Tornado

Yup. It depends on which side of the business fence you're on. Is it a nice day out behind a loco, or an income stream to keep the business going.

If all goes to plan, it's both. If not, somebody's going to have a sub-optimal result.

 

Boys will be boys ...... What happens if Pennsy 5550 goes and breaks Mallard's record?

 

Can’t see a GWR small prairie being capable of 126+ mph .

 

Oh I dunno ..... steam catapult launch system. I can see the cab notice now: "Crews are reminded firebox doors are to remain firmly closed until linespeed is reached. The management will NOT be held responsible for injury due to hot coals exiting the firebox during acceleration".

 

But not even 90 for long when I was behind her and I can't see that being tried again.

 

With the GWR interpretation of quarter mile post spacing, anything is possible ...

Tom

 

Outside the UK the F 7 is regarded as the fastest by many on a true journey.

 

The Milwaukee Road's streamlined (air smoothed?) 4-6-4s? I'm really only now starting to get to grips with US steam (it was the T1 which piqued my interest, followed by UP announcing 4014's comeback).

What I've often wondered about speeds on US rails. What sort of restrictions existed on unfenced lines? Surely 800-plus tons of passenger stock hurtling across plains innocent of any fencing at around 'the ton' wouldn't be much better received there than here. Were regs a Federal, or State responsibility (or County, for that matter?). Beyond noting a few Federal schemes to promote some classes of early lines, I don't even know under what sort authority US railroads/railways were constructed!

 

Seriously, the Pennsylvania new build T1 could pose a realistic threat to Mallard’s record. Due to be completed in 2030 by the time she’s run in it could be capable of exceeding 126 mph. Hopefully Tornado or the P2 could reclaim the record.
Not sure genuine enthusiasts would accept record breaking by new builds but I doubt I’ll still be around by then to worry about it.

 

Dont seriously think that Tornado or the P2 are Capable of nigh on 130mph, and i dont think any of the original A4's would be permitted to try.
But for about 5 Million you could probably new build an A4 / Rebuilt W1 (with a few hindsighted tweak)s that could.

 

It seemed quite effortless to me.

However, I believe the Trust has called time in 90mph running which I thought was Tornado's raison d'être - to run at high speed in order to fit in better with the modern high speed Big Railway.

Now it seems the focus is instead to get to 75 as fast as possible - the P2.

 

But surely the Loco. is 'passed' for it ?( or has that been rescinded) so its really a case of deciding to in future planning its excursions as a 75mph Loco not a 90mph one, could still therefore exceed 75mph if the need/opportunity arises.
Conversely how do you ' plan' your P2 hauled train to be any different to one hauled by a.n.other class 8 other than confidence it can maybe take an extra coach ?

 

I would humbly suggest that its less the speed that is the problem, it's the signalling systems that will ultimately push steam locomotives off the mainline. We await with interest the ETCS tests for Tornado et al, as that will inform what needs to be done as an industry going forward.

 

Tornado’s driving wheels are re-tyred and reunited with the locomotive:

 

Since when was Tornado an 0-2-4 and what's with the yellow livery…?

Simon

 

Didn't you hear that Tornado was to be rebuilt as a Tamper?

 

"Passing the Baton" could be a theme for launching a Brightline or one of the less unlikely high speed* lines

* 'High Speed in US terms is some way south of numbers we'd think of this side of the pond.