VISITORS hoping to take a trip on one of the world's most famous locomotives were left disappointed when the historic vehicle was grounded.

Engineers on the Flying Scotsman shelved last night's evening trip between York and Scarborough after finding a fault on the iconic locomotive.

Andrew Scott, head of the National Railway Museum (NRM), today said the engine had suffered a minor technical failure on the return journey of the lunchtime visit to Scarborough.

He said: "Although the fault was not serious enough to require a replacement locomotive for the return journey, the decision was made to take Flying Scotsman to the NRM workshop for some repair work, which will prevent further, more serious damage from occurring.

"Flying Scotsman could not therefore haul the Evening Special excursion and was replaced by Prince William the historic former Royal train diesel locomotive.

"Our workshop staff will be working hard, throughout the weekend, to ensure that Scotsman is repaired as quickly as possible and we are confident that it will be in tip-top condition ready for the forthcoming excursions beginning Tuesday next week.

"We have apologised to the passengers booked to travel on the journey for which a substitute locomotive was used.

"Passengers not wishing to travel on the journey were offered the options of either a refund or rebooking on another trip."

Updated: 10:23 Friday, July 23, 2004