THE iconic Flying Scotsman is back in business after returning to the tracks for the first time after a decade-long multi-million pound restoration project.

    The majestic steam engine made her way from York to Scarborough on Tuesday resplendent in her original British Rail green livery after being lovingly restored to her former glory.

    Train passengers caught an unexpected glimpse of the steam train, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, as it thundered through stations on the East Coast mainline following its £4.2 million (US$5.93 million) revamp.

    The famous locomotive was making a practice run ahead of her inaugural journey from King’s Cross to York later this week, during which she will carry passengers.

    After undergoing a major overhaul, the finishing touches have now been made to the steam engine.

    She has been painstakingly re-painted in her original livery green and had her nameplates reattached, marking the end of her restoration.

    This week marks the anniversary of the locomotive leaving Doncaster Works on Feb. 27, 1923 after being built.

    The steam engine is considered by many to be the world’s most famous after its name topped a National Railway Museum poll late last year.

    Ian Hewitt of Heritage Painting, the firm which is putting the finishing touches to the steam train, said ahead of the test run, “We’ve painted Gresley greats before including the world’s fastest locomotive, Mallard, but it’s an absolute honor to transform Flying Scotsman, the most famous of them all into its new livery.

    “BR green will be recognized by many who saw the engine under public ownership in the late ’50s and early ’60s, and it will be accompanied by red lining and the BR crest.”

    Paul Kirkman, director of the National Railway Museum in York, added, “We have all been looking forward to the day when Flying Scotsman is once again running on Britain’s track and this new guise for our Inaugural Run and Welcome Home celebrations marks a new stage in its long and colorful history.

    “We hope the public will join us for our free showcase of the locomotive from Feb. 25, when the museum will be open until 10 p.m., until March 6.

    “We will be showing it in light steam in our North Yard and then it will finish off as the center of attention on our Great Hall turntable.

    “As well as seeing the steam legend out and about on Britain’s tracks in 2016, the public can experience the essence of Flying Scotsman first-hand at our museum, through a series of innovative and colorful exhibitions and events.”

    (SD-Agencies)