Tornado

Will the A1 Trust apply that policy? We've seen no sign of it yet.

 

From the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

''Following Tornado in steam this weekend, there has been a lot of interest in ‘The Ribblehead Rambler’ tour across the S&C on 21st September.
Online bookings have now closed for this train, but tickets are available via the Booking Office on 01325 488215''.

Things are looking up ....well, we hope so. <BJ>

 

Superb paint job:
(Photos by Phil Akrill).

 

A couple of videos of Tornado on some higher speed test runs at the GCR have appeared today on FB, and looks like she's going and sounding well.

There's even been a diesel on the back for the authentic mainline test scenario!!

 

Excellent. Full marks to the GC for mainline authenticity!

 

Video of today’s 60mph run https://www.facebook.com/share/v/RX86VwxqaGThdH7N/?

 

Seems despite everything it needs a look over, not running tomorrow now as planned:

 

Unfortunately not viewable to those of us who are averted to face ache..

 

Defective firebar needs replacing so they've brought forward there engineering period by a day

 

From the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. <BJ>

''Tornado undertook testing today at speeds up to 60mph. Unfortunately, a defective firebar has been identified and is far easier to replace when the locomotive is cooler. There are also a number of maintenance and snagging items to close out which are also better done when the engine is cooler. The planned engineering period has therefore been brought by one day.
The provisional operation of Tornado at the GCR on Thursday 5th September will not take place. The originally diagramed GCR steam locomotive will be operating the services''.

 

Ah well, your choice. I couldn’t find any other way to share it from there.

 

A welcomed and significant change in comms strategy by A1SLT with unexpected openness and transparency. Hopefully a permanent change.

 

One video of the higher speed test runs has appeared on Youtube:

 

It's not exactly that - the video is in a private Facebook group, which isn't viewable by people not already members of the group.

 

Ok. So join the group or ignore it?

 

Very, very, nice!

 

Tornado has been outside the shed at Loughborough whilst the diesel gala event is taking place. I assume it has had the fire bar(s?) replaced and other snags ironed out, as there was nobody working on it yesterday. I think it will be back in steam for further testing next week but, as ever, we will have to wait and see.

 

21st Sept trip cancelled. Refunds will be issued.

 

I hate to say I told you so… more reputational damage through “death by a thousand cuts”.

To misquote Lady Bracknell, “To lose one railtour, Mr. Davies, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose [insert latest number] looks like carelessness.”

 

<fx: facepalm>

Further information:

https://www.a1steam.com/tornado/news/tornado-details/tornado-main-line-return-delayed