Britain's first new steam train in over 40 years
News
Move to Great Central Railway (GCR)! Testing has begun at GCR and Tornado will pull her first passenger carriages on September 21st 2008
Tornado moved publically on August 1st and 2nd at Darlington Railway Works.
A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
To build and operate a completely new Peppercorn class A1 Pacific steam locomotive.
Help Us
Help Them
Buy our Tornado covers and cinderella stamps to support A1 Steam and secure Tormado's future.
History of Tornado
.jpg "ornado 1st Public Passenger Cover")
The Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific Steam Locomotive was the last of the great express passenger, steam locomotives designed by Arthur H Peppercorn at London & North Eastern Railway. British Railways built 49 of these majestic 'A1s' at its Doncaster and Darlington works between 1948 and 1949. But unfortunately none of the great locomotives escaped the onset of dieselisation and the scrapmans' torch, after only an average life of 15 years.
Since 1990, the 'A1 Steam Locomotive Trust' has had one main aim, to build and operate a completely new 'A1' from scratch and to its original design, with the aid of the latest technology. This new-build steam locomotive, christened 'Tornado', is the first to be attempted in over 40 years. For more information, visit A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.
Will Tornado break the steam locomotive speed record previously set by the Mallard?
A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust - a registered charity – has been building the completely new A1 for 18 years. Fitted with additional water capacity and the latest railway safety electronics, Tornado is fully equipped for today’s main line railway.
With the help from major backers; William Cook Cast Products, Corus, Rolls Royce and BAe Systems 95% of Tornado has been built, including all it major parts.
Tornado still needs your help to secure her future. If you would like to help, please visit A1 Steam Locomotive Trust's Website. By donating you can be a part of history!
Building Tornado
Tornado is not a replica. She is the fiftieth A1. Using modern manufacturing techniques and up-to-the-minute technology.
To learn more about the building of Tornado and see images of the process, visit A1 Steam Locomotive Trust's Website.
