The famous engine will be on display for two weeks

The locomotive, thought to be the first train to reach 100mph, had been brought to Truro by road to be put on public display for two weeks.

But as it was being carefully unloaded on Lemon Quay, officials arrived and said it could not stay there.

It is believed concerns have been raised about the positioning and weight of the engine.

Secret record

The officials said they were acting on information from the quay's developers.

The piazza is built over the River Kenwyn, and the locomotive weighs 118 tonnes.

Ray Towel from the National Railway Museum who is in charge of the engine said he could hardly believe the stance of the officials.

"The carriage was ready for off-loading, but the scaffolders have had to clear off," he said.

"Council people from Carrick and the county are disagreeing on weight distribution and the condition of the stone after we've left."

The "City of Truro" left Devonport docks in Plymouth at 0923 BST on 9 May 1904, and reached a speed of 102.3mph as it approached the Whiteball Bank near Wellington on the Somerset-Devon border.

But the directors of the Great Western Railway (GWR) kept the record a secret because they believed passengers would be terrified at travelling at such speeds.

Their decision to keep quiet meant the record was claimed officially 30 years later by the London and North Eastern Railway with the Flying Scotsman.

But GWR enthusiasts are convinced the "City of Truro" was the first to reach 100mph.

The centenary organisers are hoping the situation with the council will be resolved in time for the official opening on Thursday.