Crowds Turn Out To See Iconic Steam Train

Crowds turned out to see the Flying Scotsman when it passed through the Market Harborough area on Saturday.

Platforms at the town’s railway station were packed with people, while others gathered on bridges along the route to catch a glimpse of the world-famous steam locomotive.

The engine travelled south to Kettering before returning north a short time later, pulling carriages.

The Flying Scotsman steams through Market Harborough Railway Station. Pic: Steve Jones

The Flying Scotsman was heading to Derby for an event marking the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger train service.

The Flying Scotsman steams through Market Harborough Railway Station. Video: Rob Sulley

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service were called into assist with refilling the Flying Scotsman with water at Kettering railway station, after a road water tanker broke down en-route there.

Firefighters came to rescue to provide water

Firefighters came to rescue to provide water

A spokesperson for NFRS said: “Thanks to quick thinking from a Network Rail employee onboard, our team was called in to deliver water using one of our carrier vehicles at the Kettering sidings.

“A great example of teamwork across services to keep history steaming ahead!”

Firefighters came to rescue to provide water

The locomotive is described by the National Railway Museum as the ‘world’s most famous’ steam engine.

It first entered service in 1923 and broke records by hauling the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in 1928.

Six years later, it became the UK’s first locomotive to officially reach a speed of 100mph.