Tornado's first main line passenger run 31 January 2009

31st January 2009

Today was the long-awaited day when Tornado took its first fare-paying passengers on the main line from York to Newcastle and back. There was bright sun and a cold breeze at York as Tornado backed onto her 13 coach train, showing the public her apple green livery for the first time in daylight. The outward run was brisk, with the Peppercorn Pioneer reaching 60 at Overton Grange, 70 at Tollerton and 75 just after Thirsk. Speed remained well over 70 until past Durham, and the fastest yet steam schedule in preservation was only exceeded by seconds.
The huge crowds at Newcastle were matched by crush barriers and high-profile events patrols, limiting photographic opportunities. The return run was less dramatic, with the train running slow line from Northallerton to York, but it was a great day out. A magnificent achievement for all in the A1 Trust to have got Tornado this far, with the promise of much more to come!

Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado backs down onto its train at York 1024x768 DSCF6357.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado backs down onto its train at York 1024x768 DSCF6363.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado backs down onto its train at York 1024x768 DSCF6366.JPG	Note that Tornado now sports a rimless chimney in the original style of its class 1024x768 DSCF6369.JPG
Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado awaits departure from York York 1024x768 DSCF6370.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado has arrived at Newcastle 1024x768 DSCF6373.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado has arrived at Newcastle 1024x768 DSCF6379.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado has arrived at Newcastle 1024x768 DSCF6386.JPG
Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado follows the stock out of the station at Newcastle 1024x768 DSCF6394.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado is hauled back into Newcastle station for the return run 1024x768 DSCF6396.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado awaits departure from Newcastle for its run back to York 1024x768 DSCF6399.JPG	Peppercorn Pacific No 60163 Tornado awaits departure from Newcastle for its run back to York 1024x768 DSCF6408.JPG