THE Flying Scotsman is set to travel to Hampshire after emergency repairs following a mechanical problem.

Thousands of people were due to crowd to bridges and stations tomorrow to welcome the world's most famous locomotive rolling full steam ahead into the county as part of a nationwide tour.

Now the iconic engine has undergone major repairs after suffering what organisers are saying is a "mechanical problem" during yesterday's leg of the journey.

A spokeswoman for the National Railway Museum said: “The mechanical problem has been fixed and the Flying Scotsman is expected to make its tour of the South this weekend.”

She said the problem was down to faults with injectors supplying the engine’s boiler with water.

The Flying Scotsman, which made history in 1934 when it became the first to reach 100mph, is back on Britain’s railways after a decade-long restoration project costing £4.2 million thanks to the National Railway Museum.

But its journey from York to London yesterday was dramatically interrupted due to a mechanical fault.

A statement from the National Railway Museum: "We're really sorry to announce that Flying Scotsman has suffered a mechanical problem and will not be able to haul today's run from York to London.

"The remainder of the run will be hauled by a diesel engine and all passengers have been informed.

"We share your disappointment at this news, but unfortunately some problems are always possible when operating an engine of any type and age on the rail network.

"Our priority is now fixing the problem to ensure Scotsman is back in operation as soon as possible."

The train will leave Salisbury at 2pm and head towards Southampton and Eastleigh before returning to Salisbury via Romsey.

The exact details of the 93-year-old steam engine’s route are being kept secret for fears people may put their lives at risk.

It comes after crowds of people stood in the path of oncoming trains and risked getting electrocuted to take photographs during the Flying Scotsman’s inaugural journey from London’s Kings Cross to York in February.

Network Rail told how they were forced to stop all trains on the East Coast Main Line due to illegal trespassing – causing more than eight hours of delays to 59 train services costing the taxpayer £60,000 in compensation to train operators.

Now, as thousands prepare to line Hampshire’s tracks to catch a glimpse of the world’s best known locomotive, rail bosses and police are urging people to keep safe and to stay off the railway lines.

Managing director Phil Hufton said: “The risks are high enough on any railway, but on a third of rail networks there is the added risk of death through electrocution.

"I am urging those who plan to enjoy seeing Flying Scotsman in the coming days to do so from a safe position and do not go onto the railway under any circumstances.”

British Transport Police say anyone caught trespassing and those who do could face a criminal record and a fine of £1,000.