Flying Scotsman returns to York: Where and when to see the legendary loco

Legendary locomotive Flying Scotsman will soon be steaming down the track to York after a decade-long, £4.2 million restoration.

The iconic engine has a new coat of distinctive green paint, the finishing touch to a renovation which has seen it return to its glorious best.

The return of Flying Scotsman will be heralded with a party which will last for weeks. So what’s happening where?

The inaugural run

For those lucky enough to be on board, it’s luxury all the way. Passengers will be served a breakfast on the outward journey, accompanied by a glass of champagne and tea or coffee.

For the rest of us it’s a case of watching from the train arrive. Apart from York Station itself, popular viewing spots on the East Coast Mainline near York include Colton Junction, about a mile south of Copmanthorpe, and further south towards Doncaster, Hensall.

First day back

The opening ceremony to welcome Flying Scotsman back to the NRM takes place at 3pm, but all the tickets for that are long gone.

But the North Yard, where the engine will be staying up till March 2, opens for public access at 4pm.

And the museum is opening till 10pm to cope with the expected demand.

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The clean up

After all the exertions of the inaugural run, the legend of the tracks will need sprucing up. Head to the museum to see the Flying Scotsman being cleaned, which is rarely done in public view.

If you miss this early buffing, there’s another clean up on Wednesday, March 2 before it returns to the turntable.

Scotsman in steam

If you can’t hitch a ride on Scotsman, the next best thing is to see her in steam. And you can do that throughout the engine’s stay in the North Yard.

Obviously this is an outdoor area, so do wrap up…

Photography sessions

Don’t fancy trying to get a souvenir shot of the Scotsman in steam amid the flying elbows and selfie-seekers of the general public?

The NRM is staging special sessions for photographers during its time in the North Yard.

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Back on the turntable

After its March 2 clean up (see above) the loco returns indoors.

Back in the Great Hall it will take pride of place on the NRM’s famous turntable. Then on March 6-24 it heads off on a tour of the country.