One of the fastest-moving land vehicles arrived in York today after completing what was probably the slowest journey it will ever make.

The 200mph Japanese Bullet train will now be displayed in the National Railway Museum after it made a day-long journey from Swindon on the back of a specially-designed lorry.

The sheer size and weight of the train meant it had to be given a police escort all the way, with driver Steve Lincoln unable to average much more than 20mph.

The convoy made most of the trip on the M1, but turned on to the M18, and A1(M) before heading into York on the A64 and A1237.

NRM spokesperson Camilla Harrison said: "As far as I am aware the journey went very well. There was one burst tyre to deal with but apart from that there were no incidents.

"With a load that size, some tailbacks are inevitable, but the decision to travel at night was aimed at cutting down on this and it looks to have worked very well."

The train was donated to the NRM by a Japanese rail museum, with which it is twinned.

Space is being made for the train, which will go on view to the public on July 14.

Ms Harrison added: "It will go on permanent display. We believe it is the first Bullet to go on display outside of Japan, and it is also the first train in our collection to have been brought in from outside this country.

"It is a big first for us."

Updated: 16:30 Thursday, June 21, 2001