ARMED with their cameras, dozens of train enthusiasts gathered at Ipswich Railway Station ready to get a snapshot of a rare visitor to town.It was the perfect chance to get a picture of a classic locomotive that was once among the fastest and most powerful diesels in the world.

By Jo Macdonald

ARMED with their cameras, dozens of train enthusiasts gathered at Ipswich Railway Station ready to get a snapshot of a rare visitor to town.

It was the perfect chance to get a picture of a classic locomotive that was once among the fastest and most powerful diesels in the world.

The arrival of the famous Deltic diesel D9000 Royal Scots Grey was only a few minutes late and many eager train fans had to make a quick dash across to platform four having originally positioned themselves to capture it coming in at platform three.

Many of those travelling on yesterday's 10.30am London to Norwich service may have been surprised to see such a big welcoming party waiting but the majority of people were there to catch a glimpse of the diesel pulling the passenger carriages rather than the passengers themselves.

They ran to the top end of the platform to get a good look at the locomotive which was introduced to traffic in 1961 and has been in private ownership ever since.

Ten-year-old train fan Joe Plumstead had been waiting excitedly with his camcorder to record his memories of the visit on video.

"I like the Deltic," said the Ipswich youngster. "It's my favourite diesel.

"I've only ever seen it on videos before so I'm excited."

Meanwhile Chris Moore, from Woodbridge, had brought along his three-year-old grandson, Nick, to see the locomotive.

Mr Moore has travelled on the Royal Scots Grey before and said: "It's an old style diesel that used to work on the east coast main line from Kings Cross to Scotland."

Enthusiasts who were unable to make the train's morning stop in Ipswich and those who didn't have the best vantage point did not miss out, however, as the diesel returned later with the 2pm Norwich to London service.