Tornado will not return to action this year, says trust

THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the builder and owner of Peppercorn Pacific No. 60163 Tornado, has announced that the locomotive will not return to action until 2023 due to its overrunning major overhaul.

Accordingly, it will miss the trust’s last four ‘Aberdonia’ trips it was due to haul.

A trust statement said: “From the start of the overhaul we have looked forward to Tornado being back in steam this summer.

“However, as each layer of the onion was peeled back, we have uncovered more components in need of refurbishment and have also faced significant supply chain delays.

“Each of these factors have extended the timescale of the work, and for those eager to see Tornado in action this autumn, it is with regret that we must now disappoint further. We share this frustration.

‘Wear and tear’

“After running more than 130,000 miles since first steaming in 2008, it was inevitable that this new-build locomotive would at some stage start to exhibit signs of wear and tear.

“During the overhaul we have undertaken work on frames, cylinders, new tyres and various sub-assemblies. Additionally, there has been a requirement to refurbish Tornado’s existing boiler as the first of the new boilers had been delayed due to the effects of Covid-19 on German industry.

“At the same time, we have also been preparing for the fitment of ETCS (European Train Control System, for in-cab signalling) funded by the East Coast Digital Programme.

“It is also fair to say that the work on the ETCS preparations has also taken longer than anticipated and consumed more resources than anyone expected, although this latter aspect does not affect the trust financially.”

New tyres have been fitted to the A1’s driving wheels by South Devon Railway (Engineering) at Buckfastleigh and they have recently been delivered back to Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough, where the overhaul is taking place. However, the boiler repairs have taken longer than expected, and many smaller items requiring additional attention before refitment have also taken up the overhaul team’s time.

Significant landmarks

While not running on the national network, Tornado is also unable to earn its keep through ticket sales. However, the trust is aiming to have No. 60163 back for a full running season in 2023, which will mark 15 years since the locomotive was completed – and also the centenary of the LNER.

It is planned to have Tornado undertake test runs at the Great Central Railway in January, prior to undertaking main line tests with its ETCS equipment fully fitted.

In February, Tornado will visit the Network Rail test centre for ETCS dynamic testing before beginning a full year of railtour duties, details of which were due to be announced in September.

The statement added: “Naturally, we are hugely disappointed that we will not see the locomotive running this year, but it was always planned for it to be in the works for ETCS fitment from October to January.

“However, we will be in a stronger position as we head into 2023 and a memorable year for the trust.”