A New Year’s Eve special marking half a century since Peppercorn class A1 Pacific No. 60145 Saint Mungo’s famous York-Newcastle-York run

On 31st December 1965, Peppercorn class A1 No. 60145 Saint Mungo hauled a relief train between York and Newcastle, one of the last runs of an A1 in British Railways’ service. With no preservation scheme likely to be successful, everyone thought that this fine class of locomotive would simply fade into history. It wasn’t until 2008 when No. 60163 Tornado hauled passenger trains for the first time, that anyone had again experienced A1 haulage and it was 2009 with the ‘Peppercorn Pioneers’ before true express speeds were once again experienced.

No. 60145 Saint Mungo, the locomotive at the centre of this tribute - John Arnott-Brown

To mark 50 years since that train ran, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is proud to present a very special excursion, again from York to Newcastle and back, including the non-passenger ‘Blyth & Tyne’ route north of Newcastle, featuring our own Peppercorn Phoenix No. 60163 Tornado, completed in 2008.

To mark 50 years since Saint Mungo’s historic run, on 31^st December 2015 own Peppercorn Phoenix No. 60163 Tornado - completed in 2008 - will retrace her route north from York to Newcastle and back, including the non-passenger ‘Blyth & Tyne’ route north of Newcastle and with a brief call at Darlington in each direction. Given the time of year and the fact that passengers will want to get home for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the train will be departing from York around 12:00hrs and be back around 18:00hrs. For those travelling from further afield there will be picks up at East Coast Main Line stations at Finsbury Park, Potters Bar, Stevenage, Peterborough and Retford. We are working to a 08:45hrs departure from Finsbury Park, returning at around 21:15hrs – hauled back by a Class 90 electric locomotive.

Leaving York around mid-day with new-build class A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado in charge of the train, we head north along the East Coast Main Line. We pass through Darlington, birthplace of railways and of course Tornado, the grey towers of Durham Castle and Cathedral, Antony Gormley’s awesome ‘Angel of the North’ and the King Edward Bridge on the entry to Newcastle.

We then continue north to Morpeth where we veer right on to the Blyth and Tyne route through Bedlington and Newsham, running alongside the modern Tyne & Wear Metro system as we head back towards Newcastle. The tour then retraces its outward route back to York where we expect to arrive around 18.00hrs. There will be at least one opportunity to step off the train for a leg-stretch during the tour and of course at York (twice) whilst locomotives are being changed. 

Our usual three classes will be available; First Class Dining, First Class and Standard. For those in dining a four course celebratory lunch will be served as the main part of the day. First Class Non-Dining and Standard Class seats are also available also and a buffet car is provided.

Tickets are now on sale via our ticket agents UK Railtours. We are also organising discount packages with hotels for those who wish to stay in York and see in the New Year.

Prices for travel are as follows:

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is proud that Tornado is operated on the Network Rail main line by DB Schenker, which has worked successfully with the Trust since the locomotive’s completion in 2008. Profits from this tour go towards maintaining Tornado in future years.

First Class Dining

Dining guests will enjoy a silver service four course celebratory New Year’s Eve Lunch. Those starting from London and intermediate stations to York will also be served a light breakfast outward and supper on the return journey from York.

Seats at a table for two* or four in a First Class carriage.

South of York £225pp , York £199pp

First Class Non-dining

Includes complimentary teas and coffees, as well as afternoon tea during the return journey.

Seats at a table for two* or four in a First Class carriage.

South of York £109pp, York £85pp

Standard Class

Seats at a table for four in a heritage carriage. An on-board buffet serving snacks and hot & cold beverages will be available.

South of York £99pp, York £85pp

* Tables for Two in First Class Dining and First Class Non-dining are available for a supplement of £25pp.

Online and telephone bookings are handled by our booking agents UK Railtours or call 01438 715050 to book over the phone. In the event of cancellation or haulage problems please see our full terms and conditions of carriage.