WITH a week to go, the Severn Valley Railway is putting the finishing touches to their Pacific Power event when the attraction will welcome two of the world’s most famous locomotives.

The Flying Scotsman – recently voted the world’s most famous locomotive – will be in full steam at the Railway on Wednesday (September 21) for their Charitable Trust’s 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, between Thursday, September 22, and Monday, September 26.

One of the biggest heritage steam events that the SVR has ever hosted, the arrival of both locomotives has generated unprecedented interest from across the UK, with tickets to ride behind the engines selling out fast.

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.

Jon Teuwen, locomotive crew manager, said: “Myself and the other crews selected to operate Flying Scotsman for this historic event feel honoured and privileged to become members of the very exclusive club of people who have handled this iconic locomotive.

“It is something for ourselves and our families to be very proud of.”

The Flying Scotsman was designed by Nigel Gresley for the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and was built in 1923 at Doncaster Railway Works.

It represented the LNR at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924 and 1925 – it was this exhibition that made Flying Scotsman famous. It hauled the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service in May 1928, completing the journey in eight hours and 15 minutes.

It was the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded to reach 100mph in November 1934 and event starred in the film ‘The Flying Scotsman’ in 1929.

Due to the huge popularity of the event, the SVR has put in place measures to ensure the safety and security of its visitors and staff, and is urging the public to plan their visit in advance and to pay attention to the rules and restrictions put in place if they are intending to come and see the locomotives.

To avoid overcrowding during the event, access to the Railway’s six stations will be limited, with only those holding pre-booked tickets being guaranteed access.

To ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the one-off steam spectacle, the SVR has been working alongside attractions and owners of land alongside the line, to offer safe places for people to see the locomotives as they travel along the Railway’s 16-mile span.

Eardington Nature Reserve, Eardington Halt, Severn Valley Country Park, Coombys Farm, Severn Lodge and fields at Hampton Loade and Arley are among some of the pre-arranged viewing spots, open to the public for a small fee.

Clare Gibbard, marketing and communications manager, said: “We are fully aware of the huge popularity of these locomotives, and naturally, people are extremely keen to come and get a rare glimpse of them both in action – potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“However, 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. We cannot re-iterate enough the importance of keeping to these rules.

“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.”

She added: “We would urge everyone to plan their journey in advance by checking our website regularly and planning transport and parking arrangements well ahead of time, so that the event can be an enjoyable and memorable one for everyone.

“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.”