A BRITISH icon of the days of steam could be put back on the tracks – but only with the help of the public.

The Flying Scotsman is currently housed at the National Railway Museum, which has now launched a £250,000 Save Our Steam restoration appeal to get the locomotive back on to the main line.

The appeal means that for a donation of £25, enthusiasts can pay for a bolt on the loco, while for those with a little more money to spend, £100,000 would pay for the entire outer firebox.

Any donations are welcome, however, and sponsors of particular components will receive a certificate and those who make significant contributions will be immortalised in an NRM hall of fame.

Andrew Scott, director of the museum, said: “Flying Scotsman represents the apex of British engineering and the romance of steam for the general public.

“Therefore, it is important we bring her back to the main line for everyone to enjoy. Tornado, the first British locomotive built for 50 years, has been built due to the generosity of the general public, reminding us of what amazing things are possible if we put our heart and soul behind achieving our dreams.

“We are hoping the people who helped to save the most famous of locomotives back in 2004 will now pledge their continued support to steam her, and also that our quest to bring Scotsman back to Britain’s tracks will strike a chord in a new generation of enthusiasts.”