Tornado steams into Manchester
A LIGHTNING-quick steam locomotive that thrills rail fans and has been seen on the big screen will soon carry passengers across Greater Manchester.
The 60163 Tornado, which took 18 years to build and reaches speeds of more than 100mph, will travel along the East Lancs Railway four times a day from March 29 to April 2.
It was finished in 2008 and was the first steam train to be built in Britain since railways became diesel in 1968.
Other classic locomotives have been brought back to life following restoration project. All 49 Tornados made in the 1960s were scrapped.
The newer model appeared on Top Gear racing against a car and a motorbike - and was in the film Paddington 2.
Mark Allatt, from the A1 Steam organisation, which looks after the Tornado, said: “It was the final development in express passenger steam locomotives. It was a later version of famous trains such as the Flying Scotsman. This one is not a restoration, every component is new. An example of every other era of steam trains was preserved but this was built from scratch.”
The Tornado brought Prince Charles to Manchester for a Royal visit in 2010.
The East Lancs Railway is a 12-anda-half mile heritage railway which runs between Heywood and Rawtenstall with intermediate stations at Bury Bolton Street, Burrs Country Park, Summerseat, Ramsbottom and Irwell Vale.
The Tornado will make four trips on each day of its visit at 9am, 11.30am, 2pm and 4.30pm.
Mark said: “It is quite a big deal and they will be quite a special few days.”
Tickets are £20 for adults and £10 for children aged three to 17.
Children under three ride for free, but will not have their own seat.
For more information email enquiries@a1steam.com or call 01325 460163.