As you will be aware, our flagship locomotive No. 60163 Tornado has been under overhaul for an extended period. This is primarily due to additional work needed to repair the boiler. We have done everything in our power to return the locomotive to the main line ahead of our commitments in Scotland this summer, but we will not be able to achieve this. We have therefore taken steps to minimise disruption and disappointment for passengers, by working with West Coast Railway Company (WCRC) to run as many of the trains as possible, starting in July with the trains on 27th and 29th. Whilst the trains won’t be hauled by Tornado, we are pleased to confirm that they will have steam traction from WCRC’s pool of locomotives.
However, due to operational constraints, we must cancel three of our planned trains. These are:
From Edinburgh: Thursday 20th July & Saturday 19th August
From Glasgow & Stirling: Saturday 22nd July
Passengers for these trains have been contacted directly, with alternative dates offered.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by these changes, and hope that those who wish to, can still enjoy the fantastic steam hauled journey along the coast to Aberdeen.
On a more encouraging note, we are pleased to report that the end of Tornado's boiler repairs is in sight, and the frames will be ready to receive it on delivery to Loughborough in the coming weeks. It has been a long 18 month overhaul, and we all look forward to seeing Tornado back in steam for testing this summer before a triumphant main line return in September.