Steam train makes timetabled journey for first time in 50 years

A steam train is carrying passengers on scheduled services on the Settle to Carlisle railway today – in the first timetabled journeys by a traditional locomotive in Britain for 50 years.

The Peppercorn class A1 steam locomotive, Tornado, will carry hundreds of steam enthusiasts through the rugged Eden Valley in Cumbria, across the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct and over the Yorkshire Dales.

The initiative, organised by Northern Rail, Network Rail and the Friends ofSettle and Carlisle, runs from today until Thursday, running two return journeys each day between Appleby and Skipton.

Rail enthusiasts have already snapped up almost all the reserved seats, around half of the 500 seats on each journey, and queues are expected for the remaining unsold unreserved tickets on the day.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers will patrol the route over the threedays and encourage enthusiasts to enjoy the spectacle while remaining at a safe vantage point.

Inspector Neil Hubbs, from BTP, said: "We understand people are excited about seeing the Tornado and want them to enjoy the occasion and, of course, have a great day out.

"Our priority is the safety of the public and passengers viewing and travelling on the train. The railway is a hazardous environment and we urge people who are planning on attending to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and not to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the tracks, and to respect local landowners by not trespassing on any private land."

Paul Barnfield, regional director at Northern Railway, said: "It is great tosee so many people supporting this historic venture.

"We always knew that the first timetabled steam services in the UK for 50years would be extremely popular, but the demand for tickets has beenphenomenal.

"The running of Tornado on the Settle and Carlisle line - as a timetabledservice - is going to be quite a spectacle and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the three-day event.

"The services, and all stations along the line, will be extremely busy and weunderstand that even those who are not travelling will want to be able towitness Tornado running on the historic line."

The first train left Appleby at 8.25am