TICKETS to ride behind the world famous Flying Scotsman at the Severn Valley Railway are selling at a record rate.

The Flying Scotsman will be in full steam at the railway on Wednesday, September 21.

It will be joined by Tornado – the first new mainline steam locomotive to be built in the UK since the 1960s – for the ‘Pacific Power’ event from Thursday, September 22 to Monday, September 26.

With just over a week until these world-famous locomotives arrive, the SVR has put together some top tips on the best and safest ways to witness them in action.

The event has generated unprecedented interest from across the UK with tickets to ride behind the engines selling out at the fastest rate the railway has ever seen.

Measures have been introduced to ensure the safety and security of visitors and staff, and the public are urged to plan their visit well in advance.

Access to the SVR’s six stations and car parking will be limited to avoid overcrowding. Only those holding pre-booked tickets will be guaranteed access to platforms and lost tickets cannot be replaced.

There will be safe places for people see the locomotives as they travel along the SVR’s 16-mile span.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager said about this “potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity” that: “Our key priority is the safety and security of our staff and visitors, and that is why we have put in place measures to ensure that the event is an enjoyable one for everybody involved.”

“Anyone who trespasses on the line could put the whole event in jeopardy, possibly resulting in suspension of the service, not to mention putting themselves and others at huge risk of injury or worse.”

“There are a number of viewing areas that have been set up by neighbouring landowners or attractions to offer people great places to see and photograph the locomotives as they pass, with some even offering additional events like a BBQ or hog roast.”

For more information about Pacific Power and the SVR Charitable Trust’s Charity Day, including viewing locations, access restrictions, parking details and timetables see www.svr.co.uk/pacificpower

For more information on the SVR in general, please visit www.svr.co.uk