The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
About the Trust
In 1990 a group of people came together to share an extraordinary ambition – to construct a brand new Peppercorn A1 Pacific. They formed The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and after nineteen years of incredible effort that locomotive, No. 60163 Tornado, moved under its own power for the first time in 2008.
This website tells the story of Tornado’s construction, an amazing tale of cooperation, skill and sheer hard graft which defied the critics who said it could never be done. The A1 Trust has over 2500 regular supporters (covenantors) who have all played some part, small or large, in guaranteeing that we have steam on the main line in the 21st Century.
Tornado is now fulfilling the dream, hauling specials on the mainline and giving joy to thousands of passengers and linesiders who want to witness the legend in action. You can be part of this by travelling with us or by becoming a covenantor, helping us to raise the funds to keep the dream alive.
Make a donation
2020 Main Line Tours
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is proud that Tornado will continue to be operated on the Network Rail main line by DB Cargo, which has worked successfully with the Trust since the locomotive’s completion in 2008.
Latest News
The Trust respectfully requests that anyone wanting to see Tornado follows the rules of the railway and only goes where permitted.
Travel with Tornado
The Illuminati
Saturday 2nd November
Join us from BIRMINGHAM, TAME BRIDGE, WOLVERHAMPTON, STAFFORD and STOKE-ON-TRENT.
In a first for Tornado, travel with us to see the world famous Blackpool Illuminations. On board we will offer our usual range of classes but in First Class Dining we will offer a special Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Join us from WOLVERHAMPTON, BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL, DORRIDGE and LEAMINGTON SPA.
A wonderfully festive journey to the historic cities of Bath and Bristol, steam hauled from the West Midlands.The Christmas Bath and Bristol Express
Saturday 7th December
Join us from WOLVERHAMPTON, BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL, DORRIDGE and LEAMINGTON SPA.
A wonderfully festive journey to the historic cities of Bath and Bristol, steam hauled from the West Midlands.
The Fen and Fells Flyer
Saturday 4th April
Join Tornado for a springtime excursion from East Anglia to Carlisle taking in the iconic Settle and Carlisle Railway.
Step aboard from CAMBRIDGE, ELY, MARCH and NEWARK.
The Cumbrian Explorer
Saturday 2nd May
Join us from: Darlington, Thirsk, York, Leeds and Skipton.
A wonderful journey from the home of Tornado in Darlington crossing some of the most scenic railway in England. The train takes us across the dramatic landscape of the Settle and Carlisle Railway, before returning along the stunning Cumbrian Coast.
The Jorvik Express
Saturday 9th May
Join us from: Liverpool, Newton-le-Willows and Manchester Victoria
For the first time, passengers from Liverpool are invited to step aboard and enjoy a wonderful tour with Tornado. Pausing for passengers in Manchester before crossing the beautiful Pennine landscape, the train heads to the historic city of York.
The Pennine Explorer
Saturday 6th June
Join us from: Leicester, East Midlands Parkway, Derby, and Chesterfield.
Join us as we travel from the East Midlands to Carlisle and return including the magnificent Settle and Carlisle Railway. Our tour also includes the stunning Tyne Valley line that crosses Hadrian’s Wall through the beautiful Northumberland scenery.
The Caledonian
Saturday 18th July
Join us from: Birmingham New Street, Tame Bridge Parkway, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe.
Join Tornado for a wonderful day out from the West Midlands to Scotland’s second city. Steam north to discover Glasgow’s vibrant city centre packed with shops, museums and bars.
The Aberdonian
Various dates in Summer 2020
Join us from EDINBURGH Waverley and Haymarket Stations.
Starting in Edinburgh and crossing the Forth Bridge, the train runs along the coast for much of its route making it an unrivalled way to experience Scotland. In Aberdeen there is a chance to explore this historic city, or take one of our off train excursions that include a castle or distillery visit.
The Queen of Scots
Saturday 12th September
Join us from: York, Darlington, Durham and Newcastle.
Step aboard from Yorkshire and North East England for a wonderful tour to the royal seats of Scotland, the beautiful and historic cities of Edinburgh and Stirling.
The Ticket to Ride
Saturday 19th September
Join us from: Darlington North Road, Darlington, Thirsk, York and Wakefield Kirkgate.
Steam with Tornado to the home of The Beatles! Journey to the historic city of Liverpool where you can visit the iconic Cavern Club, the Royal Albert Dock with its many eateries and museums, or even indulge in some retail therapy at Liverpool One.
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