‘MIRACLES’ OF THE HERITAGE ERA ‘MIRACLES’ OF THE HERITAGE ERA

‘LAZARUS’ HOW WE BUILT AN A1 PACIFIC . . . FROM SCRATCH Part 1 We have deliberately left the ambitious and high-profile A1 project until last to coincide with the engine’s first steamings this year. Although technically the 11th and final part of our ‘Lazarus’ THE ‘TORNADO’ STORY series, the remarkable story of how a Y the late-1980s, almost A digitally-altered image showing ‘Tornado’ at Doncaster shed (from a everything that could be done COLOUR-RAIL photo of 60156 Great Central. Peppercorn Pacific was brought from to preserve main line steam had been done. Motion, driving dream to reality is a major story in its Truly a ‘back from the dead’. . . Tornado steams Bwheels and even cylinders had been for the first time at Darlington in January. TED PARKER own right, so this month the usual series manufactured to bring former Barry format by CLIFF THOMAS is followed by scrapyard wrecks back to life, culminating Number 11: LNER-design in the remarkable restoration of Standard the first part of the full Tornado story, 8P Pacific No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester – told by the chairman of the A1 Trust. A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado the original ‘project impossible’. The ‘Duke’ had been so dubbed because it was missing its outside HE aim of the scheme is to construct the 50th Peppercorn The crunch questions cylinders and many other major parts. In TA1 Pacific. Q. What motivated the setting-up of the project? fact, its restoration included so much A. Examples of most East Coast express motive power from the new-build that many people realised the The project 1870s exist, including a Stirling Single, small and large-boilered next step must be to build an entire new Eighteen years ago, a group of businessmen with a love of Ivatt Atlantics, LNER A4, A3 and A2 Pacifics and the various locomotive, albeit to an existing design. steam took the astounding decision to build an A1 Pacific from examples of modern traction from Class 40s and ‘Deltics’ Starting from informal discussions in scratch. Nothing as ambitious had been attempted in the through to HSTs and Class 91s, yet no A1s. The trust was Darlington, the group that was to become preservation movement before. formed to fill the ‘missing link’. the A1 Trust first The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust was duly launched in met on March 24, 1990 to discuss the November 1990 and although many members of the public were Q. How much is it costing in total? feasibility of building a replica Peppercorn largely sceptical to begin with, a packed first meeting in York A. The current total stands at £3m – almost exactly twice the A1. On April 7, 1990, Mike Wilson, who It was a project dismissed as “madcap” . . . “pie in the sky”. “They’ll never build a followed by further successful presentations in and original estimate (although it has to be said that much of the was to become the trust’s first chairman, Edinburgh convinced the men they were “onto something”. difference has been caused by inflation and the fluctuating sent a letter to Steam Railway News (a now boiler,” laughed the sceptics. But, against all the odds, the A1 Steam Locomotive A team of engineers and professional people was assembled effects of world commodity markets). defunct weekly newspaper), resulting in and, significantly, it was decided that those involved would all the first public meeting at the Railway Trust pressed on and now, after 18 long years of toil, the dream has been realised. do for the project what they did for a living – in contrast to most Q. How much has been raised so far? Institute, York, on April 28 that year. volunteer-led projects, whose members tend to do something A. All but £20,000 has been raised of the money required to At that time, the project comprised In a behind-the-scenes story especially written for The Railway Magazine, the different from their normal working environment. physically build the locomotive, but £800,000 will then be have to Mike and four others – David Champion The target date they gave themselves for completion was be raised to pay off the bonds, loans etc. (a financial planning consultant who trust’s chairman, MARK ALLATT tells how they accomplished ‘Mission Impossible’ September 27, 2000 – the 175th anniversary of the opening of produced the marketing and build plan), the Stockton & Darlington Railway – and the cost of building the Q. When do you expect the engine to run? Phil Champion (brother of David and a fundraising – based around deeds of The majority of – Wreford Voge (taxation director), Barry the left. It was taken at a BR open day at first new main line steam locomotive in Britain since 1960 was A. The first static steaming occurred in mid-January 2008 and is teacher who became the group’s first covenant – which made it all possible. pictures in this feature Wilson (finance director) myself and Barrow Hill depot in 1971 and shows my projected at £1.6million. being followed by running-in trials on the Great Central Railway. newsletter editor), Stuart Palmer (a A formal launch for the public and are courtesy of the A1 David Elliott (director of engineering). first encounter with one of Arthur Pepper- The means of raising this daunting sum was by encouraging No. 60163’s main line debut is scheduled for this September if Newcastle solicitor who became legal press was held at the Railway Institute on Steam Locomotive Although I had no doubts even at corn’s magnificent Pacifics – A2 No. 532 Trust Archive large numbers of people to contribute small sums of money and all goes to plan. advisor) and Ian Storey (owner of Stanier November 17, 1990, and was attended by that early stage that the project would be Blue Peter. By then I was already a steam the phrase “help build a loco for the price of a pint of beer a ‘Black Five’ No. 44767, who became the more than 80 people. To loud applause, it successful, I certainly wasn’t expecting it (and LNER)-mad five year old and the week” was coined. (A pint of ale in the North-East was £1.25 Q. Where will the locomotive operate once completed? project’s chief mechanical engineer). was announced that the new loco would to dominate the next 17 years of my life! experience left a lasting impression on me. when the project was launched). A. It will principally operate on the main line. It is, however, the Ian was instrumental in assessing the carry the running number 60163 – next I have been asked several times since From its earliest days, the A1 Trust intention that after departing the GCR, the loco will not again be initial feasibility of the engineering side in sequence after 60162 Saint Johnstoun. why I became involved . . . because I regarded 60163 not as a replica or copy Background to the class loaded on a road transporter. This means that although it will visit (at an estimated cost of £500,000 in 1990 That was followed by roadshows in wasn’t born until 1965 and am therefore of any one of the 49 Peppercorn A1s, but The A1s were designed by Arthur H. Peppercorn, the last chief heritage lines, they will be limited to those with a main line prices, rising to around a million pounds if London and Edinburgh in 1991. Four of far too young to even remember an A1 as the 50th member of the class. That mechanical engineer of the LNER. The fleet of 49 was ordered connection. construction was to take ten years), and the current trustees can trace their in a scrapyard, let alone in action. For the decision gave us a licence to make small by the LNER, but were actually built by BR at Doncaster and David put in place a radical approach to involvement back to those early meetings answer, you have to turn to the photo on changes to the design to better suit Darlington in 1948-49. Although highly successful, they fell foul Q. What would you say to those who argue that the effort modern manufacturing techniques and of the speed of BR’s dieselisation process and enjoyed an and cash would be better spent on returning one of the fit in with the modern high-speed railway, average working life of just 15 years. An attempt was made by many unrestored Barry wrecks to steam than on a new- while remaining demonstrably faithful to enthusiasts (including Geoff Drury, who had saved Peppercorn build project? the greater part of the original design. A2 No. 60532 Blue Peter) to preserve the last survivor, No. A. Firstly, this is a completely different kind of project. Secondly, From the start, three vital decisions 60145 Saint Mungo, but that failed, the loco being scrapped in the question assumes that there is only a limited ‘pie’ to be were made: 1) Unlike most railway the autumn of 1966. shared out, but people may well choose to support both the heritage organisations, funding would be construction of Tornado and the restoration of another loco of considered a priority and not be regarded What has been achieved so far their choice. as a necessary nuisance; 2) the trustees From the start, this has been an exceptionally well-organised would be professionals in their relevant project, which caught the public imagination and attracted Q. How can people contribute? fields, so that their work for the trust significant funding. Supporters were invited to enter into A. By making a one-off donation, becoming a covenanter, buying would be to the highest standard; and dedicated covenants, and commercial sponsorship was also a bond or sponsoring a component. 3) for reasons of certification, the secured, often by persuading companies to supply components overwhelming majority of the without charge or at generous discounts. (The actual details are Where to find out more manufacture would be undertaken by dealt with in the main section of this feature) The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Darlington Locomotive Works, the engineering industry. ▲ Hopetown Lane, Darlington, DL3 6RQ; Tel 01325 460163 or The scrapping of the entire fleet of A1 Pacifics while they were all still in their ‘teens’ By mid-1991, we were well into our Original/authentic components being incorporated E-mail address: [email protected] or visit THE INSPIRATION . . . THE MOTIVATION . . . remains one of the most scandalous and shameful outrages in British railway history stride. Phil Champion was producing a No major parts at all. This is an entirely new-build project www.a1steam.com The moment five-year-old Mark Allatt was bitten by and proved the catalyst for the remarkable support the A1 Trust has received. This is regular newsletter, Mike Fanning had the LNER bug: Blue Peter, Barrow Hill, 1971. J. ALLATT 1949-built No. 60157 Great Eastern being butchered at Draper’s of Hull in early 1965. become marketing director, and Peter

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HISTORY OF THE PEPPERCORN A1s

IN 1948 and 1949, the newly-nationalised A1 No. 60129 as built, in BR blue livery. hauling trains of up to 600 tons. Speeds of British Railways built, at its Doncaster and COLOUR-RAIL 100mph were not unknown and on one Darlington works, 49 class A1 Pacifics to occasion, an A1 produced an estimated the design of the LNER’s last chief 2,400 drawbar horsepower. mechanical engineer, Arthur Peppercorn. Five were built with roller bearings on all Peppercorn’s predecessor, Edward axles, and the class turned in reliability Thompson, had unveiled his controversial figures better than those of any other rebuild of Gresley’s pioneer Pacific, No. express passenger steam locomotive 4470 Great Northern, in 1945, leaving very in the country. little of the original locomotive. The new No. 60123 H.A. Ivatt was the first to go Great Northern was an angular and after it was involved in an accident near ungainly-looking machine yet, despite its Offord in 1962. Its classmates all followed well-documented flaws, Thompson placed between 1964 and 1966, the last to be an order for new-build versions. Before they cylinder engines with all cylinders driving most visibly, placed the outside cylinders in withdrawn being 60145 Saint Mungo, from could be constructed, however, he was on to the middle axle; but Peppercorn, like their more conventional place over the York in June 1966. It was sold to Draper’s of succeeded by Peppercorn, who modified Thompson, used divided drive, with the bogie. In 1961, the president of the Hull in August for breaking up – something the design. The first Peppercorn Pacific, No. middle cylinder connected to the leading Institution of Locomotive Engineers stated that tragically took place after the failure of 60114, appeared from Doncaster in August axle. Gresley had used conjugated valve that this was the kind of locomotive Sir a bid by Geoff Drury (who saved 1948 and was named W.P. Allen two months gear, while Thompson and Peppercorn Nigel Gresley would have designed had Peppercorn A2 60532 Blue Peter) to later. Another 48 followed by the end of the used three sets of Walschaerts gear. he still been alive. preserve it. Above: The years roll by as one of the Pacific’s six 6ft 8in driving wheels is cast in a foundry scene following year, the last of the class being Peppercorn also fitted a markedly larger The A1s worked principal expresses on The entire class were mere ‘teenagers’ reminiscent of the industrial revolution. The date was October 1995. ROGER BAMBER No. 60162 Saint Johnstoun. grate of 50 sq ft – the same as that used by the from 1948 until when they died – an utterly scandalous Right, upper: RAF officers prepare to present the nameplates at Tyseley in January 1995. TED PARKER The earlier Gresley Pacifics were three- Gresley on his magnificent P2-8-2s – and the end of steam on that route in 1965/66, waste of public resources. Right, lower: Taking shape . . . the frames after erection inside Tyseley loco works in October 1996.

Townend (former King’s Cross shed- ceased, an appeal for volunteers to sort information about the purpose of the (tender 783) and the date to traffic as make design changes”. It was decided material is no longer available, and we’d master) had become an advisor and and collate drawings at the National project and some drawings. Porta then December 30, 1949 . . . in BR blue livery! that, despite higher initial costs, roller- probably not want to use even it if it was! would subsequently become a vice- Railway Museum was made in autumn promised to submit his suggestions, thus In 1992, we finally acquired Flying bearings would be fitted and a number By the summer of 1993, the president of the trust. Showing that The 1991. Eight people came forward and a contributing to an effort whose “far Scotsman’s second tender (No. 5332 – one of design changes made. These included: organisation had become the A1 Steam Railway Magazine had faith in the project team of six, led by Gerard Hill, spent three reaching consequences we cannot yet of the LNER’s original ten 1928 corridor All-welded boiler with a steel firebox; Locomotive Trust, a company limited by from the start, assistant editor (now days at the NRM. ascertain in full”. tenders). This had been converted in the One-piece frames; Changes to the front guarantee with charitable status – a vital deputy editor) Chris Milner had That autumn also saw production of The autumn of ’91 also saw the trust 1960s for use as a water carrier for the A3, bogie to improve ride quality; step due to the tax efficiency of covenants. volunteered to be our first press officer. the first batch of 50 A1 ties, one of a small looking to start work on the tender and and on November 17 it arrived at Ian Improvements to the steam circuit; Ian Storey had stepped back into the role ▲ All that was needed now was a name number of promotional items produced protracted negotiations were entered into Storey’s yard near Morpeth. Within a Primary air (not steam) brakes and of chief technical adviser with David for the loco. With the promise of £50,000 by the trust and primarily used as a way to buy Flying Scotsman’s redundant second week, the wasted tank had been removed vacuum brakes; Altering the balance Elliott becoming head of engineering. sponsorship from his company, New of building a sense of community tender, in order to use its frames. A ballot and the frames had started to be stripped. between coal and water in the tender However, what was seen as the big Cavendish Books, Allan Levy selected the amongst covenantors. Even today, a very of covenantors revealed a small preference On the technical drawings side, it was in favour of the latter; Overall weight news for the trust at the time was the name Tornado in view of the sacrifices high percentage of covenantors attend for a riveted (Doncaster pattern) tender, found necessary to scan the drawings and reduction. signing of an agreement with Doncaster being made at the time in the Gulf War by trust events wearing their ties with pride. although that decision later had to be import them into a computer-aided Spring 1993 saw the formation of Council to build Tornado in the town at a RAF crews of the plane of the same name. A boost to our morale occurred in re-visited when we moved to Darlington. design system as the existing microfilm ‘the Locomotive site yet to be identified. With an eye to The deeds of covenant proved October 1991 when we received a letter Spring 1992 saw several strands of copies weren’t suitable for manufacturing Construction Co publicity, the Doncaster partnership astonishingly successful and many people from Senor Livio Dante Porta, the the project starting to come together, purposes and the NRM was not prepared Ltd, a wholly- agreement was delivered by the then were lured by a clever marketing slogan eminent Argentinean locomotive although Gerard Hill had to reveal that no to allow direct dyeline copies to be made owned subsidiary Railway Magazine editor, Peter Kelly – by encouraging them to “build a main line engineer. In it, he congratulated those general arrangement drawing of an A1 from fragile linen originals. That said, of the trust that bike (Peter had loco for the price of a pint of beer a week!” responsible and said he saw it as the existed and that one of a Peppercorn A2 considerable research into A1s had been would be I went to sleep dreaming cycled from John Having ascertained before the launch beginning of “the renaissance of steam would have to be used in lieu. There were undertaken, including Gerard Hill’s responsible for the O’Groats to Lands of the project that many drawings for technology as a clean answer to motive also a number of policy announcements, interview with Peppercorn’s former loco’s building. of what Arthur would have End to raise the Peppercorn A1s had been saved from power in an oil energy-deficiently including a commitment that Tornado assistant, J.F. Harrison. Bob Alderman profile and Doncaster Works when steam overhauls supplied world”. He asked for further would be built in Britain, not Poland or Certification also reared its head and (engineering), “thought. He would funding of the elsewhere as had been considered vital initial meetings were held with Sam Martin Poole have been so proud project). Also at Scenes from the early (although it was accepted that some parts Foster and Brian Penney of the BR Below: Dorothy Mather (materials the ceremony was days: Clockwise from might have to be built overseas). Private Owner Locomotive Engineers. and the trust’s then specifications), Bob the trust’s now top left: The day that chairman, David started it all . . . Mike 1992 saw the number of people Their reaction to the project was very Champion, admire Meanley (boiler design), John Wigston president, Dorothy Mather, widow of Wilson addresses the taking out covenants continuing to grow positive and as well as making many the newly-unveiled (artist) and Ted Parker (video producer) Arthur Peppercorn, making what was to very first meeting at by an average of 11 a month despite the useful suggestions, they adopted what cylinder castings at all formally came on board and most are be the first of many appearances for us. York on November 17, deepening economic recession. David Elliott described as a “refreshingly Tyseley in May 1996. still involved today. Considering” that A. H. Peppercorn 1990, with Ian Storey, With Steve Marshall racing around flexible approach” to our proposals to ROB MORLAND On April 13, 1993, the painstaking died in 1951, aged 62, it is remarkable Stuart Palmer and the country making presentations and job of cataloguing, scanning, cleaning-up that we still have this direct living link David Champion in leading our attendance at exhibitions, and re-drawing began. The engineering with the class and it is wonderful that the picture. Mike Fanning moved into the role of team spent several weeks at the NRM at Dorothy (who is known to be in her 90s) 2. Rule of thumb! David Elliott and Gerard Hill finance director and I took over as York and in the end around 95 per cent of has been able to see Tornado in steam. take dimensions from marketing manager. Other stalwarts the original drawings were discovered. In early 1994, the trust gained its first Blue Peter in the NRM. involved at the time included Jim and These were mostly Indian ink tracings on major sponsor, Macreadys, a leading steel 3. The detailed Fiona Kirkman, who looked after line and about 1,100 drawings were bar stockholder, which agreed to measurements were covenants and donations, and Bill scanned in 1993 and a further 140 in contribute a variety of steels from its wide later obtained from Lovegrove, general enquiries. 2001. They were then electronically stock range. At around the same time, the original drawings at Our now finance director, Barry de-skewed and cleaned with a few being Tyseley Locomotive Works’ Bob Meanley, the museum and David Wilson, made his first foray into print in completely redrawn due to poor quality by now employed part-time by the trust Elliott is seen scanning drawing No. 625 into the trust’s journal of summer 1992 with originals. In places, we had to devise our to oversee construction, ceremonially an article on what liveries a 50th loco own specifications to make sense of such presented David Champion, with the

the computer. ▲ 4. The almost eerie would have worn if it had been gems as “this bolt to be a good fit” and ‘first and last’ components of Tornado – sight of a rough completed directly after No. 60162 at “this item to be made with special care” the bogie swivel pin (made by TMA cylinder casting at Doncaster. He even went as far as to and ascertain exactly what “best Yorkshire Engineering of Birmingham) and the nut foundry stage. predict the works number as 2057 iron” actually is. It is a sure bet that such a that will secure the regulator. On

16 The Railway Magazine April 2008 April 2008 The Railway Magazine 17 ‘MIRACLES’ OF THE HERITAGE ERA ‘MIRACLES’ OF THE HERITAGE ERA

March 22, David Champion, who by then would be erected in Doncaster, but the the trust’s activities in Darlington. At the had become chairman, was presented to agreement with the town’s council broke same time Tornado’s cab was nearing Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion down and so a decision was taken to erect completion at Mercia Fabrications. ▲ of her visit to Doncaster to mark the the frames at Tyseley under the expert Summer 1997 saw the recruitment of 800th anniversary of the signing of the eye of Bob Meanley. To much national yet more sponsors: Timken, makers of the town’s charter. Not only had the Queen publicity, the frame-laying ceremony was original roller bearings, provided bearings been briefed on the project and the held on January 5, 1995. Wheelset at a very advantageous price; and Great proposed heritage centre but she told construction started that year too, with North Eastern Railway hung banners at David she “very much liked travelling the casting of the first wheel at Cook’s Darlington station and provided travel behind steam engines”. Burton plant. for working party members. A red-letter day was April 22, 1994 In 1995, Darlington Borough Council The highlight of the fourth annual when the frame plates were rolled at the came to the rescue with the offer of the convention on September 27, 1997, was Scunthorpe works of British Steel (now old Hopetown Lane carriage works at an the formal opening of Darlington Loco Corus). Construction had started! appropriate ‘Peppercorn’ rent! Also apt Works by Leader of the Council, Coun It had been hoped to have the frames was the fact that it lay just a stone’s throw John Williams, and the unveiling of cut out at Doncaster Works on the same from the site of Darlington Works. Tornado amidst smoke, steam and lighting machine that had profiled the frames for The second annual convention was effects to the strains of Elgar’s ‘Pomp and A4s and A1s, but, heartbreakingly it was held in Darlington on September 23 Circumstance’. The engine, now with all sold a matter of days before Tornado’s 1995. Highlights of the day were a three cylinders and the cab attached, had frames were due to arrive. Instead, the welcome by the Mayor and the arrived from Tyseley two days earlier. 48ft 6in long and 6ft deep steel plates announcement that both Dorothy The year 1998 opened with chairman were cut out as a pair by a computer- Mather and Peter Townend had been David Champion in buoyant mood. With controlled machine at BSD in Leeds on made vice-presidents of the trust. David growth in covenants then running at 22.5 July 13, 1994, the machine being started Champion closed the proceedings saying: per cent p.a. and industrial sponsorship by Dorothy Mather. The plates were “There will be frustrations, there will be keeping costs at 40 per cent of normal, he each made from a single piece of steel as obstacles but overcoming them is part of speculated that if the trust could get 2,000 opposed to two pieces riveted together, the thrill. The end result will be worth it!” covenants by 2000, it would be possible A taste of what’s to was hoped to have the boiler general chimney and blastpipe were delivered to as on the original A1s and have been to finish the A1 on schedule; set up a come: Gateshead arrangement drawings complete by early Darlington. described as the most accurately-made maintenance and overhaul fund and start depot’s No. 60147 in the new year. Completion of the cab enabled Superb North Eastern has the plate frames ever applied to a steam loco. construction of a second new locomotive! look of a thoroughbred The trust’s desire for Tornado to be another fundraising push to be staged, When Andrew Cook, chairman of After unveiling the three cylinders at Sadly, other events were to mean that as it canters along the ‘dual fuelled’ was also aired, with the with David Champion (driver’s side) and Burton-based William Cook Cast Products Tyseley on May 25, 1996, Dorothy was his fine vision would not be the course ECML after a visit to intention that it could burn both coal and myself (fireman’s side) being the first Ltd, heard of the trust, he contacted David back at Darlington to receive the that history would take. Doncaster Works in oil. At the close of the convention, David people to sit in it. In front of us was a huge Elliott with an offer of help. In early 1994, ceremonial key to Hopetown – to be It was also around that time that the August 1961. J. HART Elliott was presented with the first banner hanging between the cab and the this led initially to the company agreeing to known as Darlington Locomotive Works. decision was taken to sell the ex-Flying COLOUR-RAIL BRE1827 Darlington-made component – a brake smokebox appealing for £250,000 to fill cast Tornado’s six 6ft 8in driving wheels on There was more superb news that year Scotsman tender frames back to the hanger pin. that now very apparent gap. very advantageous terms. with the awarding of £300,000 in grants owners. This decision was due to the The forging of the motion was a very The trust’s sixth annual convention, The agreement was later extended for the building from the European amount of work needed to overhaul HOW YOU long and expensive process, with costs in October 1999, opened with a minute’s to all the wheels and has culminated in September 17, 1994 at Hall Cross School Top: The first sight of Regional Development Fund, the them and convert them to roller-bearings, CAN HELP totalling around £50,000. The majority of silence for Geoff Drury, one of our most an A1 on the East Coast Cook’s becoming our principal sponsor, in Doncaster and was attended by 210 Main Line since 1966 National Heritage Memorial Fund and plus the desire of the trust to have an components were forged by the now- prominent supporters, who had died helping with almost every steel casting. people, including the late Geoff Drury, (albeit only as a set of Darlington Council. almost entirely new locomotive. It was to The A1 Trust is a closed John Hesketh & Son Ltd of Bury, during the previous week. He had saved Starting what has become a tradition, the then owner of Blue Peter. Guest frames!) took place in Thanks to covenantor Paul Ambler, be the first of several false starts on the registered charity starting with the slidebars in 1999 and both Gresley A4 Bittern and the only other the first annual convention was held on speaker was Andrew Dow, a former head March 1997 when the trust went online in the autumn of construction of the tender and supporters can finishing with the inside radius rod in extant Peppercorn Pacific from the of the NRM and later to become a trustee. Tornado was towed to 1996. The Internet is now the primary Spring saw work start on the still get on board by 2002. The machining of the motion was cutters’ torch and in 1966 had tried in In a letter after the event, Dorothy York behind an EWS source of new contacts and without it smokebox, thanks to sponsorship from becoming donors. even more expensive – over £100,000. vain to save the last A1. Mather wrote: “On Saturday night I went Class 37. The unusual and email, the co-ordination of the Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge and the Through gift aid, the Suppliers used included Ufone To a backdrop of smoke strategically to sleep dreaming of what Arthur would load is seen at Trowell, activity of management team members gaining of Rolls-Royce as a sponsor. trust is able to claim Precision Engineering Ltd, Multi-Tech arranged to rise through Tornado’s Notts, en route to the have thought about it all. He would have as far apart as Edinburgh and Jersey back from the Inland Engineering of Featherstone and I. D. chimney, David Champion reported that ECML. BOB NEWITT been so touched and so proud.” would be almost impossible. Celebration Revenue the income/ Howitt Ltd of Crofton. the trust now had the largest number of The next job was to erect the plates. Above: Gently does it . . . At the third annual convention on capital gains tax Thanks to the making of a smokebox supporters of any British loco-owning On the original A1s, the frame stretchers the frames are lowered September 21, 1996, I launched in my All 12 locomotive tyres were donors have paid on door by Howitt’s, Tornado gained its ‘face’ group and represented a 20th of all were cast and the middle cylinder was onto the wheelsets at presentation what was to become a major delivered to the East Lancs loco works at their donations. At in summer 1999. An order was then railway heritage group membership. in effect a massive frame stretcher of Darlington in 2000. fundraiser – dedicated covenants. These Bury ready for fitting to the wheels. the time of writing, placed with Kingsheath Patterns for the He also gave us the wonderful news enormous strength. That manufacturing ROB MORLAND were additional covenants that could be There, Ian Riley & Co carried out some the trust can claim superheater header – the most complex that the locomotive was 47 per cent process was fine when building a batch allocated to particular components and ‘industrial archaeology’ on our behalf £2.82, for every £10 casting of all and one that was to prove a complete. of 49, but very uneconomic when Lower left: Excellent recognised through a certificate and a experimenting with a scrap axle from donated, making challenge for more than one foundry. We were halfway there! free publicity in the tRM Above: Peter Kelly, who at the time was editor of each contribution producing just one loco. We therefore form of banners at drawing of the part. Now renamed Firth Rixon and a dummy wheel centre By autumn 1999, the wheelsets were The RM, delivers the Doncaster partnership utilised the modern method of using Darlington station in ‘dedicated donations’, many components provided by William Cook to discover the worth £12.82. See assembled, with the last wheel being agreement to the town’s mayor. Peter cycled the NEXT MONTH: In Part 2 of the Tornado polystyrene as opposed to wooden the late-1990s, courtesy are still available for sponsorship. Prices details of how the wheels should be contact details on pressed on in mid-September and the length of Britain to raise funds for the A1 project. story, we tell how the project faced up to patterns, at around a third of the cost. of Great North Eastern range from £25 to £25,000. pressed onto the axles. Using the required page 14. tyres fitted; the smokebox and smoke the harsh realities of a new century. Thanks to a substantial donation by Railway. Following completion of the main 10-12 tons pressing force per inch of deflectors were trial fitted and the double covenantor Michael Breeze, the trust was frames at Tyseley including the fitting of wheel diameter, Ian was able to calculate able to embark upon the complex process the inside cylinder and six horn blocks, the appropriate interference fit needed. of making the patterns for the casting and Tornado travelled to the NRM. It arrived in In celebration of the 50th anniversary machining of the three cylinders in late- York on March 12, 1997 courtesy of an of the completion of the first Darlington- 1994. With no railway workshop left in EWS freight wagon, having become the built member of the class (No. 60130 the UK, we resorted to using multiple first A1 on the East Coast Main Line for Kestrel) in 1948, a cake iced in the shape suppliers – Kings Heath Patterns of over 30 years (albeit only as a set of of a number 50 was cut by David Birmingham, Corus (done on very frames). More than 300 covenantors and Champion and Dorothy Mather on favourable terms as an apprentice project guests attended a covenantors’ privilege September 8, in the presence of former at Renishaw foundry) and Ufone day at the museum on March 15. Darlington North Road Works staff. Engineering, now of Dudley, for the Tornado was displayed for several weeks By late-1998, the Trust had started to machining. The cylinders represented a in the Great Hall before returning to get to grips with the biggest challenge of Above: Once a loco has a smokebox door, it has a huge challenge for their pattern-maker, Tyseley to await completion of its new all – the boiler. Nothing on this scale had identity. Note Darlington shedplate. DAVID ELLIOTT who was brought out of retirement The late Geoff Drury, home in Darlington. been attempted in the UK heritage Right: A cool quarter of a million pounds needed specially and spent 12 months producing saviour of Blue Peter After nine months of conversion movement before. Local Darlington firm to fill this gap! How the trust raised the money enough woodwork to fill a pantechnicon! and one of the work, this opened on September 27, 1997 Whessoe LPG had agreed to do the design to make history by building the boiler will be It was still hoped that the Pacific project’s pioneers. and Dr Peter Rodgers became overseer of work for a very reasonable price and it revealed in next month’s instalment. Don’t miss it!

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