Tornado

Never say never!

I reckon there's a possibility that she might, considering that the A1 Trust has just lost a large chunk of money..................................................

 

Stated on the MHR FB page, Tornado is booked only for the Autumn Gala....................................................... so very much doubt she'll run this weekend...... a shame really as I think both parties are missing a trick!!!

 

So surely a box to Cromer , rather than the MHR would do it ( all rather academic anyhow).
Note to self, fit push/pull working to support coach for visits to NNR

Excursion by the A1SLT out of sheffield in September showing on UKsteaminfo. nothing on the AISLT site though... is this still happening ?

 

T

That's a real shame. Both the MHR and the A1 steam trust could have got some extra cash if they used her this weekend. I still might come down at the weekend anyway as I haven't been down for a while. Any ideas which loco's will be rostered?

 

Yes it is a shame, but hey ho there you go,and probably for reasons unknown to us, and from the sound of it she's stuck until next Friday!........................

As regards what's running this weekend, not sure, I think its been mentioned elsewhere 925 + 45379 but don't quote me on it! If you do go down on Saturday alight at M4M and ask the station staff if you can have a look at what we are getting up to in the yard (wagon group wise!!) and I'm sure Chris, CCT man on here, will be more than happy to give you the grand tour, and you maybe persuaded to part with some cash for a mug or a wagon!! I myself may or may not be there, haven't made my mind up yet!

Anyway, we digress, back to Gordon, sorry Tornado! (still can't get that damn photo out of my mind!!!

 

Thanks for the info. Will have to see if I get time to alight at Medstead.

 

No problem, we had a couple from Devon shown around earlier in the year who had come for the freight train, which was sadly cancelled (sound familiar?!) which was a Sunday, we happened to be there that day!

Seriously though, you'd enjoy the tour Chris is a font of knowledge on all things wagons, all you have to do as I say is ask the lads on the platform, tell 'em Dave from the wagon group mentioned it! But be warned if you have sensitive ears....................................... PC we aint!

 

Looking at the Ropley shed news on the MHR website 60163 was all set to go on Thursday as she was sitting in steam in the platform at Ropley with her support coach.

 

Tornado's back on the main line, and earning money, and is seen here passing Severn Tunnel Junction today:

 

My video from yesterday's Cathedrals Express with 60163 Tornado, filmed at Freshford and Andover.



James at SVN

 

My footage from yesterday's Cathedrals Express to Cardiff with 60163 Tornado, seen climbing Upton Scudamore in fading light.

 

My video from Tuesday's Cathedrals Express/Blue Belle excursion from London to East Grinstead and the Bluebell Railway:

James at SVN

 

Great video. Tornado and its support coach looked sparkling. It is a shame that cant be said of the maroon set. It looked decidedly second hand and in need of a good wash.

 

It wil be interesting to see what the future holds for Tornado on the main line now Steam Dreams have switched back to West Coast and ended the contract with DBS. The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust website doesn't currently have any further main line bookings currently advertised after next Thursday's trip to Salisbury (See http://a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=148 ) I'll be interested to see how a new main line niche for 60163 is created - as I'm sure it will be - if it will no longer be the principal loco for Steam Dreams, unless a resolution of the issues preventingWest Coast from operating it can be found.

 

Is a skim of the cylinders by an approved enginer all that is required ? or are the trenches well and truly dug....

 

Tornado still has bookings for Steam Dreams tours with dbs on 1 October and 23 November. I suspect that an early start will be made on the 5-year intermediate overhaul after that. Also the A1 Trust has announced that it is looking at different and better ways of running Tornado in the future ... watch this space !

David

 

Thats okay! Covernentors are still paying for an engine thats built aren't they!?

 

My footage from 60163 Tornado's penultimate Cathedrals Express yesterday. Seen at Brookwood, Salisbury and whistling like a good'un through Grateley.

 

Interesting story in the latest issue of Heritage Railway (out on 21st) which says that 60163 will be moving from Southall to a "new home" for her planned Winter overhaul. The boiler may also be sent back to Germany for work to be carried out as part of the overhaul. She may be out of action for 6 months.

 

Well, if the trusts board have any sense (and I'm sure they do) the chosen contractor will be on West Coast's approved list........................................................