AN army of steam fans were out in force to see the world’s most famous steam locomotive as it passed through Durham and North Yorkshire.

Last Friday en-route to York, the Flying Scotsman showed despite being 98-years-old it still has plenty of pulling power. Completing its month-long visit to Locomotion in Shildon, the loco made a speedy journey down the main line to the York National Railway Museum. As it passed through Darlington, Northallerton and Thirsk, fans lined the route hoping for a glimpse of the iconic engine.

Returning to earning a living on Sunday afternoon, it hauled an excursion along the Settle Carlisle line, where the locomotive’s fans were once again out in force to get that elusive picture. More trips UK wide follow due to the ever increasing demand for steam. Built in 1923 in Doncaster, the Flying Scotsman was numbered 4472 and later BR 60103. The journey was eventually reduced to just eight hours.

It was the first to officially reach 100mph, has circumnavigated the globe visiting the USA and Australia and setting the record for the longest non-stop journey of 422 miles.

After some ownership troubles in the past Flying Scotsman’s future is now secure thanks to a successful campaign spearheaded by the National Railway Museum. Coupled with a £1.8m grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and the generosity of the public, its status as a national treasure is secure and it can now continue as the oldest working main line locomotive.

Although most enthusiasts are well-behaved incidences captured by on board cameras show many risking life and limb to take photographs at the side of the track.

Trespass on the railway is a criminal offence with up to a £1,000 fine. Train obstruction is punishable by up to two years in prison.