Railway fans chuffed as Flying Scotsman unveiled after £1.5m refit

FANS of the world's most famous locomotive last night applauded the unveiling of Flying Scotsman after a £1.5 million rebuild.

The steam engine went back on public display at the National Railway Museum in York after the five-year project, which has seen all its thousands of parts replaced or refurbished.

The A1 Pacific class locomotive, which was built in 1923, has been temporarily repainted in wartime black before being returned to its traditional apple green livery in July.

Flying Scotsman hauled the luxury train of the same name between London and Edinburgh for 12 years until 1936, two years after becoming the first locomotive to be officially recorded as reaching 100mph.

One fan, Stuart Norris, said: "Just watched the Flying Scotsman uncovered. Looks fantastic." Another, Stephen Bedser, said: "Flying Scotsman looks grand in wartime colours. Railway museum well done." Adrian Balston hailed "a wonderful moment".

The locomotive, designed by Edinburgh-born Sir Nigel Gresley, has been in almost continuous main line service. Tours are due to resume in September and reach Scotland within a year.