On the 24th March East Midlands Trains named one of its Class 222 Meridian trains (222003) after Tornado, the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for almost 50 years.

The dedication ceremony took place at Sheffield station and was carried out by Tim Shoveller, Managing Director or East Midlands Trains and Andrew Cook, Chairman of William Cook Cast Products.

East Midlands Trains named Meridian vehicle number 60163 (which is part of Meridian set number 222003). This vehicle happens to share the number 60163 with the A1 steam locomotive Tornado, which was alongside to mark the occasion.

Tim Shoveller and Andrew Cook unveil the nameplate

Tim Shoveller said: “When we found out that one of our Meridian trains shared a number with the first steam locomotive to be built for over 50 years, of course we wanted to mark that and naming this driving vehicle Tornado as well seemed appropriate. We’re even more delighted to be able to do that in Sheffield. Sheffield is the home of the steel industry and many of the components of both our Meridian train Tornado and the steam engine Tornado were made by William Cook Cast Products.

“While our Meridians don’t have the great romance and majesty of the steam locomotive, what we do have now are trains to London that are faster than ever. And we hope to increase the frequency of those London trains in December this year, to provide a half hourly service. This will provide a boost for business in the region, as good links with the capital are a key factor in attracting new business to the area.”

Tim Shoveller and Andrew Cook on the footplate of Tornado

Andrew Cook said: “William Cook is the largest corporate sponsor of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the group responsible for the Tornado steam locomotive project. William Cook has provided the driving wheels and all the other cast steel parts for this unique project. The Company has also provided the substantial financial backing necessary to allow manufacture of the boiler and tender to take place.”