Trainspotters and photographers have been warned not to risk their lives trying to photograph the world’s most famous steam locomotive when it comes to South Cheshire.
Flying Scotsman will haul the luxury Northern Belle train from Crewe to Carnforth on Saturday July 20.
But furious engine drivers were critical of crowds of over-keen railway enthusiasts who trespassed on the trackside to take photographs when the engine recently ran from London to York.
Several other trains were forced to stop or slow down because it was unsafe to continue until trainspotters could be moved away.
One angry driver told the Daily Telegraph: “It is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured or killed photographing Flying Scotsman.”
Now Nantwich-based Northern Belle managing director Jeanette Snape is urging people to act sensibly when the Scotsman comes to Crewe.
She said: “We know this will be a big attraction – the world’s most famous engine hauling the Pullman carriages of one of the world’s most luxurious trains.
“But while we want as many people as possible to see it and get photographs, we also want everybody to stay safe.
“It is extremely dangerous, as well as illegal, to trespass near the railway tracks.
“At best people could end up in court being fined £1,000 – at worst they could end up in the mortuary. So please take care and act sensibly.”
Flying Scotsman, built at Doncaster in 1923, was the first steam locomotive to break the 100mph speed record and the first to run non-stop between London and Edinburgh.
The Northern Belle, seven carefully-restored 1930s-stye Pullman carriages, is Britain’s answer to the iconic Orient Express.
Liveried stewards welcome passengers on board with a champagne reception before they tuck into a slap-up meal prepared by onboard chef Matthew Green.
The train is also taking top-hatted punters from Crewe to Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot next month, as well as doing London theatre trips in July and November.
For more details see www.northernbelle.co.uk or phone 01.270 899681.
Should really provide viewing areas of safety, this could be chargeable too,
Missed a trick there.
I thought the first loco to top 100 mph was City of Truro in 1904….