Watch: Flying Scotsman travelled from King’s Cross station to York today and there were crowds throughout the journey
Commuters in King's Cross were met with an unusual sight this morning.
The iconic steam train the Flying Scotsman has just left the station on its inaugural run to York after being painstakingly restored to its former glory.
After 10 years and £4.2m, the locomotive has been restored to its historic British Rail green, as it races up the East Coast Main Line from London. Once in York, it will be kept at the National Railway Museum until March 6, when it will embark on a tour around the country.
We're counting down to #FlyingScotsman's departure pic.twitter.com/wGpXwR39J5
— National Railway Museum (@RailwayMuseum) February 25, 2016
And we're off! #FlyingScotsman departs King's Cross on its historic Inaugural Run. pic.twitter.com/MYvQ6DxRpW
— National Railway Museum (@RailwayMuseum) February 25, 2016
We're up bright and early for #FlyingScotsman's Inaugural Run! Scotsman departs King's Cross at 7:40am. pic.twitter.com/h6FQpJDqH9
— National Railway Museum (@RailwayMuseum) February 25, 2016
One of those rare occasions when being a #commuter pays off!#flyingscotsman Thanks to restorers & @railwaymuseum pic.twitter.com/LZmu7KHaYj
— Ready Ready (@readyreadytv) February 25, 2016
By the time it reached Hertfordshire, it was (ahem) steaming ahead.
And out of the sun came a big green beast of fire, steam & noise.#FlyingScotsman #Hertfordshire @railwaymuseum pic.twitter.com/RK5gItb68o
— SPC (@MisterMacphisto) February 25, 2016
But it was held up at Biggleswade because of people trespassing near the railway line. The idiots.
https://twitter.com/networkrailPR/status/702785590723485696
The train arrived at York this afternoon, welcomed by crowds of people.
https://twitter.com/MellorProperty/status/702849856482754560
It wasn't just a treat for people to watch – those on board were served champagne breakfast as the sun rises.
Just like going round to @spanswicktweets house for breakfast on #FlyingScotsman @BBCYork @ellyfyork @nathanturvey pic.twitter.com/hO0srQBY4f
— David Ward (@thecrescent78) February 25, 2016
The Flying Scotsman was originally built in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in 1923, and made records when it pulled the first train to break the 100mph barrier in 1934.
It was bought by the museum in 2004 for £2.3m, and work started on the restoration project in 2006.