Flying Scotsman to pass through Norfolk next week for anniversary …

You could catch sight this summer of the renowned Flying Scotsman as she tours the country in celebration of her 100th anniversary, which will include a visit through Norfolk. The legendary Flying Scotsman was one of the most powerful locomotives on the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) as a part of the A1 class and was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.

She was built at Doncaster Works in 1923. On Saturday, June 24, The Great Yarmouth Flyer will allow passengers to embark on a journey along the past LNER route, following the iconic Flying Scotsman.

The trip will start at London King’s Cross and follow a route of stunning scenery through Potters Bar, Stevenage, Cambridge, Ely (with the famous Fens) and Norwich, before stopping temporarily at Great Yarmouth. In preparation for her return journey to London King’s Cross, The Flying Scotsman will be serviced, allowing those aboard The Great Yarmouth Flyer to discover the well-liked seaside town of Great Yarmouth.

The Great Yarmouth Flyer will follow in the famous footsteps of the Flying Scotsman on its return journey from Great Yarmouth, taking a diversion via the Wensum curve before reuniting with The Flying Scotsman at Ely for the return to King’s Cross. Timings have not been released to the public, due to safety concerns.

Due to the high popularity of the event, The Railway Touring Company has released a safety message, warning that they "appreciate there is considerable interest in Flying Scotsman, but stress that anyone wishing to see Flying Scotsman on route should do so from a safe and permitted place - trespassing along rail lines or into prohibited areas of train stations is dangerous".

A spokesperson added: "It is vital that spectators do not venture onto the railway when Flying Scotsman is on the main line as a full timetable of regular services will also be running. For safety, keep away from the railway line.

"To avoid overcrowding and incidents of trespass and to assist the British Transport Police and Network Rail, The Railway Touring Company and the National Railway Museum will not publish details of Flying Scotsman’s route or journey times – this includes positioning moves."

Limited tickets are available for The Great Yarmouth Flyer, and can be found on their website here.^[2]

References

^{^} Rare 'rainbow birds' return to Cromer nesting spot for second year in a row (www.norfolklive.co.uk)
^{^} here. (www.railwaytouring.net)