FLYING Scotsman has topped a poll of the world’s best known trains and locomotives – as York’s National Railway Museum prepares to return the train to the tracks early next year.

People across four continents were asked to name five trains or engines they had heard of and the famous green-and-black locomotive topped a league table which also included the Japanese bullet train, George Stephenson’s Rocket and the fastest-ever steam locomotive, Mallard.

The National Railway Museum commissioned the worldwide survey, by YouGov, and released the result to coincide with the 81st anniversary of Flying Scotsman being the first locomotive to break the 100mph barrier.

Doncaster-built Flying Scotsman reached 100mph on a London-to-Leeds run, driven by William Sparshatt, on November 30, 1934.

The museum is gearing up to the engine's return to the tracks early next year after a decade-long, £4.2 million renovation.

Its inaugural run - from London King's Cross to York - is planned for February.

Museum director Paul Kirkman said: "Along with all our generous supporters for this complex project, we have all been looking forward to the day when Flying Scotsman is once again running on Britain's tracks.

"Our survey, carried out across four global markets, backs up the claim that it is probably the most famous locomotive and express train service in the world.

"We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Flying Scotsman, first-hand at our museum, through a series of innovative and colourful exhibitions and events."

Heritage minister Tracey Crouch, said: "After a decade of regeneration, the anticipated return of the world famous and much loved Flying Scotsman is almost upon us.

"From early 2016 The Scotsman will tour the UK as a working museum exhibit, educating fans of all ages about the wonders of the engineering behind its steam traction.

"This is a wonderful way to tell the story of this iconic and well-travelled locomotive and will ensure that people now and in the future understand why it is such an important part of Great Britain's heritage."

The museum is planning a series of exhibitions and events to welcome Flying Scotsman back to steam.

The Flying Scotsman topped the YouGov poll just ahead of India’s Rajadhani Express and the Orient Express.

Number 14 on the list was Stephenson's Rocket, one of the first locomotives. It was built by Newcastle-born George Stephenson, who engineered the first railways, including the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Some fictional trains also made the list, including Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express, which came in at number 25 and Thomas the Tank Engine was at number 11.