The first passengers to board Flying Scotsman during its two-week visit to Norfolk gave their approval to the legendary locomotive.
The 1928-built engine, which once broke land speed records, picked up a slower pace on the Mid Norfolk Railway route from Dereham to Brick Kiln Junction.
After the train returned to town to wrap up its first Saturday morning service, dozens of passengers flocked to the end of the platform, eager for photos in front of the famous green locomotive.
Karen and Gordon Soilleux by the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Among them, Gordon Soilleux, of Dereham, was there with his wife, Karen. Mr Soilleux said: “This is a unique opportunity. We had soot on the table when we had the window open, you don’t have that in a modern train.”
Christopher Norris, 10, from Martham, was there with his mother Jenny, sister Louise, seven, and their family.
Jan and Allan Slade, Stephen Norris, Jenny Norris, children Christopher and Louise Norris and Albert Harris by the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Christopher, who someday wants to be a train conductor, said: “I’m so happy I got to be on board. I have a lot of favorite locomotives and this is one of them.”
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Albert Harris, 78, of Dereham, said: “I remember regular steam trains. This station was very busy then, you could go to King’s Lynn, via Fakenham and onto Wells. It reminded me of the memories.”
Kate and Robert Purdy, Lois and Garry Prismall, and Christopher and Julie Buck in period costume by the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham. Photo: Danielle Booden
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Lois and Garry Prismall, from Buxton, and their costumed friends for the outing.
Mrs Prismall said: “We do a lot of 1940s reenactments anyway, so we decided if we were going to get on the Flying Scotsman we might as well dress up. We really enjoyed it, especially the tea and the cake. “
Steph Garthwaite, deputy general manager, and George Saville, general manager of Mid Norfolk station with press officer Peter Singlehurst by the Flying Scotsman.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Railways spokesman Peter Singlehurst said he was delighted with how the locomotive’s visit has gone so far.
“It was awesome,” he said. “This is the culmination of several years of work.
Mr Singlehurst, the only concern was people’s safety as some people were so excited about the locomotive that they put themselves in danger trying to get a good photo.
Andrew Lamport aboard the Flying Scotsman as he arrives at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Flying Scotsman will be in Norfolk until October 16, and in addition to train travel, there will be several days of static display where visitors can take a guided tour.
The Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Passengers aboard the Flying Scotsman as it enters Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Passengers aboard the Flying Scotsman as it enters Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Passengers aboard the Flying Scotsman as it enters Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Passengers aboard the Flying Scotsman as it enters Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
The Flying Scotsman pulling into Mid Norfolk station at Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
The Flying Scotsman pulling into Mid Norfolk station at Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
The Flying Scotsman departing from Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Andrew Lamport polishig the Flying Scotsman sign before he departs from Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Andrew Lamport aboard the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Chris Francis-Beck, driver, and Philip Howard, firefighter, aboard the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Crowds gather to take photos of the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Crowds gather to take photos of the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
The Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
People taking photos with the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk station in Dereham.
– Credit: Danielle Booden
Andrew Lamport putting a Mid Norfolk Railway sign on the Flying Scotsman.
– Credit: Danielle Booden