EXCITEMENT is mounting as the loco dubbed the “most famous in the world” prepares to make its inaugural run following a ten-year multi-million pound restoration.

The Flying Scotsman, now sporting its traditional green livery, was glimpsed making one of its final test runs on the York-Scarborough line today, February 23, before its big debut on the East Coast Main line on Thursday.

The mighty engine has undergone a £4.2m programme of restoration since it was acquired for £2.3m by the National Railway Museum in York back in 2004.

And it will make its first major run from London King’s Cross station on Thursday, leaving at around 7.40am and arriving in York at lunchtime.

However NRM bosses are urging caution among those who will be flocking to see the loco in action.

“While we understand interest in Flying Scotsman will be extremely high, we urge those wishing to view it do so from a safe vantage point,” said a spokesman.

“It is vital that spectators do not venture onto the railway as a full timetable of regular services will be running.

“In order to avoid overcrowding we are not publishing recommended viewing points or the timetable of when the train will be passing through specific locations. This will apply to the positioning moves on Wednesday also.”