British railway first as four generations of trains, including the Flying Scotsman, arrive at the same station

A railway milestone was put on track on Sunday as four trains spanning an incredible four generations arrived at the same station for the first time in British history.

The event celebrated the past, present and future of one of Britain's most iconic pieces of railway –  the East Coast Main Line – before arriving at York on Sunday .

Virgin Trains' new Azuma travels in the same direction alongside the The Flying Scotsman and two of the rail operator's revitalised present day fleet - to depict the past, present and future of UK rail travel, in a world first event, in the North Yorkshire countryside
Virgin Trains' new Azuma travels in the same direction alongside the The Flying Scotsman and two of the rail operator's revitalised present day fleet Credit: PA

The world-famous Flying Scotsman travelled alongside two trains from Virgin Trains's revitalised fleet, an HST (Class 43), an InterCity225 (Class 91), and the rail operator's brand new train Virgin Azuma (Class 800), which will come into service in 2018.

Featuring engineering work dating back to 1850, the fantastic-four set off from Tollerton, North Yorks, travelling side by side in a staggered formation at 25mph.

The Flying Scotsman and Virgin Trains' new Azuma travel in the same direction alongside two of the rail operator's present day fleet - to depict the past, present and future of UK rail travel, in a world first event
The Flying Scotsman and Virgin Trains's new Azuma travel in the same direction alongside two of the rail operator's present day fleet to depict the past, present and future of UK rail travel, in a world first event Credit: PA

Paul Kirkman, director for the National Railway Museum in York which owns the Flying Scotsman, said: "The East Coast Main Line has long been famed for speed and style.

"In the 19th century elegant locomotives were designed to haul trains on this route, cementing its reputation as a railway racing stretch operated by thoroughbred engines.

"The four train line up epitomises the evolution of the later generation of fast, elegant and stylish trains – all with a shared bloodline – that epitomise the history of the route from the 1850s to today."

The Flying Scotsman 
The Flying Scotsman is the first steam locomotive to achieve an authenticated speed of 100mph Credit: Jim Holden / Alamy Live News

The Flying Scotsman is the first steam locomotive to achieve an authenticated speed of 100mph and the first mechanical marvel to undertake a non-stop run between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley.

Bob Gwynne, associate curator at the National Railway Museum, said: "The museum is proud that Flying Scotsman, a symbol of engineering excellence, is taking its place alongside such worthy successors to its speed and style mantle."

flying scotsman
The Flying Scotsman visits the Bluebell Railway in Sussex Credit: Christopher Pledger for the Telegraph

Partners involved in the show include Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, the National Railway Museum and Hitachi.

The Flying Scotsman and Virgin Trains' new Azuma travel in the same direction alongside two of the rail operator's present day fleet - to depict the past, present and future of UK rail travel, in a world first event, in the North Yorkshire countryside
The fleet arrived in York on Sunday Credit: PA

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We're immensely proud to be flying the flag for this once in a generation railway spectacular.

"This event shows yet again how Yorkshire is leading the way and the timing is perfect, throwing the county firmly into the spotlight just days before the start of the Tour de Yorkshire."

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