Passengers can board the locomotive on 20 July

The 30-acre puzzle at Tom Pearcy's farm in Heslington, near York, represents the Scotsman steaming over a viaduct.

The Doncaster-built engine was bought by the National Railway Museum (NRM) for �2.5m after a public campaign.

Mr Pearcy, 33, is opening his maze to tie in with the locomotive's inaugural trip from York to Scarborough.

I've always been a sucker for the romance of steam and the plight of such a graceful old lady prompted me to design this year's maze in her honour. Tom Pearcy

The famous engine was kept in the UK after a public appeal raised �365,000, matched by a donation from Sir Richard Branson on behalf of the Virgin Group.

The National Heritage Memorial Fund also stepped in with a grant of �1.8m.

Railway enthusiast Mr Pearcy said the return of the locomotive inspired him to plant his maze.

He said: "I've always been a sucker for the romance of steam and the plight of such a graceful old lady prompted me to design this year's maze in her honour.

"Her clean lines easily lent themselves to making a maze."

Summer tours

In 2003, Mr Pearcy planted a puzzle in the shape of a spider's web at his 450-acre farm. In 2002 it was a Viking longship.

Joan Murphy, strategy manager at the museum, said: "This is a fun representation of the Flying Scotsman and shows just how much the locomotive captures people's imaginations."

Tickets are now on sale for the Flying Scotsman's first summer tour journey from York to Scarborough, which takes place on 20 July.