Cracks delay return of Flying Scotsman

The locomotive was due to carry out its steam tests and commissioning runs later this month before going on display at the NRM in August.

It is now, however, expected to carry out its steam tests in the autumn and go on display in York later this year, at a date still to be confirmed.

Its restoration has been delayed due to cracks found in the chassis in late June.

After carrying out a thorough examination to identify the extent of the problem, it was established the historic locomotive requires essential remedial work, which will be carried out in the next two weeks.

At this stage it is not clear when the Flying Scotsman is expected to operate passenger journeys.