Tornado is currently undergoing a scheduled major overhaul, something that was planned for completion in June. Unfortunately, due to the impact of covid-19 on industry and manufacturing in Germany, Tornado’s boiler has been significantly delayed and will now arrive in the UK in the second half of July. There has also been a delay due to congestion at the works fitting the new driving wheel tyres to Tornado, in addition to which the crank axle wheels have required some minor remedial works before the new tyres are fitted. The wheels should then be delivered to us mid-July.
With all the components returned to us the locomotive then takes a number of weeks to reassemble. This will be followed by painting, testing and certification which is currently forecast such that Tornado would not be ready to haul the Aberdonian trains in at least July and August. It is with regret that we are cancelling these tours.
The delays to Tornado returning from overhaul are a key factor, but the situation is further complicated by the ongoing dispute involving the RMT. At present there is no end in sight for this industrial action which could have a significant impact on the ability to run the tours. Due to the unpredictability of the current situation, and the high possibility of the strikes continuing into July and beyond, our operators have shared concerns on running the tours as there is no guarantee that the network will be able to run effectively. We are therefore unable to run the tour with an alternative locomotive.
We understand that this will be a significant disappointment, one that’s shared by us all, but it is the only decision available to us at this time.
The extended timescale and scope of the overhaul, plus the loss of intended earnings this summer, will impact the financial reserves of the Trust. If you would like to contribute to Tornado, please make a donation, sign up as a Covenantor or join The Overhaul Club.
IMAGES FROM JUNE 2022
As we push forwards with the overhaul of Tornado, the two teams at Darlington and Loughborough continue to make progress. Click the images below for the caption.