THE Flying Scotsman is set to travel to Salisbury today after emergency repairs were made to it following a mechanical problem.
Thousands of people are due to crowd to bridges and stations today to welcome the world's most famous locomotive rolling full steam ahead into the county as part of a nationwide tour.
The Flying Scotsman, which made history in 1934 when it became the first to reach 100mph, is back on Britain’s railways after a decade-long restoration project costing £4.2 million thanks to the National Railway Museum.
The route the Flying Scotsman will take tomorrow
The train will leave Salisbury railway station at 2pm and travel through Dean, Mottisfont and Dunbridge, Romsey, Redbridge, Millbrook, Southampton Central, St Denys, Swaythling, Southampton Airport Parkway, Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford, heading back through Romsey and Mottisfont and Dunbridge before arriving back at Salisbury for about 4pm.
The exact timings of the 93-year-old steam engine’s route are being kept secret for fears people may put their lives at risk.
Top facts on the Flying Scotsman
It comes after crowds of people stood in the path of oncoming trains and risked getting electrocuted to take photographs during the Flying Scotsman’s inaugural journey from London’s Kings Cross to York in February.
Network Rail told how they were forced to stop all trains on the East Coast Main Line due to illegal trespassing – causing more than eight hours of delays to 59 train services costing the taxpayer £60,000 in compensation to train operators.
Now, as thousands prepare to line the tracks to catch a glimpse of the world’s best known locomotive, rail bosses and police are urging people to keep safe and to stay off the railway lines.
Managing director Phil Hufton said: “The risks are high enough on any railway, but on a third of rail networks there is the added risk of death through electrocution.
"I am urging those who plan to enjoy seeing Flying Scotsman in the coming days to do so from a safe position and do not go onto the railway under any circumstances.”
British Transport Police say anyone caught trespassing and those who do could face a criminal record and a fine of £1,000.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here