Over-exuberant rail enthusiasts could be hit with £1,000 fines and a criminal record if they trespass in order to get a closer view of Flying Scotsman as it passes through the Bradford district, rail chiefs have warned.

The steam locomotive, regarded as the most famous in the world, is set to pass Shipley and Bingley as it hauls The Railway Touring Company’s train ‘The Waverley’ this Sunday.

For many, it will be a great chance to see Doncaster-built 60103 in action on the national rail network, but onlookers have been urged not to get carried away.

The tour boards at York, Leeds, Keighley and Skipton on its way to Carlisle, but exact timings have not been revealed to avoid overcrowding and risk of trespass.

A joint statement said: "The Railway Touring Company and the National Railway Museum appreciate there is considerable interest in locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman, but stress that anyone wishing to see Flying Scotsman hauling ‘The Waverley’ trains should do so from a safe and permitted place - trespassing along rail lines or into prohibited areas of railway stations is dangerous.

"It is vital that spectators do not venture onto the railway when Flying Scotsman is hauling ‘The Waverley’ trains on the mainline as a full timetable of regular services will also be running.  For safety, keep away from the railway line.

"To avoid overcrowding and incidents of trespass and to assist the British Transport Police and Network Rail, The Railway Touring Company and the National Railway Museum will not publish details of Flying Scotsman’s route or journey times – this includes positioning moves."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Seeing Flying Scotsman is an exciting event for many people and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the occasion, so we can’t stress enough how important it is to keep safe at the same time.

“It’s vital that you watch from a safe distance and don’t go on or near the tracks. Trespassing on the railway is incredibly dangerous and can have devastating consequences, as well as being illegal. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 and be left with a criminal record.

“Please remember to watch from a distance and behave responsibly so that everyone is able to safely enjoy the sight of the historic locomotive.” 

The iconic loco is marking its 100th year in 2023 and, as part of the Centenary celebrations organised by the National Railway Museum, it is hauling a number of steam specials, including ‘The Waverleys’ across the famous Settle & Carlisle Line.

‘The Waverley’ trains will be hauled by 60103 Flying Scotsman on Sundays, September 10, November 19 and December 10, departing from stations in Yorkshire. The train on Sunday, September 10, has sold out. However, there is still availability on the November and December dates.

Officially the first steam locomotive to reach 100mph, 60103 Flying Scotsman was built at Doncaster and completed in 1923. Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built for the LNER, the locomotive was named ‘Flying Scotsman’ in 1923 and continued in regular service until 1963 and then later in preservation.