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The V4

The next chapter in the new build story – Come and join us!

The V4 will be the third locomotive built by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, after Tornado and Prince of Wales. To be named Highlander, No.3403, will be the third LNER V4 Class locomotive, Sir Nigel Gresley’s last design, and will be adapted to run on today’s railway. Original drawings have been scanned to enable 3D computer aided design to start, and the trust has started to acquire materials for the project which will be officially launched in 2023. Keep in touch with progress here and join us on this journey.

Support the Trust

Although there is currently no specific appeal open for No. 3403, any donations made towards it will be ring-fenced for the project.

Our next step will be to launch The Founder’s Club to fund the early stages of the project. More announcements will be made over the next few months as the project builds up steam.

Support the Trust

V4 Stats

100MPH

The preservation era speed record broken by Tornado

100,000 MILES

Travelled by Tornado, and counting!

2008

Tornado was completed making it the first main line steam locomotive in the UK since 1961

150

Volunteers who worked on the Tornado project

Our Latest News

Stockton & Darlington Railway...

07 February 2023

Our Latest News, Our Latest News, Our Latest News

An award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will enable redevelopment of heritage buildings as well as a community engagement programme to celebrate the Stockton and Darlington Railway...

The new V4, No. 3403, will be...

26 October 2022

Our Latest News, Our Latest News, Our Latest News

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust (A1SLT) is pleased to announce that their next new build steam locomotive project will be called Highlander. Announced at the A1SLT Annual Convention on Saturday...

Darlington Locomotive Works 2

10 October 2022

Tornado, Our Latest News, Prince of Wales, Our Latest News, Anon, Our Latest News

Early in 2021 Darlington Council made public their ambitions for the Railway Heritage Quarter and residents and businesses were invited to have their say on the proposals for the...