Description

We’re delving into our archives to showcase the very best of steam on the main line and at heritage railways over the past 18 years, focusing on the only operational LNER Peppercorn A1 steam locomotive, LNER A1 60163 ‘Tornado’. No heavily assisting diesel locomotives – just pure steam action.

LNER Peppercorn A1 Class
The LNER Peppercorn A1 Class was designed by Arthur Peppercorn for the London and North Eastern Railway and entered service in 1948, becoming the last express passenger steam locomotive class built for the LNER. Renowned for their power, reliability and elegant design, these locomotives hauled prestigious East Coast Main Line expresses. Although every original member of the class was scrapped, the A1 was brought back to life with the completion of ‘Tornado’ at Darlington in 2008 – the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for more than 50 years.

Sit back and enjoy LNER A1 No.60163 ‘Tornado’ hauling mainline railtours and visiting heritage railways since its launch in 2008. Covering iconic locations including the Settle & Carlisle Railway, the West Coast Mainline over Shap and Beattock, the Highland Mainline, the East Coast Mainline and many others, ‘Tornado’ can be seen at speed on some of Britain’s most spectacular railway routes.
The programme also includes visits to a selection of heritage railways, including:
– North Yorkshire Moors Railway
– East Lancashire Railway
– Great Central Railway
– Nene Valley Railway
– Severn Valley Railway
And more.

LNER A1 No.60163 ‘Tornado’
60163 Tornado is the only operational member of the LNER Peppercorn A1 Class and the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for more than 50 years. Completed in 2008 by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust after an 18-year construction project, Tornado was built from the original Peppercorn drawings, incorporating modern engineering techniques where appropriate to meet today’s railway standards. Since entering service, it has become one of Britain’s most recognisable steam locomotives, hauling main line railtours and heritage railway services across the country while introducing a new generation to the sights and sounds of express steam.

This product includes brief commentary throughout, and titles are provided with date, location, and rail tour information.

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