LONDON -- The Flying Scotsman rumbled back to life Thursday, chugging away from King's Cross with a mighty plume of steam, but it was brought to a halt by eager trainspotters trespassing on the tracks.
Train companies pleaded on Twitter for people to enjoy the steam train's journey from King's Cross to York from a safe distance. National Rail had to stop all trains running on the line because of the trespassers, but after a short stop the trains were on the move again.
#VTECUpdate Due to eager #FlyingScotsman photographers on the track near Peterborough, delays of 15 mins are expected. Don't be silly!— Virgin Trains EC (@Virgin_TrainsEC) February 25, 2016
We've had to stop all trains on the East Coast Main Line incl. #FlyingScotsman because of huge number of trespassers. Please, don't.— Network Rail press (@networkrailPR) February 25, 2016
We're reminding people: Keep off the tracks. Stay safe. There are live trains running. #StaySafe #FlyingScotsman pic.twitter.com/rR7UEi6SFr— Network Rail press (@networkrailPR) February 25, 2016
The Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 and it was the pride and joy of British rail. It's taken 10 years and £4.2 million ($5.85 million) to restore it to its green glory, and it's headed for a new home in the National Railway Museum in York.
The Flying Scotsman was officially the first locomotive to break speeds of 100mph, in 1934, although some claim that City of Truro broke that record in 1904 going down a slope.
Many passengers paid up to £450 a ticket to travel on the train.
"It's unbelievable. I never dreamt about being on it again. To be out with it is just fantastic," said 83-year-old passenger Ron Kennedy, who drove The Flying Scotsman in late '50s.
