THOUSANDS are expected to descend on the Severn Valley Railway in the coming days as the Flying Scotsman arrived in Wyre Forest.
The Flying Scotsman - recently voted the world's most famous locomotive - was in full steam at the Railway today (Wednesday, September 21) for the SVR's Charitable Trust Charity Day.
It will then be joined by Tornado – the first new mainline steam locomotive to be built in the UK since the 1960s – for the Autumn Steam Gala Pacific Power event, running from tomorrow (Thursday, September 22) through to Monday (September 26).
Clare Gibbard, marketing and communications manager, said: "It is really exciting for the Severn Valley Railway to welcome two of the most famous steam locomotives.
"It is a massive event for the SVR to put on and arguably the biggest event we have ever taken on. It is a testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers that the day has gone tremendously well and that the visitors are enjoying a once in a lifetime experience.
"We are expecting 15,000 visitors to visit over the next six days - it is bringing people to the region. It is great to put the Railway and Worcestershire on the map."
Matt Stimpson, 49, who attended the Charity Day with his wife, Janet, 50, said: "We have seen the Flying Scotsman twice before but each time it has been in pieces on the floor. It is great to see it in full.
"The chance to be here today is amazing. It is such an amazing and legendary train.
"It is the dream of what a railway train should be.
"We had 26 tries to attempt to get these tickets and got a last minute email telling us we had a place."
To provide visitors with the latest news, access information, timetables and general event, the Railway has launched a special website – svr.co.uk/pacificpower – and organisers of the event are encouraging people to check the website regularly for updates.
The SVR is one of the first heritage railways to welcome Flying Scotsman, which is now owned by the National Rail Museum in York, since its return to passenger service earlier this year.
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