THE wait was finally over as the historic ‘Flying Scotsman’ was on the tracks for the first of its special scheduled services on Swanage Railway.

The world-famous steam locomotive powered into action along the line in Purbeck on Saturday, October 22.

‘Flying Scotsman’ set off with a seven carriage train from Swanage station at 10.05am before hauling the 1940s Pullman ‘Devon Belle’ observation carriage at 11.45am.

Owned by the National Railway Museum in York, the 97-tonne A3 class locomotive – completed in 1923 by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) – will be on the Dorset heritage line until Sunday, November 6.

Bournemouth Echo:

(Picture: Richard Murgatroyd)

Echo Camera Club Dorset member Richard Murgatroyd captured the steam locomotive's first service on Saturday morning.

Speaking ahead of its arrival, Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Marcus Alldrick said: “The trustees, directors, staff and dedicated volunteers of the Swanage Railway are delighted that the railway has been successful in its bid to again host ‘Flying Scotsman’ which celebrates its centenary during February, 2023.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Railway Museum for again giving the Swanage Railway the opportunity to host such an historic event to operate and display the world famous ‘Flying Scotsman’ which is such a charismatic icon and turns 100 years old on 24 February, 2023.

“It will be marvellous to admire No. 60103 hauling the unique Devon Belle Pullman observation carriage – known as Car 14 – because they operated as a pair across the USA between 1969 and 1972."

Bournemouth Echo:

(Picture: Richard Murgatroyd)

Tickets are still available for ‘Flying Scotman’ services on Swanage Railway, with them taking place daily up until Wednesday, October 26.

For more details, visit swanagerailway.co.uk