Tornado now in green

[Spitfire]

She's been painted at last - how smart is that



Tornado in Green

[34053]

She looks just great! There's a chance to see 'Tornado' at Kings Cross station when, on February 7th (provisional date) there's a 'one-way special', from Darlington to Kings Cross (232 miles) that will bring 60163 to London for the first time.

[Unfortunately, 'Sir Keith Park' (34053) is still a lovely shade of rust!]

[Mayfly]

wow what a differance - very impressive

[Mackrick]

Fantastic ... she really looks the part now with the green livery.

[RLN]

She looks just great! There's a chance to see 'Tornado' at Kings Cross station when, on Febrary 14th (provisional date) there's a 'one-way special', from Darlington to Kings Cross (232 miles) that will bring 60163 to London for the first time.

[Unfortunately, 'Sir Keith Park' (34053) is still a lovely shade of rust!]

If so the East coast line runs at the bottom of my garden and the road bridge about 2 mins away gives an excellenty view up to the Welwyn viaduct. If I know a time (and I'm not at work) I may just go and dribble over the bridge

[34053]

Bit of a 'faux pas'! The 'provisional date' for Tornado's run to King's Cross is actually February 7th.

[34053]

'Did you know ?': ''.....there is already a preserved green 'A1' at work on the 'main line'. The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway has renumbered 'Typhoon' as No 60164-the next number in the 'A1' series after No 60163 'Tornado'...... a good bit of marketing for Britain's only double track, miniature main line''. (Courtesy of 'Steam Railway Magazine' No 356).

[34053]

'Did you know ?': ''.....there is already a preserved green 'A1' at work on the 'main line'. The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway has renumbered 'Typhoon' as No 60164-the next number in the 'A1' series after No 60163 'Tornado'...... a good bit of marketing for Britain's only double track, miniature main line''. (Courtesy of 'Steam Railway Magazine' No 356).

60164 'Typhoon' (the 15 inch guage, one-third scale representation of a Gresley 'A1' Pacific) will be positioned next to 60163 'Tornado' at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse (in Stavelely, Chesterfield) at their big 'LNER' event on 4th & 5th April 2009 for a 'unique photo opportunity'.(Previously, 'Typhoon' had been photographed in the 1920's next to 'A1' 'Flying Scotsman' No 4472). Also at this event will be 'A2' No 60532 'Blue Peter'; 'A4' No 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' and 'A4' No 60009 'Union of South Africa', amongst others.

[Wedgy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7810296.stm

[Mackrick]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7810296.stm

I want one

[Mayfly]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm

think I have just sorted DTs plans for next Sunday

[Mayfly]

I haven't for personal reasons got to see her yet in York does any know when shes due to leave please?

[34053]

I haven't for personal reasons got to see her yet in York does any know when shes due to leave please?

As I understand the situation Mayfly, 'Tornado' was on display around the turntable at the NRM until January 11th. She was then moved into the NRM's workshop until Jauary 25th, in preparation for the first 'covenantors' 'The Peppercorn Pioneer' trains on January 31st (York-Newcastle-York) and February 1st (Doncaster-Durham-York). Then follows 'The Talisman' (the London trip) on Saturday 7th February (Darlington to London Kings Cross). Subsequent 'February' trips are then:
- February 14th 'Valentine Dining Excursion' (am: London Waterloo-Staines-Andover-Eastleigh-Staines- London Waterloo); (pm: London Victoria-East Croydon-Redhill-Guildford-Staines-London Victoria).
- February 26th 'The Yorkshire Pullman'( London Kings Cross-York).
- February 28th 'The Auld Reekie Express' (Peterborough-Edinburgh).

I hope this is of use to you. All the 'excursion' info' comes from an excellent website:

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/index.htm

This lists the 'MAINLINE STEAM TOUR PROGRAMME' for 2009 and updates the information when there are changes (which there have been to some of the original destinations, etc. for some of the above) aswell as Locomotive Movements and other useful information/details.

[Mayfly]

thanks papa wedgy, I'm sorry I missed her but it couldn't be helped..........

I wonder if I can see her go through Grantham.

[34053]

Tornado's North Road Darlington to London Kings Cross trip on Saturday 7th February 2009:

Just a reminder that if you want to see 60163 on its' way down, check the http://www.uksteam.info/tours/index.htm website. Click on the 'Main line steam tour programme 2009' and use the [Times] link to check when and where she will be. Best to leave it until the day before and/or the actual day, as the situation affecting timings does change !

[34053]

It has just been announced in Steam Railway Magazine (No 359) that 'Tornado' will be officially 'named', by HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, at a ceremony at York Station on February 19th 2009. This will include a flypast by RAF Tornados and end with a spectacular departure by 60163.

[Saracenman]

excellent!

when i spoke with Mark Allatt a couple of weeks ago, he told me of the naming ceremony and the flypast, but i couldn't pry the 'big name' from his lips!

he asked Michael Trotter if 558 would be available too - sadly not

what publicity that would've been - bound to be on all national news channels and all newspapers too!

sm

[Spitfire]

What a brilliant thing for the Tornado team - all that hard work being recognised in such an excellent way

he asked Michael Trotter if 558 would be available too - sadly not

But why not - she has a certificate to fly - everything is working - what a wasted opportunity to 'spread the word' using the current in phrase

[Saracenman]

not as simple as that unfortunately Spitfire

558's due some engineering work, aircrew availability/currency, runway availability at Brunty - not to mention the lack of Shekels

interestingly though, Michael Trotter completely 'gets' the alliance with A1 Steam, and said that, in principle, such publicity opportunities are lucrative enough to warrant a one-off sortie!

this naming ceremony would be spot-on, but there will be opportunities later in the year - dates have already been discussed, but we have to get to that point first!

sm

[Wedgy]

Tornado's North Road Darlington to London Kings Cross trip on Saturday 7th February 2009:

Just a reminder that if you want to see 60163 on its' way down, check the http://www.uksteam.info/tours/index.htm website. Click on the 'Main line steam tour programme 2009' and use the [Times] link to check when and where she will be. Best to leave it until the day before and/or the actual day, as the situation affecting timings does change !

Papa Wedgy is on his way there now

[34053]

Tornado's North Road Darlington to London Kings Cross trip on Saturday 7th February 2009:

Just a reminder that if you want to see 60163 on its' way down, check the http://www.uksteam.info/tours/index.htm website. Click on the 'Main line steam tour programme 2009' and use the [Times] link to check when and where she will be. Best to leave it until the day before and/or the actual day, as the situation affecting timings does change !

Saturday 7th February 2009: London Kings Cross Station; Platform 1; 1415 hrs: - I was there!!!!
Video clip and photos below:

















What a spectacular sight and sound!

[Saracenman]

fabulous PapaWedgy

a fantastic sight - i can't deny being very envious!

sm

[Mayfly]

I'm really disappointed to have missed her going through Grantham even tho' I had a good time at 558 club meet - will I ever be destined to get to see her

[RLN]

I'm trying to upload to utube, but it is being a pain in the ar......

Finally made it. Bit wobbly. I did one and the daughter also did one. tried to get to the other side of the bridge, but it was slippy and we couldn't see a thing.

[34053]

Brilliant!!
Well done RLN & daughter! Excellent exhaust effects (at least there is some benefit from the current low temperatures!).