Now stabled 'at home' in Darlington Locomotive Works, Tornado spent November static awaiting our next turn of duty. With two mainline passenger trains remaining in our calendar, our team of volunteers and engineering staff spent their time ensuring the locomotive was to be presented in the excellent condition that our supporters have (rightfully!) come to expect.  Due to Traincrew availability, we were unable to operate double-headed with No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecombe as intended on 3^rd December, despite both our support crew and the locomotive being fully prepared for service. Whilst disappointing, we then ensured our focus was on our next passenger working, on 10^th December.

On Sunday 7^th December, our team of volunteers carried out preparations whilst our duty engineer carried out essential inspections as part of the fitness to run process. Once satisfied that Tornado was fit for service, our team had a short period of relaxation before departing Darlington Locomotive Works on Monday 8^th December, heading for Tyseley Locomotive works, Birmingham. This movement, along with the subsequent associated movements, was operated by our partner, Vintage Trains.

With little time to rest upon arrival, a full day of preparations followed on Tuesday 9^th December. A further fitness to run exam was then undertaken, before our departure on 10^th December to York. We enjoyed some spirited running through miles of beautifully lit rural areas in the winter's sun. With watering undertaken in a loop near Humberstone Road, Leicester, on both our outward and return journeys, we encountered a damaged hydrant on our return leg, which resulted in a delay. Despite best efforts by all those involved to minimise the late running, we became further delayed due to regulation for other services that were running 'on time', arriving back at Dorridge just under 60 minutes late. Despite the delay, we heard from many passengers, first hand on arrival at Dorridge, that they had a wonderful experience onboard.

To ensure Tornado returned back home to Darlington Locomotive works before Christmas, a suitable movement was arranged for Wednesday 17^th December from Tyseley Locomotive work. Speaking on behalf of our support crew, it's been wonderful to meet so many of our supporters during a very successful 2025 operating season, and we all very much look forward to seeing you all during 2026, with our first passenger operation on Saturday 28^th March, from Birmingham New Street to Carlisle.