The programme of rectification work to Tornado’s firebox continues at DB Meiningen as planned and on schedule. The work is concentrating on the replacement of platework (new sections of plate are being fitted to both sides of the firebox for preventative maintenance reasons), renewal of stays (some 1,100 to be replaced, 650 as a consequence  of the plate replacement) and work on the foundation ring (four new corners  to be fitted). This work will return the boiler and firebox to 'as new' condition and provide for further reliable operations.  At present almost all the old stays have been removed and preparation and fitment of new stays will commence shortly.

Tornado has been in intensive use for some two and a half years as the locomotive has operated across the UK on main line charters and heritage railways. The boiler and firebox usage is similar to that which would be expected between heavy general overhauls in the 1950s on British Railways with regards to hot-cold-hot boiler cycles. 

The nature of the  repairs required are in line with those effected to boilers of similar type  and are a consequence of the use of the engine on around 300 days (with another 100 ancillary days) since she entered traffic. The comprehensive nature of the facilities at DB Meiningen mean that the repairs are already well in-hand and are expected to cost no more than £50,000.

It is now planned that Tornado’s boiler will return to the UK at the end of March following an hydraulic test in Germany. This will then be rapidly followed by an in-the-frames steam test and the rapid re-assembly of the locomotive, all of the other scheduled winter maintenance work having been completed in the workshop at the National Railway Museum, York, prior to the boiler’s return.

Tornado will then conduct both light engine and loaded test runs in early May before being made available for traffic. It is now planned that Tornado’s return to service, and first main line passenger train in her new Brunswick Green livery (now to also remain for the 2012 operating season) will be on Thursday 26^th May with ‘The Cathedrals Express’ for Steam Dreams from London to Bath & Bristol. Tornado will then take up a comprehensive programme of tours and heritage line visits in diverse locations from Edinburgh to Plymouth and Carlisle to Canterbury. The Trust has apologised to its customers over Tornado’s lack of availability before this date and is sorry to have disappointed so many of Tornado’s passengers.

The Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Railway Museum for making their facilities available, DB Meiningen for its rapid response to the firebox issues and all of Tornado’s supporters for their patience, generosity and understanding.  Progress with the work at the NRM can be seen here