Flying Scotsman tickets demand crashes Severn Valley Railway booking system
The Severn Valley Railway website and booking system crashed this morning as people flocked to try to buy tickets to see the Flying Scotsman.
Tickets to ride behind the historic engine were due to go on sale at 9am, but more than an hour before users were reporting problems getting on the site. Anyone trying to visit the website was greeted with an error message.
The railway reassured Facebook users that they would be able to book via phone from 9am, but when the lines opened Severn Valley's own booking system appeared to have crashed.
Despite the problems, half of the 7,000 tickets were snapped up within six hours of going on sale.
Online sales have now been cancelled, but tickets can be bought in person at the railway's offices in Kidderminster or via phone.
MORE: Hundreds disappointed at Severn Valley Railway ticket sales chaos
Many Scotsman fans took to the Severn Valley Railway's official Facebook page to express their disappointment. One upset user was Helen Roberts who said she had called 139 times.
Ms Roberts posted: "Are there any tickets left are we wasting our time? I have called 139 times and have reached e basket with tickets but it times out... Shall we just not even bother?!"
Numerous people said they were able to select tickets in their online basket but unable to checkout the purchase while many who called said they were greeted by an engaged tone.
Jen Brown said: "Feel like my dream is over. I have been coming to SVR singe age 4 big steam enthusiast always wanted a journey on the Flying Scotsman. Phone lines just engaged."
A Severn Valley Railway statement on the page said: "We're currently experiencing some issues with our website due to the volume of people trying to access tickets for our Pacific Power event.
"We are working to rectify the problem and the website should be fixed soon.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your patience."
Nick Ralls, the SVR's General Manager described the demand as 'incredible'.
The Severn Valley Railway is due to be one of the first heritage lines in the country to host the Flying Scotsman following its £4.2 million renovation.
The locomotive will be the star attraction at the SVR's Autumn Steam Gala from September 22 to 25.
