DEMAND for tickets to ride the iconic Flying Scotsman steam train on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) line was so heavy on Wednesday (April 23) that the company’s website and telephone lines suffered ‘technical difficulties’ inside 20 minutes.

Tickets went on sale at 9.30am and by 9.50am the WSR had to issue a social media apology telling customers: “We are currently experiencing technical issues with our website and phone lines.

“Please bear with us - we are trying to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

One customer, Ceridwen Rayson, said: “I think with an event like this, it is understandable for web/phone to get overwhelmed.”

Another enthusiast, Andy Nickolls, said: “We made it! Eventually got through to the website and all booked.

“I can imagine it is going to be a busy day for the admin team.”

The WSR is offering six Flying Scotsman packages with adult tickets for journeys ranging from £50 to £150, plus a £20 offer to see a static display.

The packages are day time travel only, evening travel only, an evening fish and chip train, an afternoon tea service, an evening Quantock Belle dining service, and the static display at Bishops Lydeard Station.

A WSR spokesperson said: “Please note, due to the expected high volume of traffic to our website, there will be a queuing system in place, it may therefore be necessary for you to wait in the queue to be let into the website to secure your tickets.

“We will have a dedicated phone line for booking tickets for the Flying Scotsman which will be open from Wednesday, April 23, 9.30 am until 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.

“The phone number for this is 01643 870103.

“If calling, there will also be a queuing system.

“There is a fee of £3 for making bookings over the phone.

“Before you call, please ensure you have all details relating to your booking handy.

“We will require which ticket you would like, date and time of travel, and all menu choices if relevant for each person on your booking.

“Full payment must be made at the time of booking.

“The main West Somerset Railway phone number is for regular inquiries only, and we will be unable to help you with regard to making any Flying Scotsman bookings on that line.

“We are very excited for the release of these tickets, and we thank you in advance for your patience throughout this time.”

The Flying Scotsman is due to arrive in West Somerset near the end of June and will haul services on the WSR line between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard on June 28, 29, and 30, and July 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Static displays will be held at Bishops Lydeard Station on June 26 and 27 and July 3 to 7, 13, and 14.

The Flying Scotsman’s tour has been arranged with the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations as part of this year’s Railway 200 national celebrations.