Flying Scotsman 'creating a real vibe' on visit

People gathered on the platform at Grosmont Station to see Flying Scotsman in steam

One of the world's most famous locomotives has been creating a "real vibe" during a visit to a heritage railway line.

The Flying Scotsman is in residence at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway until 12 November, and will haul special trains between Pickering and Grosmont.

The preserved line's staff it was a "huge honour" to welcome the engine as part of celebrations marking 200 years since the birth of rail travel in Britain.

Director of engineering, Paul Middleton, said: "It doesn't get any more special than Flying Scotsman; this is the big one."

Debbie Croft visited from Newcastle and said it was "so cool" to travel behind the legendary locomotive

One of the first people to book a seat for the 36-mile round trip was Debbie Croft from Newcastle, who said she was "obsessed" with the locomotive.

"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," she said.

"When I saw it coming into the platform I actually screamed 'oh my god' because it was just so amazing."

The event caused 'gridlock' in Grosmont on the first day as hundreds of passengers tried to park near the station and many more spectators arrived in the village to take photos.

Chief engineer Paul Middleton made sure Flying Scotsman was fit for service

The Flying Scotsman was built at Doncaster Works in 1923, and worked the London to Edinburgh route until its retirement in 1963. It is now owned and maintained by the National Railway Museum in York, who carefully manage its schedule of workings and appearances.

Mr Middleton has been caring for the engine at the end of each day's journeys in the shed at Grosmont.

He said he was "enjoying the opportunity" to showcase an "engineering marvel".

"If you've never experienced all the chuffing and the clickety-clack, and the smell of the hot oil and smoke, you really must," he said.

"It's a living, breathing machine and riding behind it is a bit like time travel."

Built in 1923, Flying Scotsman made history as the first UK steam locomotive to officially reach 100mph

Helen and Graham Kemp travelled from Cumbria for a "once in a lifetime" experience on board the Scotsman.

"My husband's absolutely mad about trains," Mrs Kemp said.

"And of course this is the most famous train in the world. Everyone needs to experience it at least once."

Helen and Graham Kemp said it was "utterly magical" to experience part of British railway history

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