Just over two weeks before the historic 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), world famous steam locomotive No. 60163 Tornado has returned to its home in Darlington for the celebrations. Significantly, it is the first time Tornado has been able to arrive at its new home within the ‘cradle of the railways’ by rail.

Tornado was built between 1990 and 2008, with much of the project coming together in the old Carriage Works on Hopetown Lane, Darlington, where this modern steam locomotive moved for the first time. In 2023, the Trust moved to new premises across the railway, and this is Tornado's first visit to the shed.

Crossing over the historic Skerne Bridge, depicted for many years on the £5 note and itself 200 years old and part of the original route of the S&DR, Tornado steamed on from the old to the new as it arrived at Darlington Locomotive Works. In recent months, volunteers, the Army, Network Rail, VolkerRail and other key stakeholders have assisted in installing around 2 miles of track and equipment. This combined effort, plus around £350,000 of fundraising for materials, has culminated in the creation of a new depot that would have normally cost around £5m. This trackwork is in addition to the new £4.5m Darlington Locomotive Works, part of the Hopetown Museum site which will be the focus of activity as the anniversary is marked on 27th September 2025, 200 years to the day since the first trains ran, and the genesis of the railways as we now recognise them around the world.

Steve Davies, MBE, Chairman of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust commented on the occasion:

“Today represents a major milestone in the history of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. No. 60163 Tornado coming home by rail, right into the heart of Darlington in the cradle of the railways, is something that we have worked hard for over many years, and I am especially proud to see this happen in the year marking the bicentenary of the railways. I pay tribute to all those who have supported and helped us along the way and to those who had the vision to see this project through. It is a major boost for the whole team! The connection to the national network and the opportunities that offers the Trust are revolutionary, not only essential for the continued operation of  Tornado on the main line but also looking forward to the completion of our second locomotive, P2 Class No. 2007 Prince of Wales.”

Photos by Kenny Felstead, Chris Furphy & Graham Nicholas.