The world's most famous steam engine has arrived in the North East as it celebrates its 100th birthday.
Catching it in steam as it comes off it's centenary tour, Flying Scotsman will spend the rest of 2023 at Locomotion, in Shildon, County Durham.
The arrival was not publicised, making it an unexpected treat for visitors to the museum today (Thursday, December 14).
Thomas and Natalie Fulcher had travelled from the Saltburn area to visit Locomotion with their young son Finley, a train enthusiast.
They were thrilled to have stumbled upon Flying Scotsman's arrival, a memory they say, will stay with their son forever.
Finley lovingly named Flying Scotsman a “hero train” and was able to hop on board with his family to take a closer look.
Thomas said: “To come here when the Flying Scotsman - the best of the best - is here, is amazing.
“Events such as this are just feeding his passion, it’s incredible.”
Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion said: “Getting Flying Scotsman to Locomotion at the end of its centenary year is so brilliant for our visitors, and everyone in the North East - this is the world’s most famous locomotive."
She added: “It’s special because of people’s connections to it.
“The railways in the North East are so intimately connected, everybody here that was involved in the early railways went and spread the word around the world and Flying Scotsman is a steam locomotive that has gone round the world.”
Someone with a particularly special connection to Flying Scotsman is Clive Goult, workshop and traction manager and former Flying Scotsman driver/fireman.
He said: “This is an opportunity of a lifetime that keeps repeating itself.
“To celebrate 100 years of anything is phenomenal, understanding the time and maintenance that goes into it makes it that more impressive.”
During Flying Scotsman’s stay in Shildon, Locomotion will be airing a film created to celebrate the centenary year, named 100 Years 100 Voices, which will highlight the many emotional connections to Flying Scotsman.
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Nearly 4,000 people have booked in to see Flying Scotsman this weekend.
Flying Scotsman will be able to be viewed by the public from December, 16 and will remain at Locomotion until January, 7 2024.
Entry is free, but visitors must pre-book tickets in advance via the website, www.locomotion.org.uk/visit
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