Flying Scotsman thrills crowds on first Norfolk outing

The 1928-built engine which once set land speed records took a more leisurely pace on the Mid Norfolk Railway's route from Dereham to Brick Kiln Junction.

After the train steamed back into town to conclude its first Saturday morning service, scores of passengers flocked to the end of the platform, eager for photos in front of the famous green loco.

Karen and Gordon Soilleux by the Flying Scotsman at the Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Among them was Gordon Soilleux, from Dereham, was there with his wife, Karen. Mr Soilleux said: "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. We got soot on the table when we had the window open, you don’t got that on a modern train."

Christopher Norris, 10, from Martham, was there with his mum Jenny, seven-year-old sister Louise and their family.

Jan and Allan Slade, Stephen Norris, Jenny Norris, children Christopher and Louise Norris and Albert Harris by the Flying Scotsman at the Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Christopher, who wants to one day be a train driver, said: "I’m so happy I got to be on it. I have lots of favourite engines and this is one of them."

Albert Harris, 78, from Dereham, said: "I can remember steam trains in regular service. This station was very busy then, you could go to King’s Lynn, through Fakenham and onto Wells. This brought back memories."

Kate and Robert Purdy, Lois and Garry Prismall, and Christopher and Julie Buck in period costume by the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Lois and Garry Prismall, from Buxton, and their friends dressed in period costume for the outing.

Mrs Prismall said: "We do a lot of 1940s re-enactments anyway, so we decided if we're going to go on the Flying Scotsman we might as well dress up. We really enjoyed it, especially the tea and cake."

Steph Garthwaite, deputy general manager, and George Saville, general manager of Mid Norfolk Railway Station with press officer Peter Singlehurst by the Flying Scotsman. (Image: Archant 2021)

Railway spokesman Peter Singlehurst said he was thrilled with how the loco's visit was going so far.

"It's been brilliant," he said. "This is the culmination of several years' work."

Mr Singlehurst the only concern was for people's safety, as some people got so enthusiastic about the locomotive they put themselves in danger trying to get a good photo.

Andrew Lamport aboard the Flying Scotsman as it pulls into Mid Norfolk Railway Station at Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Flying Scotsman will be in Norfolk until October 16, and as well as rail journeys there will be several static display days where visitors can take a guided tour.

The Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Passengers on board the Flying Scotsman as it pulls into Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Passengers on board the Flying Scotsman as it pulls into Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Passengers on board the Flying Scotsman as it pulls into Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Passengers on board the Flying Scotsman as it pulls into Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

The Flying Scotsman pulling into Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

The Flying Scotsman pulling into Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

The Flying Scotsman departing from Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Andrew Lamport polishig the Flying Scotsman sign before it departs again from the Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Andrew Lamport onboard the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Chris Francis-Beck, driver, and Philip Howard, fireman, onboard the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Crowds gathering to take pictures of the Flying Scotsman at the Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Crowds gathering to take photos of the Flying Scotsman at the Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

The Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

People taking pictures with the Flying Scotsman at Mid Norfolk Railway Station in Dereham. (Image: Archant 2021)

Andrew Lamport putting a Mid Norfolk Railway sign on the Flying Scotsman. (Image: Archant 2021)