Four generations of trains, including the Flying Scotsman, pictured together in historic moment

It’s a trainspotter’s dream: the past, present and future of rail travel all in one shot.

This historic moment was recorded over the weekend as four trains from different eras were pictured travelling side by side along the East Coast Main Line.

The iconic Flying Scotsman, a Virgin HST (Class 43) and a Virgin InterCity225 (Class 91) were joined by the new Virgin Azuma (Class 800), which will come into service in 2018.

The trains headed south together to York Station, where a giant screen broadcast footage of the trains.

They took up the four tracks at Tollerton junction as they celebrated the history of the crucial route.

Dozens of railway enthusiasts turned out to watch the event live.

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Rob McIntosh, a managing director for Network Rail, said: “The area has a very proud rail heritage and by working closely with our industry partners we’ve been able to turn what has been a logistically challenging vision – to create an iconic railway moment on the East Coast Main Line without impacting on regular passengers – into a truly special occasion.”

Mary Weastell, chief executive city of York council, said she was “proud to be part of this amazing historical day.”

One train enthusiast tweeted: “Brilliant event this morning, definitely worth the trip.”

Another added: “An amazing sight watching the past, present and future of train travel heading to York #fourtrains”

David Horne, managing director for Virgin Trains on the east coast, said: “We’re delighted to have presented this unique event showcasing the past, present and future of express rail travel in the UK, with our first Azuma travelling alongside Flying Scotsman and trains from our current fleet.

“With our new Azuma trains entering service next year, this has been an opportunity to celebrate the icons of the railways and look forward to 2018 when we’ll usher in a new era for travel on the East Coast route.”

Paul Kirkman, director for the National Railway Museum in York, which is custodian of the Flying Scotsman, said: “In what is genuinely a world first with our engines of the past, present and future coming together in this way, the National Railway Museum is delighted to have supported this unique celebration of our railway heritage, unlikely to be seen again in our lifetimes. It’s fitting to see the Flying Scotsman participate in something of this magnitude.”