Tornado launches on the Torbay Express 5 July 2009

6th July 2009

The newbuild Peppercorn A1 Pacific No 60163 Tornado began its season on the Torbay Express with some sparkling running from Bristol to Kingswear and return. The climb of Whiteball would set no records with a speed of only 33 on entering the tunnel, but a looping after Tiverton was followed by a high speed run into Exeter. Down the Exe estuary the running was also brisk, and only a little slower along the Dawlish sea wall. Moving onto the private steam railway at Paignton, she made a workmanlike effort with 11 bogies up the bank to Churston.
On the return from Kingswear, she struggled with a damp rail on the climb out of Torquay, but there was another lively run to Exeter and the descent of Whiteball was stunning. Looped at Taunton and released behind the stopping train, she nevertheless managed several bursts of speed between the inevitable checks. We were three minutes early into Bristol Temple Meads, at the end of an excellent day.

No 60163 Tornado brings the stock of the Torbay Express into Bristol Temple Meads 1024x768 DSCF7373.JPG	No 60163 Tornado at the head of the Torbay Express in Bristol Temple Meads 1024x768 DSCF7384.JPG	No 60163 Tornado at the head of the Torbay Express in Bristol Temple Meads 1024x768 DSCF7388.JPG	The loco crew and a greeter in GWR uniform pose in front of No 60163 Tornado 1024x768 DSCF7395.JPG
No 60163 Tornado at Taunton for a water stop 1024x768 DSCF7399.JPG	No 60163 Tornado at Taunton for a water stop 1024x768 DSCF7402.JPG	No 60163 Tornado has reached Paignton 1024x768 DSCF7431.JPG	At Paignton, a local train heads for Kingswear ahead of No 60163 Tornado 1024x768 DSCF7433.JPG
At Kingswear, No 60163 Tornado shunts the stock 1024x768 DSCF7443.JPG	No 60163 Tornado returns from Kingswear to Churston for turning then Paignton for coal and water 1024x768 DSCF7451.JPG	On the return, No 60163 Tornado takes water at Exeter 1024x768 DSCF7472.JPG	On the return, No 60163 Tornado is held at Taunton for a pathing stop 1024x768 DSCF7490.JPG