2023 Aberdonian: Substitute motive power for Tornado

Just received this from 21st century steam 60163 Tornado about the Aberdonians this summer.

Shame really was looking forward to this tour but totally understand

 

Disappointing to hear but not unexpected. Pleased to see the A1SLT reach across to West Coast and West Coast agree to cover with other locos especially given the A1SLT had just signed a new long term agreement with DB Cargo.

 

Pity none of the alternative dates work for us due to annual leave constraints.
Was hoping this our third attempt to travel behind Tornado would actually run.
Four of us full dining looking at a refund. At least this year we won't loose the cost of accommodation.

 

I noticed that tickets for the Aberdeens were still on sale for the 20th July and subsequent tours as recently as a week or so ago, with Premier Dining already sold out on some, so sadly you are not alone.

I’m not sure why they were still selling tickets when the boiler is still being repaired and the frames are still off the wheels, never mind motion and pipework to be fitted, plus steam testing, running in and recertification for mainline operation. All rather unedifying.

 

I'm sure that I read somewhere that they plan to run these trains with a different loco. Now where did I see this? - oh yes, there it is - the first post of this thread. And you suggest that they are unedifing?

Sorry, Sheff, but it had to be said

Peter

 

I suppose it depends on whether one books on the basis of the trains being taken by 'Tornado'. I imagine some/most won't care as long as it's a steam loco.

 

Not the 20th July (the one Sheff mentioned) that has been cancelled.

 

I’ll find the article published in a very recent mag, where it was said Tornado would be ready in time ….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

June issue of HR ….

 

Not quite 'from the horses mouth'

 

Clearly they have been overtaken by events since publication of the magazine. Thanks to @Alexbrown123 (see post#1) we now know that alternative arrangements have been made. As you know loco overhauls don't always go according to plan.

Peter

 

Will these trains still use the SRPS stock?

 

There was an article in one of the railway mags that suggested the SRPS stock was out of use for the rest of the year for modifications (presumably retention tanks / CDL). The same job West Coast still need to complete themselves on their own stock..

I note SRPS have promoted no tours themselves this year either.

This could potentially be a bigger issue than no 60163, as at least Tornado is air braked, which broadens the pool of coaching stock options.

 

The SRPS website has stated for the last couple of months that the coaches are undergoing a major overhaul that will last several months. Interestingly enough the tours that Tornado has scheduled later this year out of Bristol seem to suggest the use of the SRPS stock given that First Class is in compartments.

 

It was blatently obvious there was zero chance of Tornado being available for any of these trains. Especially with the boiler fiasco. It all leaves a very sour taste to be honest.

 

Bit harsh really. I booked this tour back in February thinking it would run but now sadly cancelled at least they tried. Some of the Aberdonian are still running because the trust reached out to WCR pool of locos

 

One wonders why the option of using a WCR loco wasn't available last year. It would've saved everyone booked on those trips waiting another year, making new hotel bookings etc.

 

I (and other enthusiasts I know that are not on here) have long felt that the A1 Trust has long needed a sharp wake-up call; this may be it. I have a lot of money tied up in the P2 especially.