Help meet Tornado: S overheads while in ' furlough'

By Robin Jones

THE A 1 Steam Locomotive Trust has appealed for more supporters to sign up as covenantors in order to help keep No. 60163 Tornadofi t to run on the main line once railtours resume.

The Peppercorn Pacific was built largely with funds raised through the trust's ' A 1 for the price of a pint' covenantor scheme, which is now helping to meet its running costs of more than £ 250,000 a year.

Because of the Covid- 19 pandemic, the trust has been unable to use Tornado to generate revenue for its maintenance and at present the A 1 is berthed at the National Railway Museum.

A trust statement said: "With no steam railtours currently operating, we are now relying on the generosity of our supporters' donations more than ever.

"To ensure we keep Tornado on the main line where it belongs, we would be delighted to welcome you onboard as a covenantor, from as little as £ 2.50 each week. If you are already a covenantor, please do consider donating the price of an extra pint beer a week to Tornado:'

Covenantors receive a print of Tornado, access to view No. 60163 at all reasonable times, the trust's journal and newsletters on a regular basis and have the opportunity to attend the trust's annual convention and days out at other railway centres, while being given priority travel on trust trains hauled by Tornado.

At the end of April, the trust's Richard Pearson and Rob Morland attended the York museum to complete some essential tasks which will prevent damage and

of

At York, T ornadow ase xaminedi nside, out and under - and all was found to be in order. A1SLT

Tornado while

it is

deterioration in store.

The A 1 was examined inside and out to determine that it was safe to move, with the piston rods and other moving parts oiled as required. Tornado was then pulled out of the shed and moved a few hundred yards up the yard, where a brush was taken to the running plate, cab roof and tender top to remove pigeon debris, twigs and feathers.

It was then returned to the shed, but this time it was parked 2ft further forward than beforehand, to prevent brinelling of the axlebox bearings while they are stood stationary for a long time.

The boiler water

of

level was checked

Tornado'ass hp an sidea shd oorsh ave been left open to allow the air to circulate. A1SLT

and the boiler refilled to remove as much air ( oxygen) as possible from the boiler. The boiler water treatment contains a product which removes the dissolved oxygen from the water. This will then reduce internal boiler corrosion to a minimum.

The tender tank was drained to allow it to fully dry out. It received an internal inspection and be cleaned out before returning to service

■ To support Tornadov, isit www. a 1 steam. com/ become- a- covenantor/ and obtain a registration form ( including a Gift Aid declaration) and a standing order form to be completed and returned to Darlington Locomotive Works, Hopetown Lane, Darlington, DL36RQ