The gallery features a selection of the best photographs from the Trust’s Photo Library, click on the year below to review the dates featured. We are always happy to receive images from photographers who might want to have their work exhibited in this section of the website.
No. 60163 on the 100mph run – Robin Coombes
This website is illustrated with many photographs, © various, licenced to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. High-resolution copies are available for a fee or donation to the Trust: contact photos@a1steam.com.
Work continues to return Tornado to operation following the unfortunate incident on ‘The Ebor Flyer’ on 14th April. Our focus is on repairs to the engine’s valve bores, including the fitment of new valve liners to the middle valve, and on machining other components such as the new crosshead, union link and combination lever. In due course it will move on to the new valve heads.that are required and smaller components like fitted bolts and so forth as we reinstate the locomotive to operations.
The investigation progresses, and whilst it continues, the focus is on an alignment issue on the middle valve, analysis of the clearances in the valve rings and a concern over contamination or degradation in the lubrication used. We will continue to work through these issues to ensure robust conclusions are reached and agree suitable actions with our industry partners to avoid a re-occurrence.
It is still our intention that the locomotive will return to traffic, picking up its programme of trains from the 10th July.
All photos by Robert Stephenson Co. Ltd.
The newly machined union link.
The combination lever being machined.
A closer image of the combination lever.
Tornado tears through Biggleswade with ‘The Ebor Flyer’ – Rob Simmons
Digswell – Andrew Plummer
Hitchin – Jeffrey Banks
Putney – Thomas Shrimpton
Woking – Thomas Shrimpton
29th March – Irwell Vale – Alan Weaver
Roche Viaduct – Alan Weaver
Ramsbottom – Ian McDonald
Rawtenstall – Ian McDonald
30th March – Broadfield Bank – Ian McDonald
Rawtenstall – Colin Cragg
31st March – Robert Batty
Robert Batty
Liam Barnes
The outward bound trip is seen at Besford – Neil Whitaker
A nice study at Camp Hill, Birmingham – Danny Young
Worcester Shrub Hill – Mike Parkin
Hanging Langford – Terry Waldron
A photo that sums up the week’s weather – Ben Prior
Tornado in the snow at the SVR – Ben Prior
Cold work for the support crew and SVR staff – Ben Prior
Tornado gets away from Goathland – Alan Weaver
Another impressive shot at Goathland – Alan Weaver
An interesting shot at Grosmont – Mandy Grant
Tornado ascends Goathland Bank – Mandy Grant
The visit to the NYMR was marked by frequent snow showers – Mandy Grant
While in traffic Tornado carried a wreath in honour of Sir William McAlpine – Mandy Grant
Running main line tours can be a challenge at the best of times and the failure of a relay in Tornado’s TPWS system while she was at the GCR(N) caused the burning of much midnight oil. Alas, during preparation for ‘The North Briton’ the replacement component also failed, leaving no time to rectify the fault. Rather than cancel the train the decision was taken to run with a DBC Class 66 on the front to give the train the signalling protection it needed.
Piloted by 66014, ‘The North Briton’ passes Hambleton West Junction – Gareth Griffiths
In beautiful sunshine (unusual for the S&C!) the train passes Birkett – Neil Whitaker
Wetheral Viaduct, another stunning location – Neil Whitaker
Tornado crosses Stanford-upon-Soar viaduct – Paul Davies
No. 60163 at Rushcliffe Halt – Paul Davies
Mandy Grant assists a young Tornado fan – Paul Davies
With Tornado’s season finished, the locomotive was taken by road to Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough (which is not rail connected) for routine winter maintenance including a cylinder re-bore.
Tornado arrives at LMS on an Allelys’ low-loader – Steve Bates
No time was wasted in getting the overhaul started – Graeme Bunker-James
A shore line provides power for No. 60163’s lighting – Graeme Bunker-James
