STEAM train enthusiasts keen to photograph, film, or just see the famous Flying Scotsman are being barred from West Somerset Railway (WSR) stations while the locomotive is hauling services during the next fortnight.

The Flying Scotsman will be running on the heritage track between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard on June 28, 29, and 30, and July 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

But the WSR said all of the 10 stations on the 20-mile line would be closed to non-ticket holders on the days when the Flying Scotsman is in service.

Spokesperson John Simms, a volunteer with the railway, said the move was to ‘alleviate possible crowding and potential safety problems’ on the stations.

Mr Simms said the iconic locomotive would not be calling at any of the stations in between, and all passengers had to pre-book tickets online or by telephone.

There would not be any other public services running on ‘Scotsman’ days, but a ‘normal’ WSR timetable would be operating on July 3, 5, and 6.

The Flying Scotsman could also be viewed in a static display at Bishops Lydeard station on days when it was not in service, for which pre-booked tickets included a cream tea and an opportunity to stand on the footplate for a photoshoot.

Mr Simms said a number of Flying Scotsman trains were already sold out, but seats remained on others.

The Flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster just over a century ago and was displayed at the British Empire Exhibition in 1924 and 1925.

It made the first ever non-stop run between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley in 1928, and in 1934 it became the first British steam locomotive to be timed reaching 100 mph.

After being withdrawn by British Railways, it worked private owner charter trains and on one of these it set the record time for a steam train between London Paddington and Cardiff.

For the WSR it will travel at the 25 mph line speed, giving passengers time to enjoy the views from carriage windows.

The VIP locomotive’s visit is part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, marking the 200th anniversary this year of the birth of the modern railway.

The Flying Scotsman is now part of the National Railway Museum collection to which Mr Simms said the WSR owed thanks for making the visit possible.

Bookings can be made via the WSR’s website or a dedicated telephone line 01643 870103, which is open between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.