THE MOST famous steam locomotive in the world will pass through Southampton and Hampshire today.

The Flying Scotsman will pass through Brockenhurst, Redbridge, Southampton, and then back through Redbridge and Romsey.

The locomotive, which was built in 1923, passed through Eastleigh and Southampton Central on its way to Swanage last month.

It has been on display at Corfe Castle Station since March 22.

Mick Gould, Swanage Railway Co LTD director and volunteer, said: “We have just completed the 15 static display days at Corfe Castle Station which has exceeded expectations with over 6,000 visitors enjoying the experience.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Railway Museum for giving Swanage Railway the opportunity to host such a unique and historic event to operate and display the world famous Flying Scotsman which is such an icon.

“It’s the first time in almost 50 years that number 60103 and the unique Devon Belle Pullman observation carriage, known as car 14, have operated together since they ran as a pair across the USA between 1969 and 1972.”

The locomotive hauled five seven-carriage trains a day from Swanage to Corfe Castle and Norden for five days in March, before spending a further fifteen days on display at Corfe Castle Railway Station, alongside the Devon Belle Pullman observation carriage.

During a test run in 1934, the Nigel Gresley-designed Flying Scotsman was the first steam locomotive in the United Kingdom to haul a train at 100 miles an hour.

It was purchased by the National Railway Museum in 2004.

It will pass through Brockenhurst 8.46am, Redbridge at 9.06am, stop at Southampton between 9.10am and 9.55am, before passing back through Redbridge at 9.59am and Romsey at 10.10am.

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