
On Friday Flying Scotsman will be in Pickering Station between 11am and 1pm.
While at the NYMR it will be in steam each day, apart from Monday, March 14 and Friday, March 18.
Tickets to ride behind the legendary locomotive are sold out.
Chris Price, general manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said: “We are looking forward to being the first heritage railway in the country to welcome this prestigious locomotive fully decked out in its final colours.
“This record-breaking locomotive is probably one of the world’s most famous engines, and the only survivor out of a class of 78, making it very special.
Arrival at Glaisdale Station. Picture: Glenn Kilpatrick - www.whitby-photography.com
“We’re understandably incredibly excited about Flying Scotsman arriving and I’m sure that many others will be too, although we do urge anyone wanting to take photographs to do so from a safe distance and refrain from straying onto the railway itself.
“After recent events, British Transport Police has confirmed that if people are seen trespassing on the tracks, they risk being brought before the courts, a fine of £1,000 and a criminal record.”
Crowds on the platform at Nunthorpe. Picture: Matt Mohan-Hickson
Visitors attending the event will have the chance to see the famous Flying Scotsman and also hop aboard a variety of other heritage trains.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most historic lines in the North of England, with an 18-mile line and a further six miles into the heart of Whitby, aboard steam and heritage diesel trains.
Scotsman at Grosmont Picture: Glenn Kilpatrick - www.whitby-photography.com
For further information or to pre-book tickets online before your visit please go to www.nymr.co.uk
For regular news, updates and competitions, North Yorkshire Moors Railway is also on Facebook www.facebook.com/northyorkshiremoorsrailway and Twitter www.twitter.com/nymr.
For more information about National Railway Museum please visit www.flyingscotsman.org.uk.
GUIDE TO THE FLYING SCOTSMAN VISIT
FS – Flying Scotsman. DMU – Scenic Diesel Railcar. N/S – Non Stop. S/D or D/S – Top & Tailed with a Steam and Diesel Locomotive.
GETTING THERE
Sat Nav postcodes for Pickering - YO18 7AJ; Levisham - YO18 7NN; Goathland - YO22 5NF; Grosmont - YO22 5QE; Whitby - YO21 1DX.
DISTANCES BY ROAD:
Pickering to Scarborough 17 miles; Pickering to Whitby 21 miles; Pickering to York 25 miles; Grosmont to Whitby six miles; Grosmont to Middlesbrough 26 miles.
Pickering Station is just off the A170 between Scarborough and Thirsk and lies just off the A169, nine miles from Malton and the A64.
Goathland and Grosmont Stations can be reached from the A169 Pickering to Whitby road or the A171 Whitby to Guisborough road and are well signposted.
CAR PARKING
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has car parks at Pickering, Levisham, Goathland and Grosmont Stations. Parking is limited and can fill up on busy days, remember to allow adequate time to park, buy tickets and catch your train.
Additional overflow car parking is also available at Moorland Trout Farm, Pickering, 200 metres beyond the NYMR station car park and is well sign posted.
Parking is also available in Pickering town centre, and at Pickering Antique Centre on Vivis Lane - not an NYMR car park.
Pickering and Grosmont Stations offer all-day car parking for £5 - five £1 coins are required. Goathland Station costs £3.50 per day. Levisham Station offers free car parking but a donation to Levisham Station Group is requested.
VANTAGE POINTS
Goathland Station
http://goo.gl/maps/vg14c
A steep incline into the station. A quick walk up the hill on the opposite side can give you a wide shot of the station and if you follow the path north you can get shots of Darnholme bend.
Moorgates Bridge
http://goo.gl/maps/A3Wyk
Get a wide shot as the train passes over the road.
Darnholme Bridge
https://goo.gl/maps/NQd8f2CxVSS2
Great for shots above the line.
Summit
http://goo.gl/maps/uYxXi
The highest point along the line, and Lyke Wake walk passes across the line.
Skelton Tower
http://goo.gl/maps/YmPuw
Great viewpoint looking up the line, does require a 20 minute walk to get to from the nearest road.
New Bridge Crossing
http://goo.gl/maps/bJEI4
Views from the signal box and level crossing.
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