The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the registered charity that has built the first new main line steam locomotive in Britain for almost 50 years, today announced a unique opportunity to join in the celebration of 60163 Tornado’s progression from a dream to a fully-fledged main line engine. The Trust is offering the unique opportunity to be part of the sponsorship of the moment when Tornado achieves the iconic speed of 60 miles per hour  - a “Mile a Minute”. With a donation of £25 you can have your name – or the name of a loved one or friend – on a certificate that will record the moment when Tornado first travelled at a “Mile a Minute”.

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust commented:

“Thanks to the vision and determination of our supporters, Tornado is complete and has already hauled test trains on the Great Central Railway (GCR). All that now remains between Tornado and main line operations is the successful completion of her test and trials programme, first on the GCR and then on Network Rail. A critical part of that programme is the first time that Tornado reaches 60mph or a Mile a Minute on the GCR.”

The project to build a new Peppercorn class A1 was launched in 1990 and after 18 years of planning, construction and fundraising 60163 Tornado made her first public moves in steam on Friday 1st August in front of the world’s press. Following the successful completion of her initial test runs at Darlington, Tornado is now undergoing further tests and trials on the GCR in Loughborough, Britain’s only double track, main line heritage railway, where she will be tested at speeds of up to 60mph in preparation for her Network Rail début in the autumn.

Tornado will spend the next two months based on the GCR. On 21st September Tornado will pull her first passenger trains, initially for our supporters who have helped to finance her construction. Thereafter trains will be open for everyone, for three weekends until the middle of October.

Mark Allatt concluded:

“We are all absolutely delighted with Tornado’s faultless performance to-date. It is down to our more than 2,000 regular monthly and other donors, our sponsors lead by William Cook Cast Products Limited and the hard work of our volunteers and contractors that we have got this far. In order to get Tornado onto the main line as the Trust still needs to raise a further £66,000 on top of its existing pledges. We are now looking to railway enthusiasts throughout the country to help us through making a donation, sponsoring a component or the “Mile a Minute” moment, taking part in our covenant scheme and/or our bond issue. It’s time to get on board!”

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Notes to Editors:

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has built Peppercorn class A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado at its Darlington Locomotive Works and when certified it will be used on charter trains operating on Network Rail. Fitted with additional water capacity and the latest railway safety electronics, Tornado is fully equipped for today’s main line railway. The class A1s were designed by Arthur H Peppercorn for the London & North Eastern Railway and 49 were built in 1948/49 by British Railways. However, following the dieselisation of the railways, all were scrapped by 1966. The A1 Trust has built a new class A1 at a total cost £3 million. Over £2.9m has been raised to-date through deeds of covenant, commercial sponsorship (principal sponsor William Cook Cast Products Limited) and through a bond issue.

For details of how to take part in the “Mile a Minute” moment or other ways to help Tornado telephone 01325 4 60163, visit www.a1steam.com or email enquiries@a1steam.com

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Details on opportunities to travel behind Tornado on the Great Central Railway can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk. Additional information can also be obtained from the Booking Office, Loughborough Central Station, (Daily 9.00 - 5.30) on 01509 230726

For more information please contact:

Mark Allatt, chairman, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust on 07710 878979 (M) or mark.allatt@a1steam.com