Our President Dorothy Mather

1916-2015

6 0163 TORNADO The New Steam for the Main Line Communication Cord No. 40 Autumn 2015 2015 CONVENTION REPORT by Graham Langer

With nearly 200 people attending this year’s Convention at the Mercure King's Hotel in it was standing room Jack Boskett only by the time everyone had filed into the ballroom. Mark Allatt opened proceedings by welcoming the throng to the 25th Anniversary meeting of The A1 Steam Trust. He was shortly joined by David Champion who reviewed the early years of the Trust and how he was provoked into action by a statement in a railway magazine which promoted the idea of making models as the best way to ‘preserve’ lost classes of locomotive. Following speculation in Steam Railway News about the possibility of building an A1 or P2 but frustrated by the lack of any coherent business plan, David sat down and penned the now famous scheme to ‘build an A1 for the price of a pint a week’ on two sheets of A4 paper. Having covered some of the highlights and low moments from 1990 onwards, David turned to his audience and simply said, “Thank you for making it possible”. At this juncture he presented Mark with the famed, framed (albeit wine-stained) document to be entrusted into the Trust’s safe-keeping in perpetuity. Once the applause had died down, Chris Walker stepped up to cover the financial side and present an annual report for the last year; although this showed a ‘loss’ of over £300,000 the reality was that this figure represented part of the intermediate overhaul costs, provision for which had been made in previous years. Tornado crosses Oldbury Viaduct with a photo charter on To have concluded such a major ‘shopping’ the on 9th October. in just five months reflected well on all involved, many other main line groups ➤

1 Mandy Grant CONTENTS Dorothy Patricia Mather by Mark Allatt Page 1 Nick Brodrick 2015 Convention Report It is with great sadness that we have to PAGE 3 record the passing of Dorothy Mather, widow of Arthur Peppercorn, on the 10th Editorial November at the age of 99. Dorothy Patricia Mather Born Dorothy Patricia Louch, she grew PAGE 5 up in a railway family near Doncaster A1 Engineering update and, following a stint of voluntary work PAGE 6 during WW2 and working for the Tornado on Tour regional coal board, she ended up in the PAGE 8 Doncaster Works drawing office; it was here that she met Arthur Peppercorn 'The Silver Jubilee Talisman' and they married in 1948. It was during PAGE 9 this period that the A2s and the A1s 'The Devon Belle' entered traffic. Leaving the Eastern PAGE 10 Region of BR in good shape, Arthur Tornado Wanderings retired at the end of 1949, much loved PAGE 12 Mark Allatt accepts the framed, hand-written scheme for building an A1 and admired, only to die prematurely in From the chair from David Champion. 1951. Diary 2015/2016 A few years later, she met Colonel W. PAGE 13 would be overjoyed to have the wherewithal David handed over to Rob Morland so H. Mather, OBE, TD and ex-LNER. In due to complete such work in so short a period that the latter could update everyone on the course they married, bought a country 'The Red Rose' of time. Chris recorded that there were latest additions to our locomotive’s ever- house near Stokesley and settled down. PAGE 14 1,187 A1 Covenantors on the ‘roll’, a slight expanding electrical system. Recent work As Bill’s health failed, they moved to Saint Mungo's finest hour fall, accounted for by ‘natural wastage’ as has seen the fitting of further LED strip a more modern house and Dorothy PAGE 16 anno domini catches up with members. It is lights under the frames and to the tender, nursed him. He died and she became a Trust president Dorothy Mather waves from the footplate during Tornado’s The big picture important that we recruit new blood! The lights in the tender lockers, analogue clocks widow again, albeit with an ever-wider first public moves. PAGE 18 163 Pacifics Club membership had risen to in the , a pyrometer in the steam chest circle of friends and Bill’s many nephews first convention that September and at countless interviews with press and Merchandise update 63 (a figure which increased by over 10% later and the addition of a beacon to the AWS and nieces. Tyseley in December for the ceremony television. She proved quite as vital as that day – ed) and efforts in the Trust’s Silver ‘sunflower’ in response to the Wootton In August 1993, Dorothy was marking erection of the frameplates. She our ISO 9000 quality standard because, PAGE 19 Jubilee year were being directed towards Bassett Junction SPAD, reinforcing the approached by the Trust about the A1 attended many A1 Trust occasions since if Tornado was good enough for her, A Royal train substitute? paying for the tender. The increased number audible warning with a visible lamp. All the Project. She was sufficiently impressed then, always immaculately dressed, always it would be good enough for Arthur The Boiler Club of trains run in 2015 was already generating lighting was overhauled and the electrical to join us informally and from there interested and courteous to everyone Peppercorn. Those of us who knew PAGE 20 a much better income stream than 2014 and umbilicals renovated. Rob confirmed her involvement grew. She was there she met. In September 1995 she became her will miss her quiet dignity, kindness The 163 Pacifics Club promoting and filling our own (A1SLT) trains that Interfleet Technology had approved at BSD Leeds on 13th July 1994 to joint vice-president, later president. and valued contributions to any PAGE 21 was proving critical to helping this. our scheme for fitting ERTMS signalling start the CNC machine that cut Not just a figurehead, she did conversation about the work of her first Event’s attendance report David Elliott took over from Chris to equipment with an application date now Tornado’s frameplates, at the Trust’s a tremendous job for the Trust in husband. TCC Covenantors' diary present an engineering report for No. fixed for 2019. 60163. He outlined the work carried out Graeme Bunker now gave his appraisal of PAGE 22 during Tornado’s seven year, intermediate ‘Tornado on tour’, noting that the locomotive The Winds of Change that overhaul which required the boiler to had covered some 2,500 miles during her editorial by Graham Langer became a Tornado be removed from the frames and a full first four weeks in traffic and was likely to PAGE 26 internal inspection to be carried out; David complete sixteen main line tours this year As this edition was being 'put to bed' we heard the very state No. 60163 is being kept in, not easy with the apple P2 Fundraising warned that in future insurers may require in addition to working on several preserved sad news that the Trust had lost its President. Dorothy green livery, so full credit to the support crew for that! PAGE 27 a five year inspection! The boiler had been lines. Graeme thanked all those involved will be a hard act to follow and many of us will personally In this edition we cover the amazing tale of Saint miss her as well. Mungo’s 100mph dash from Newcastle to York in 1966, P2 engineering update returned to Meiningen for this work and in supporting these trips, some of which There has been no sign of the pace slackening this related by Geoff Bird, a trip we had intended to repeat PAGE 30 while it was there it was fitted with forged had been scheduled at very short notice. foundation ring corners and had 280 plain Looking ahead he predicted between fifteen summer, either for Tornado or Prince of Wales! No. 60163 with 'The Peppercorn Phoenix', which, alas, has been Profile-Gill Lord stays replaced with flexible stays, thus and twenty outings next year involving has continued to clock up incredible mileages and since cancelled because of a poor level of bookings. The diary PAGE 31 increasing the pattern of flexible stays to better choices of route, and more cost the last edition of The Communication Cord has visited has continued to fill up for 2016, however, with two more From the archives encompass areas of the firebox where plain effective trains such as the ‘Belmond British Kingswear, Peterborough, Edinburgh, Tweedbank (for the Trust sponsored runs, 'The Red Rose' and 'The Devon PAGE 32 stays might be prone to failure. While the Pullman’. Work on getting the 90mph first time), , Newcastle, Minehead and Bridgnorth. Belle'. If you intend to travel behind Tornado next year, This flurry of activity has continued to stretch our please ensure you support our own Trust sponsored Sponsors and contact were out the frames were checked, derogation continued, mainly involving information the hornguides re-shimmed and the annual structure studies by . Graeme volunteers, many of whom were also involved in running outings. ‘C’ exam carried out. Unfortunately due also highlighted the work by the Trust in this year’s highly successful convention in Darlington. Apart from a round up of the Convention, this edition to a delay in the boiler work (due to an conducting greater competency management It is interesting to note that the final steam train over also contains a review of recent progress on Prince of Wales outbreak of ‘flu in East Germany) and the to ensure that members of the support crew the Borders Railway in 1967 was worked by Tornado (albeit as construction forges ahead and fundraising tops the need to replace a number of roller bearings are well trained. ‘Britannia’ No. 70022) and although ‘our’ Tornado was £2m mark. While all this success is massively encouraging on the driven (which required the Gill Lord reviewed the work of the not required for the opening train of the new Borders we mustn’t let the pace slacken! Please encourage your th wheels to be removed at the South Devon merchandise department over the previous Railway she was able to work a trip over the route on 13 friends to sign up as covenantors or sponsor a component Railway) the overhaul over-ran by several year, commenting that a difficult season in September, once again breaking new ground. There has since a regular flow of cash is the only thing that will Graham Langer - Editor: weeks and Tornado missed her first booked 2014 had contributed to a slightly lower been much positive comment about the incredibly clean guarantee a regular pace of manufacture and assembly. TCC [email protected] engagements for 2015. retained profit, even then this was nearly continued page 4 ➤ 2 3 £29,000, an amazing total. She emphasised train to match each of our … the announcement that the The Gresley by David Elliott that the Trust needed more volunteers, Sophie James wrapped up the session by Society Trust had agreed to sponsor the A1 Engineering UPDATE particularly in this area of activity. briefing covenantors about the vintage , the door and doorframe had Mark Allatt regained the microphone at bus transfer to the works and the meeting already been ordered, indeed the South Locomotive - Tornado has continued 250psi) when not in use and then suddenly and finished over the next few months so this juncture to cover the subject of fund- moved to Hopetown. Devon Railway had just finished pressing to operate reliably and with consistent cooled to 80-90°C. by the water when that we have complete valves in stock. raising, dealing with The 163 Pacifics Club Having re-grouped at Darlington the door itself. In addition the performance, in no small part due to the the is on. They do suffer casting Hand brake - The tender hand and appealing for more covenantors and Locomotive Works, covenantors found pattern has been ordered, the pony wheels quality of maintenance provided by David failures eventually - our patterns have been brake has been becoming increasingly members of The Tornado Team, ensuring themselves dwarfed by No. 2007’s frames, machined, the tyres sent to the SDR and Wright and his team who have been used by the The Gresley Society Trust for a stiff (the tender received relatively little that the Trust acquires young blood to now sitting on supports at roughly their the first bronze castings, the injector valve retained to fulfill the travelling fitter role new valve body for the N2 and recently a attention during the overhaul). David keep it going. Having dealt with schemes finished height. After a chance to look and Cartazzi slide, had been ordered. and to carry out routine maintenance. request has been received for the pattern Wright dismantled it and found one of the such as ‘Easyfundraising’, ‘Easysearch’ and round the Works and gaze at the many Following David, Rob Morland talked There have been a few issues over and for a new valve body for the NELPG K1. intermediate bell crank bearings seized,

the legacy programme, Mark moved on to intriguing P2 artefacts assembled by Andy about the electrical prescription for No. above routine scheduled maintenance, David Elliott probably due to it having rotated in the talk about the success of P2 fund-raising, Hardy, beautifully displayed in glass cases, 2007 (much the same as for No. 60163) however. housing and cutting off the port from the the The Founders Club and The Boiler the assembled company enjoyed lunch before David concluded with a round-up of Injector valves - During the work in grease nipple. He has made and fitted Club proving that people had got behind before the P2 session began. the next steps in this incredible project. Scotland following the overhaul, the right- a new bush with an external groove to the project from the outset although a As ever, Mark Allatt led off, welcoming Mark Allatt invited questions from the hand (exhaust) injector started playing up, ensure that even if it does rotate, the greater level of commercial sponsorship those present, before handing over to Andy floor and topics covered included the which was eventually traced to a problem grease will still reach the journal. would be important as well. Having Hardy who had created a slide show of P2s use of apprentices, a discussion about with the combined steam and water valve Whilst apart, the hand brake nut mentioned some of the P2 highlights in and some extremely rare movie footage the development of the Lentz , on the backhead. When the valve was was found to be badly worn, so with 2014 and 2015 he concluded that good of the class in action. Much of his recent the need for a main line connection made, a less than perfect pattern resulted dimensions transmitted by text, Tom Jones progress was being made. activity has been devoted to amassing a at Darlington and opportunities for in the water delivery port being slightly at M Machine made a new nut in five hours David Burgess gave an overview of huge collection of hitherto unpublished redundant steel workers from Redcar at oversize and not on the correct centreline which was then directly transported to the P2 finances and fleshed out some of material which is now being edited into a the works. relative to the steam port. To overcome Wansford to fit (which it did). the figures and then said how the Trust major new book on the class (available to Covenantors and founders later this, a concession was granted bore out Turbogen - The turbogen had become had spent the money! Graeme Bunker pre-order from the Trust). assembled at the King’s Head for the the valve and press in a sleeve from the very noisy, so a precaution, the spare was concluded the meeting at the hotel by David Elliott stepped up to cover Trust’s Silver Jubilee dinner, over fifty same bronze material (this is a normal fitted. On stripping the one removed from looking forward, acknowledging that the engineering aspects of the project, people enjoyed a three course meal and, repair for this sort of valve). Although the locomotive, it was found that the Prince of Wales would soon fill Darlington acknowledging that ‘Lot 1’ had taken up in the absence of Nigel Harris, members during the overhaul, the valve passed an rubber bushes in the alignment coupling Locomotive Works! In addition we will rather more time and space than had of the Trust recounted early tales of their hydraulic test following re-cutting the between the alternator and the turbine need to start looking for a second support been anticipated, delaying progress on No. involvement. Unfortunately much of what seats and valve heads during the overhaul, had disintegrated. Also the turbine blades coach and an expansion of facilities in 2007 somewhat. Despite this enormous was said would have to be ‘redacted’ it appears that shortly after re-entering are significantly eroded, although still Hopetown will be required, built on the strides had been made, design efforts by the editor but needless to say it was service, the sleeve in the valve stated to useable. great relationship the Trust has with the were currently centred on the torque highly entertaining; last to speak was our migrate outwards, reducing the opening of We are designing a modification to Council and local businesses. The Trust calculations affecting the driven axles archivist and support crew member Andy the clack shut off valve to the point where An injector valve pattern. the alternator to provide it with tightly now has 25 years of history to archive and to ensure that Prince of Wales did not Hardy who stole everybody’s thunder by it was throttling the water going into the constrained location on the end of the this may be possible in the central ‘tower’ suffer a crank failure like members proposing, there and then, to his girlfriend boiler. Partly for this reason we have ordered turbogen casing, as at present it relies of the works building; then there is the of the original class! Timken had been Gemma Seville – that has to be a first for David Wright has bored out the valve one left-hand and one right-hand body for on lining up by eye as the clearances in, question of a main line connection and a most helpful in this process. Following The A1 Trust! TCC and pressed in a new sleeve, with the the P2 (plus an additional right-hand body and position accuracy of, the bolt holes addition of two brass locking grub screws for NELPG) along with some hand-wheels on what is a Bosch truck alternator are Mandy Grant which should reduce the likelihood of the from South Lincs Foundry at Spalding. generous. We are also investigating fitting The packed ballroom at sleeve moving in the future and the valve is With the castings in stock if there is a a filter in the turbine exhaust to prevent the Mercure King's Hotel in now working properly. problem with a Tornado valve, it should not pieces of char entering the turbine casing Darlington. The left-hand valve also gave trouble, this take more than 48 hours to have a casting when the turbogen is not in use, which is time with the steam valve blowing through machined as a replacement. However, it is causing excessive abrasion of the turbine when shut. This is a common problem intended that the new valves are machined blades. TCC and prior to refitting to the engine during David Elliott the overhaul, the valve and seat were trued up on a lathe and the complete injector valve successfully hydraulically tested. David Wright’s team attempted to cure the problem using a seat cutter in situ, however the valve still leaked. When David removed the valve from the engine, he found that the seat was so far into the casting (due to repeated re-cutting) that the valve was not able to seat properly. He bored out the valve body and fitted a sleeve similar to that in the exhaust injector valve, and it is now working properly. This highlights that we are beginning to see the consequences of wear and repeated refurbishment of these valves. During operations they are used frequently and suffer regular thermal shocks, being at or near boiler temperature (208°C. at Tom Jones machines the new handbrake nut for Tornado. .

4 5 TORNADO ON TOUR by Huw Parker Roger Kirk

Tornado

threads her way Peter Maynard among modern traction at Clapham Junction while working a ‘Surrey Hills Excursion’ for the ‘Belmond British Pullman’. Gerry Hurfurt

Tornado returned to the ‘English Riviera’ in July, standard set by the Clan Line team! A sunny working ‘The Torbay Express’ on the 12th, 26th and day ensured that No. 60163 arrived back at ‘The 2nd August, reprising a role she played when she Lane’ in reasonable condition, facilitating her

first carried apple green. Although the series did preparation to move to the a Ian McDonald not enjoy perfect weather she handled her duties couple of days later. with aplomb and our team enjoyed re-visiting the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway. No. 60163 is After the short series of ‘Torbay Expresses’ in seen at Dawlish with ‘The Torbay Express’ on 12th July and following the very successful ‘Belmond July. British Pullman’, Tornado moved up to the Nene Valley Railway to fulfil a brief spell of operations On the 8th August, Tornado handled a ‘Surrey there throughout the middle of August. The Hills Excursion’ for the ‘Belmond British Pullman’, locomotive ran seven days in traffic at the a lunchtime tour round the home counties. This NVR, including the Bank Holiday weekend and, is never a very taxing job but the support crew despite some very wet weather, the support crew turned out the locomotive to the very high managed to keep the engine in great order. TCC The ‘Belmond British Pullman’ Fireman Apple green in duplicate! N2 No. 1744 pilots Tornado at Rob Binstead, TI Colin Kerswell and Longueville Junction. driver Jim Clarke.

6 7 ‘THE SILVER JUBILEE TALISMAN’ by Huw Parker

David Sherrington ‘THE DEVON BELLE’ - a wonderful spring trip to Exeter ‘The Silver Jubilee Talisman’ celebrated 25 years since the birth of an idea that by Graeme Bunker led to Tornado and the iconic status that On Saturday 2nd April 2016 No. 60163 she enjoys today. As usual, the immediate Tornado will set out from London preparations for the King’s Cross to Waterloo station and head for Devon Newcastle trip began 36 hours previously and the historic city of Exeter. With with the support crew gathering at the assistance of our friends at South Stewarts Lane Depot near Battersea in West Trains we will be making a London. Here the locomotive and coach fast turn from London to Woking were stabled under cover and the facilities via Surbiton and on through Surrey allowed us to raise steam inside the shed, and Hampshire to pick up more protected from the rain and weather. As passengers at Basingstoke. We then a result cleaning the engine was much head via Andover to Salisbury where easier since it had not deteriorated since the locomotive will take water. Our the last ‘Belmond British Pullman’ around route is then via the former LSWR the Surrey Hills the previous Tuesday. route via Yeovil including the steep Nevertheless, the fire was lit on the climb to Honiton Tunnel, a real test Thursday evening and the next morning for Tornado. the support crew began preparations to Tornado is seen at Newton Hall on the return run. After a break in Exeter our return clean the engine and present it for the route starts with the climb to Fitness to Run (FTR) exam later in the day. departure off the depot. Right time, the progress thus far. Meanwhile, Tornado, Whiteball tunnel which marks the In addition to cleaning Rob Morland engine left Stewarts Lane to collect the with the remaining passengers, set off on border between Devon and Somerset. conducted some urgent electrical repairs train already waiting in Battersea Loop; the final leg of the journey to Newcastle, Heading back towards the capital to correct some defects identified earlier after a brake test, we headed off through arriving just a few minutes down after an we take the former GWR route via in the week and these were concluded the South London suburbs round to King’s outward journey of 270 miles. Castle Cary, Westbury and Newbury, in good time prior to the FTR. Coaling Cross where we arrived thirty minutes After everyone had alighted, Tornado a beautiful scenic route as well as was completed using a forklift truck to early, allowing us to fill the tender with headed up to Heaton Yard for servicing. one that will challenge Tornado with bring one tonne bags of coal into the shed water prior to our departure time. This involved taking more coal and water, its fast running and long climbs. At on pallets, before lifting these above the We left King’s Cross and headed cleaning the fire, oiling the motion and a Reading passengers who joined us Online and telephone bookings are handled by our booking tender using an overhead gantry crane. north under blue skies and early thorough visual inspection ahead of the at Basingstoke leave us for a short agents UK Railtours. Go to www.a1steam.com to make an online By the end of Friday, the locomotive had morning sunshine with a good run up return leg of the journey. At Heaton, we trip by service train to Basingstoke. booking or call 01438 715050 to book over the phone. In the passed the FTR and was cleaned to a high to Peterborough. Even with thirteen turned both the engine and coach on the Tornado steams on taking us back to event of cancellation or haulage problems please see our full standard ready for the run to Newcastle coaches behind, Tornado made easy work turntable before re-attaching them to the London Victoria station via Ascot and terms and conditions of carriage. the next day. of Stoke Bank and arrived at York slightly train and heading back into Newcastle to Twickenham. TCC An early departure from King’s Cross ahead of time. This was our second water collect passengers who had spent a couple meant an even earlier departure from stop, and was completed to make an of hours exploring the city. Stewarts Lane Depot and three members on time departure towards Darlington, Tornado took the train back to York l First Class Dining Class Prices of the crew were up at 02:30hrs to ensure where guests left the train and headed to and, after a brief call at Durham to collect Seats at a table for two* or four in a everything was ready to hand over to Hopetown Locomotive Works to view the those who had opted to visit Darlington, First Class carriage. Includes a silver Standard Class £95.00 the DB Schenker crew for a 04:10hrs P2 Prince of Wales’ frames and hear about we arrived back at York to pick up the service full English breakfast and a remaining passengers and hand over the light lunch on the outward journey First Class Non-Dining £149.00 responsibility of hauling the train back and a four course dinner on the First Class Dining £225.00 to King’s Cross to a DB Schenker Class return leg from Exeter. 90 electric locomotive. Tornado and her Huw Parker support coach then headed to stable at the l First Class Non-Dining nd , although it took Seats at a table for two* or four Provisional Timings for ‘The Devon Belle’ on Saturday 2 two attempts to gain entry due to some in a First Class carriage. Includes April 2016 are as follows: confusion between the York Signaller and complimentary teas and coffees, as Fuel Depot Manager. After some to-ing well as afternoon tea during the Station outward return and fro-ing, we finally arrived outside the return journey. London Waterloo 07:55hrs **** museum and began to shut down for the Basingstoke 08:45hrs **** night. Whilst finishing off, we were pleased l Standard Class to meet members of a wedding party Seats at a table for four in a heritage Exeter 13:30hrs 16:30hrs celebrating the end of their day with a carriage. An on-board buffet serving Reading **** 20:45hrs snacks and hot & cold beverages will private reception in the Great Hall. After London Victoria **** 22:00hrs hearing that many of the party were active be available. Tornado covenanters and support coach Terms and conditions are available on request. All profits from this tour go towards sponsors, we met their requests for a few * Guaranteed ‘tables for two’ in First keeping Tornado on the main line in future years. blasts on the chime whistle (with apologies Class Dining and First Class Non- Chief Petty Officer Jonny Noble, Wing Commander Rich Davies and to neighbours at the NRM). Very best Dining are available for a supplement The Trust respectfully requests that anyone wanting to see Tornado Lieutenant Colonel Huw Parker at York celebrate the A1SLT links with wishes to the newly married David and of £25.00 per person. follows the rules of the railway and only goes where permitted. HMS Prince of Wales (the new aircraft carrier under construction) and Caroline Watt at the end of their special RAF Marham (home of the RAF's Tornado GR4 aircraft). day! TCC

8 9 Jack Boskett TORNADO WANDERINGS from Somerset to Shropshire by Huw Parker

No sooner had we completed ‘The Silver Jubilee for a driver experience and ran two round trips to Talisman’, than Tornado was on the move again from Minehead and back before the start of the Autumn York NRM to Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Gala. The diagrams over the four days saw a mixture Railway. A good turn out by locally based support of early starts, but the cleaners and crews at Bishops crew saw the locomotive smartly cleaned and ready Lydeard depot worked with our own support crew to for the run down through Birmingham and Bristol to ensure No. 60163 was smartly turned out each day. Taunton behind a Devon & Cornwall Class 56 diesel. The weather throughout our visit was kind with blue Traction Inspector Bob Hart and John Wilkinson skies most of the time, which the photographers looked after the locomotive with support from our clearly took advantage of. Saturday saw a more own team and the move ran easily to time, although leisurely start, with the engine scheduled for just they were delayed slightly through Parkway to Bristol one trip to Minehead. This meant that we could put Temple Meads as a result of some late running trains the locomotive into the bay and the depot cleaners due to the Rugby World Cup game at Cardiff! Finally, helped to give both sides some real attention. On just as the light was fading, Tornado and support our return from Minehead, we ran light engine to coach arrived at Bishops Lydeard, which was to be turn on the triangle at Norton Fitzwarren and took our base for the next week. the opportunity to blow down the boiler whilst The following day, the locomotive was booked we were in the middle of nowhere. A blow down involves opening a 2in valve on the boiler foundation ring, discharging a large volume of boiler water under pressure which helps remove the build-up of dissolved salts and sludge formed during the Mick Rogers evaporation process. The Sunday turn was not quite so kind, with a 05.00hrs start and the weather turned out to be quite damp and misty. After cleaning the grate, Jorge Gorman relit the fire and then, with Mike Abbott,

started below the running board to clean the wheels Jack Boskett and motion. The first trip set off in heavy mist, which did not clear until around Williton, visibility was so poor, we ran with a high intensity headlamp

on the tender lamp bracket. The remainder of the Jack Boskett day was overcast, with some brief appearance of Tornado stands at Bishops Lydeard during her sojourn sunshine for the second trip and we finally arrived on the . back at Bishops Lydeard as darkness fell. Mick Rogers

Three superb images of Tornado on the Severn Valley Railway. ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness…?’ The move to the Severn Valley Railway was again shed team at Bewdley helped the support crew 9th October, the day managed by DCR with the same Class 56 that had clean the engine and for a short period of time, of a photo charter stabled at Taunton for the week, delivering the the running board was full of cleaners polishing the on the Severn locomotive and coach safely to Bewdley by the boiler barrel. Once again the engine was wonderfully Valley Railway, middle of the afternoon. This left a small support presented and ran well throughout the weekend. dawned very crew a little bit of time to prepare the engine and Monday 12th October was the first day that the foggy but those this was focussed on cleaning the fire and ashpan, engine had neither been in traffic nor being prepared photographers who oiling the motion and a good inspection of the for a move for more than a fortnight. Despite this, a braved the chilly engine. Three days of photo charters saw Tornado support crew turned out to start cleaning the engine start captured at the head of a rake of teak coaches looking to a very high standard ahead of the Covenanters’ some memorable resplendent in some favourable autumn sunshine. Days at the end of the week….but that, as they say, scenes such as this The first weekend of our visit, we ran the service is another story of Tornado Wanderings yet to come! one near Bewdley. trains starting form Kidderminster each day. The TCC

10 11 From the chair by Mark Allatt ‘THE RED ROSE’ - A SPECIAL EXCURSION FOR s I write country and at a later date at Shildon. Saturday 3rd October and the special VALENTINE'S DAY by Mark Allatt this column As the majority of our main line days for supporters on the Severn Valley in early trains for the foreseeable future will be Railway with their LNER teak train on We are delighted to announce the in the City of Worcester, ANovember, No. 60163 promoted by the Trust, it is vital that we 15th/16th October and the dining train on recreation of ‘The Red Rose’ express. with the option of a visit Tornado is working fill them and so I would ask that you look the Friday – thank you to all of you who This special Valentine’s Day main line to the Elgar Birthplace ‘Belmond British at next year’s developing programme to supported these events and especially steam railtour will run from London Museum. With Tornado in Pullmans’ out of see which trains you are able to support those who brought along family and Paddington to Worcester and back charge we depart from London following her successful visit to and also encourage friends and family to friends to introduce them to the Trust. by two different routes, picking up London Paddington at the Severn Valley Railway in October. experience some of Tornado’s magic. The Most importantly we wanted to use passengers at both Slough and Reading. a very civilised hour, This leaves our locomotive with only two next two Trust promoted railtours are our 25th anniversary as an opportunity The original ‘Red Rose’ was specially calling at Slough (which is more main line trains this year to round ‘The Red Rose’ from London Paddington to highlight the importance of The 163 named in celebration of the Festival of convenient for the M25) off an extremely busy season which has to Worcester on Sunday 14th February Pacifics Club – our desire to complete Britain and ran from London Euston and at Reading. Our route seen Tornado visit almost every corner of 2016 and ‘The Devon Belle’ on Saturday what we set out to do 25 years ago and to Liverpool and return from 1951 takes us through the Great Britain. 2nd April 2016 from London to Exeter purchase Tornado’s tender. Thanks to your to 1966. This unique railtour will railway town of Unfortunately, as you will probably have – both of which are already open for most generous support we now have 71 feature Tornado hauling historic carriages to Bristol East Loop read elsewhere, the Trustees have had to bookings. members of The 163 Pacifics Club, which in carmine and cream livery with where we pause to take take the difficult decision to cancel ‘The As you know, 2015 marks the 25th is almost triple its size at the start of the those passengers in First Class Dining water. Peppercorn Phoenix’ which was due to anniversary of the launch of the project year. Tremendous progress but we still receiving a traditional silver service We then traverse the Rhubarb Loop buildings, the modern Elgar Centre and run on New Year’s Eve commemorating to build a new Peppercorn class A1 have a long way to go. throughout the journey. and head north, via Bristol Parkway and the atmospheric Birthplace Cottage. No. 60145 Saint Mungo’s historic run with the launch meeting at The Railway Meanwhile in Darlington Locomotive We are pleased to be able to offer a Yate where we join the former Midland Together they reveal the great man from York to Newcastle 50 years ago. Institute in York on 17th November Works the construction of No. 2007 main line steam railtour on St. Valentine’s Railway line through Charfield. We avoid behind the music. Although this tour had been heavily 1990. The fourth and final part of David Prince of Wales continues to race ahead Day, featuring No. 60163 Tornado all Gloucester and at Abbotswood Junction Our return route, still with Tornado promoted, it failed to attract sufficient Champion’s enthralling history of the with the fitting of parts of the footplate the way from London Paddington to we diverge left to arrive at Worcester at the head of the train, is via passengers and faced with a five figure Trust appears in this issue of TCC and and the arrival of the cab ‘flat pack’. We Worcester and back, by two different Shrub Hill at around 13:30hrs. From and Sapperton to Swindon and after loss we had no alternative but to cancel reading it brought back many happy have also seen the manufacture of the routes. Highlights of the day will be a here it is about a ten minute walk into a watering stop at Road we the train and give passengers sufficient memories of our early years and locomotive’s distinctive smokebox door fast run from London to Bristol along the city centre with its fine medieval duly arrive back at Reading, Slough and time to make alternative New Year’s Eve reminded me of the many supporters which means that it won’t be too long the and the buildings along with some lovely old Paddington. arrangement. Whilst we all very much that we have lost along the way, including before both cab and smokebox are fitted ascent of Sapperton Bank on the way pubs and an excellent shopping centre. The train will comprise First Class wanted ‘The Peppercorn Phoenix’ to David’s charming late wife Gill who was to the frames. With £2m now pledged to home. You will have around three hours The Cathedral, founded in AD680, has Dining and First Class Non-Dining run for historical reasons, it has proved also a dear friend of mine. our P2 project, we need to keep up our been described as possibly the most carriages, ideal for those wishing to to be a stark reminder that our tours The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust fundraising efforts if we are to achieve interesting of all ’s cathedrals and celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. For have to be commercially viable in order has been celebrating this milestone our 2021 target. towers above the peaceful River Severn. those more interested in main line to generate sufficient profit to keep throughout the year – the first of which Thank you all for your continued Passengers have three hours to explore steam performance, there will be Tornado operating on the main line and was ‘The Silver Jubilee Talisman’ on support for both Tornado and Prince of the city. Standard Class accommodation available that this will limit our choice of starting Saturday 26th September with No. 60163 Wales throughout our 25th anniversary Optionally, a ten minute coach also. Space on this train is likely to be at points, routes and destinations to those Tornado from London King’s Cross to year. journey from the station takes us to The a premium and so an early reservation is that will generate a sufficient return. A York, Darlington and Newcastle. It was As this issue was being finalised we Elgar Birthplace Museum which offers recommended. Please note that on this further consequence of this cancellation good to see so many supporters on this learned of the death of our President, a fascinating insight into the life and tour the supplement for a guaranteed is that Tornado will now no longer be railtour and you can read Huw Parker’s Dorothy Mather, at the age of 99. I'm music, family and friends, and musical ‘table for two’ in either First Class at Locomotion in January but we do report on this train elsewhere in TCC. sure like me many of you have your own inspirations of Sir Edward Elgar, whose Dining or First Class Non-Dining is £25 hope to be able to organise replacement Our other celebrations have included special memories of Dorothy. She will be masterpieces include the Dream of per person. All timings are provisional events in January elsewhere in the our annual convention and dinner on greatly missed by us all. TCC Gerontius, the Enigma Variations, and and are intended only as a guide - many more. The museum comprises two bookings are through UK Railtours. TCC Sir Edward Elgar Standard Class Class Adult A buffet car is available. l  th – Surrey Hills Excursion – Belmond British Pullman DIARY 2015 / 2016 8 December First Class Dining £225.00 l 12 th December – Surrey Hills Excursion – Belmond British Pullman First Class Non-Dining Right are the future operations Includes complimentary tea or coffee l   st – 'The Peppercorn Phoenix' York to Newcastle and Tornado 31 December First Class Non-Dining £139.00 and an afternoon tea. Guaranteed Table is confirmed to be involved return – CANCELLED in. More details will be published for Two for a supplement of £25.00 per l  th - 'The Red Rose' - Paddington to Worcester and Standard Class £99.00 person. on www.a1steam.com as trains are 14 February 2016 return -A1SLT promoted tour with bookings through UK Railtours finalised. P2 events will also appear l  nd - 'The Devon Belle' - waterloo to Exeter and return - in this section with further details on 2 April 2016 First Class Dining A1SLT promoted tour with bookings through UK Railtours TIMES ( preliminary) outward return The First Class Dining fare includes www.p2steam.com. the Great British Breakfast and a four l  - Railway Centre (dates TBC) Tour company contact details below. Easter 2016 London Paddington 09:25hrs 21:05hrs course dinner. Guaranteed Table for Two for a supplement of £25.00 per Belmond British Pullman UK Railtours Slough 10:00hrs 20:30hrs person. Tel: 020 3117 1300 Tel: 01235 817200 Tel: 01438 715050 Reading 10:40hrs 20:00hrs To make a booking, visit Web: www.belmond.com/british-pullman-train Web: didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Web: www.ukrailtours.com www.ukrailtours.com or Worcester 12:30hrs 16:30hrs call 01438 715050.

12 13 SAINT MUNGO’S by Geoff Bird shed roads (about where Evening Star now seat bashing my ribs on the sliding cab the locomotive was, eventually, scrapped FINEST HOUR stands in the NRM). I had a good look window rail. We were still accelerating the ‘passing out’ problem had still not round and decided it was fit for purpose through Thirsk and I reckon the speed was been resolved. It was fortuitous that the On 31st December 1965, Peppercorn class A1 No. 60145 Saint Mungo hauled a relief train between York and instructed my shift foreman to prepare in the early 90s and still gathering. I can’t A1continued on its duty until I went on and Newcastle, one of the last runs of an A1 in British Railways’ service. With no preservation scheme it for the turn. I had also decided to remember exactly where but I would judge holiday but when I came back to work likely to be successful, everyone thought that this fine class of locomotive would simply fade into history. It accompany it with my men to Newcastle between and Pilmoor and Alne the engine after that the A1 had been sent for scrap wasn’t until 2008 when No. 60163 Tornado hauled passenger trains for the first time, that anyone had again and return only to find out that Arthur was shaking, moving about, and bouncing during my absence. Curious? experienced A1 haulage and it was 2009 with the ‘Peppercorn Pioneers’ before true express speeds were Dytch had issued an engine pass in Mr quite a bit and then suddenly all the So, steam went out with a bang (though once more experienced. Geoff Bird was shed master at York at the time of Saint Mungo’s escapade and Arnott-Brown’s favour for the York to shaking and vibration subsided and it was thankfully not literally!) on the East Coast takes up the tale. Newcastle leg. This of course precluded me as if we were skating along on a sheet of with an epic performance by one of the

John Arnott-Brown from doing the north bound trip on the ice, quite clearly having passed through the finest Pacific locomotives produce by engine, rather much to my annoyance. The critical speed barrier, to give a wonderful the LNER. I consider myself being very engine change at York on the outward turn ride for the next several miles until it was fortunate in being one of the five principal went without notice, perhaps. However, time to shut off to reduce speed for the players in the arrangements and execution the footplate was vacant on the return so approaches to York. of this event along with John Arnott- I went north on a service train to return After a perfectly normal arrival in old Brown, Arthur Dytch, Harry Vincent and with Saint Mungo on the Aberdeen-York. No. 8 South platform at York several Ron Fenwick. From the point of view of The driver was Harry Vincent and the people from the train came up to the the men involved in the Saint Mungo affair fireman was Ronnie Fenwick. Vincent was engine reporting that we had been doing I must pay my tribute to the enginemen an old Selby man and Fenwick was a very speeds of 101, 102, 103 mph, but my reply at York depot who were doing this sort experienced York passed fireman. I joined to these was that I did not think Saint of thing every day of their lives with their Saint Mungo and the men at Newcastle Mungo was capable of that and dismissed expert skill achieved over a lifetime of Central before backing on to the train. the remarks (knowing in my mind that we experience. After doing so, just before we were ready probably had). We were booked into York I might point out here that the only for away, John Bellwood approached me at, I think, 23:55hrs but we were a bit early. other occasion when I had done over asking if he could have a ride to Darlington. The crew and myself had not discussed 100mph on the footplate of a steam Still working for the railway he had an what had happened and after a few words engine was on King John when working engine pass in his own right, so there was with some passengers the engine detached out of Paddington one morning with the no issue with agreeing to this request. and trundled off to the shed. I left the Bristolian during my sojourn onto the At that stage there was no hint that station then and adjourned to the Adelphi Western in 1959. I was stationed at (G) anything special was likely to happen, the Hotel on the corner of what is now WR. HQ at Paddington and had an all enginemen seemed happy and so was I and George Hudson Street and Micklegate, stations Western Region engine pass and the journey between York and Darlington a place where many a railway problem always put it to good use. Needless to say was without any particular incident with had been solved or made worse over the the incident took place down Dauntsey Saint Mungo executing a normal A1 turn years in the Westminster Bar. What an Bank. I was discussing with the driver as in usual A1 fashion. John took his leave appropriate name being on the doorstep to how to keep time and his reply was, of us at Darlington and we proceeded of York HQ! pointing at the speedometer, “All you’ve after getting the tip away, as far as I can Saint Mungo was then technically got to do mate is to si’ ‘ere and keep that Of the quintet of people involved in the I cannot remember exactly how many A1s that they were able to do time on the remember, on time. However, when registered as withdrawn as from midnight ******** needle above 80 all the ******** setting up and execution of the Saint there were at York at the time, possibly main line. There was a tendency at York getting stuck into the bank from Croft Spa of that day 31st December 1965. When way, it’s easy!” He was an Old Oak salt. TCC Mungo run on 31st December 1965, I am three including No. 60145. for the ‘borrows’ to be extended for fairly to Eryholme, Harry Vincent turned to the only one left and having been actually By the end of 1965 the V2s had gone, long periods and until the problem of the the fireman and asked, “Are we going to on the engine during that journey I the A1s had also technically gone and passing out parade was resolved most of have a go then?” to which Fenwick replied, thought an account of my experiences may there were no big engines left, the biggest the remaining Holbeck Jubilees had done a “Aye, alright.” Now, at this stage, I had no be of interest. I suppose my story really being the B1s and this created a problem stint at York. idea what the remarks implied. starts with my appointment at York as when it was necessary to pass firemen Be that as it may, New Year’s eve 1965 After topping the bank at Eryholme the shed master in 1965. out as drivers. Hitherto this had always heralded the withdrawal of steam on road is easy all the way to York, much being I took over York from my good friend been done on steam and there were no the East Coast Main Line and rather virtually level and mostly straight. After and colleague Lawrence Reeves who had agreed arrangements in place for the job unbeknown to me a gentleman by the slowing for the troughs at Wiske Moor occupied the post for twenty three years. to be done otherwise, so passing out, name of John Arnott-Brown had made and passing Northallerton, it soon became I had a very happy fifteen years at York as it was called, still had to be done on approaches to York HQ that the event apparent that we were gathering speed depot and between us we had notched up steam. The turn used for this function was should be commemorated by changing the and were going quite fast. At this stage thirty eight years as the chief and many of required amongst other to work a class engine on a York turn to Newcastle in the I should point out that Saint Mungo was the men at the depot had only known two C train routed via the up main line from late afternoon with a suitable steam engine not fitted with a speedometer so we had chiefs, Lawrence and myself. Could that Newcastle to York. Initially, B1s were used then returning from Newcastle with the no idea what speed was being achieved. happen now? on the turn but they were unable to do Aberdeen-York terminator. Much to my The engine was behaving in normal A1 When I arrived at York there was still a time on the main line. The question arose surprise this approach had been accepted fashion, at the 80/90mph mark moving residual allocation of steam including A1s, then as to how to overcome the problem. by Arthur Dytch, who, at that time, was about quite a bit with the occasional V2s, B1s and K1s and I must of course Thoughts then went to reinstating an A1 the Assistant General Manager (technical). lurch. Not knowing that this was to be mention No. 65894, the shed pilot (now on a temporary basis and No. 60145 was Arthur Dytch telephoned me to explain an outstanding performance I had taken preserved on the NYMR). However they chosen to fill in. and asked me to select a suitable engine no details of cut off, regulator opening, were all slipping through my fingers pretty At this time it so happened that the LMS to do the job. I am not sure whether boiler pressure or anything else, it was just quickly. 31st December 1965 heralded the Jubilee class locomotives were extant Saint Mungo had been mentioned as a another of my many engine rides except withdrawal of steam from East Coast Main at Holbeck and opportunity arose to possibility in preliminary talks but having for this particular occasion. Ron Fenwick Line services and also the retirement of borrow one of these for the advents of got the message I went into the shed and was rather busy although apparently not the remaining V2 and A1 class locomotives. the York ‘passing out parade’ on the basis spotted No. 60145 fizzing in one of the over taxed. I was sitting on the fireman’s Geoff Bird on the footplate of Green Arrow.

14 15 Jack Beeston

Job done! Tornado prepares to come off 'The Silver Jubilee Talisman' at York.

16 17 MERCHANDISE UPDATE by Gill Lord A ROYAL TRAIN SUBSTITUTE? by Huw Parker Mandy Grant Plans were in place to make a surprise Union of South Africa which was to haul Tweedbank from Edinburgh Waverley on appearance at the NVR Autumn Gala, the Royal Train on the opening day. Sunday 13th September. By Tuesday 15th when we received a call to support the Fortunately we were not required to September the locomotive was heading opening of the Borders Railway on 9th deputise and the A4 performed its duties back south down the East Coast Main September. At very short notice Tornado as planned. As consolation, Tornado took Line to take up her Pullman duties once was moved back to Millerhill to act as charge of one of the Border Charters again on 23rd September. Around 1,700 the standby locomotive for No. 60009 and made an outstanding run to miles in six weeks! TCC Dave McLaren Maurice Burns

The merchandise team at Wansford.

Since last writing we have had a busy Locomotive Works. Difficult since once Tornado at Waverley Station, time with merchandising. We attended seats had been vacated at York and Preceded by No. 60009 Union of South Africa, Tornado unexpectedly Edinburgh, with a Borders the gala at the Nene Valley Railway over Darlington, other passengers boarded heads back to Scotland on 8th September. Railway special. the August bank holiday. I decided to which meant the team took the For sale take a good size team down there with opportunity to trundle past with the smokebox numberplates me. As merchandise volunteers, we trolley and gain more sales! as carried by No. 60163 Tornado all get on very well and when we are Now that our stock is running down, Rob Morland not selling merchandise and chatting I can concentrate on securing different l 20 th June 2015 ‘The Highland THE BOILER CLUB to customers about Tornado, we spend items for the 2016 season. Stock levels Rambler’ – Sterling to Inverness Following the success of The Founders Club, which was designed the time catching with each other. On were higher than I would have liked l 22 rd June 2015 ‘The Highland to get the P2 Project to the point of cutting No. 2007’s frames, this occasion, we had a get together due to having only a few runs in 2013 Caledonian’ – Inverness to we have decided to establish The Boiler Club to fund the with the support crew, trying to sort and then being out of service for the Stirling construction of Prince of Wales’s boiler. We set an initial target out a restaurant that would be able seven-year overhaul until June, so now, l 27 th June 2015 ‘The Border for The Founders Club of at least £100,000 from 100 ‘Founders’ to accommodate twenty persons was I can enjoy sourcing again! Please Reivers’ - Carlisle - Glasgow- but due to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters we no mean feat, but we did and a good remember to look at our eBay site and Carlisle actually raised £460,000 from 370 donors. It is our desire to evening was had by all. The sales at the our shop on our web site. leave No. 2007 Prince of Wales debt free upon completion and l 5 th July 2015 ‘The Fife Circle’- Nene Valley were as usual very good; Once again I am putting out a Edinburgh return to Edinburgh therefore our aim is to raise at least £600,000 for The Boiler we are always made very welcome. The request for volunteers to assist with Club from 300 supporters each donating £2,000 to the project weather was good to us for the most on-train sales and stands at events. I Note – ‘The Highland Caledonian’ (in up to 40 payments of £50 by standing order). part but the rain on Sunday did not am very much hoping to have another plate was carried by Tornado for We are delighted that 95 people have already signed up as Chris Ludlow unveils his new painting. dampen the enthusiasm of either the volunteers’ day early in the New Year The Prince’s Trust special on the members of the Boiler Club. visitors or the volunteers. and if you have been pondering about Forth Bridge. Special benefits for members of The Boiler Club: l Special limited edition version (signed/numbered) of the Our next event with the joining us then a day seeing what we do l Opportunity to buy a ticket (seat already reserved) on first official painting of No. 2007 Prince of Wales with merchandise team was ‘The Silver may just sway you in our direction. We Each smokebox numberplate is No. 2007’s first main line train No. 60163 Tornado Jubilee Talisman’. This was an awkward are all very much looking forward to for sale for £200 including postage l Reasonable access to No. 2007 at all times l Special Boiler Club day with Tornado. train to work, as there were a couple the Severn Valley Railway visit, we have & packaging. Please email shop@ l Opportunity to buy exclusive Boiler Club badge For more information visit www.a1steam.com, email of added on trips, one to Castle not been there for a couple of years so a1steam.com for more details. l Opportunity to join one of the teams building No. 2007 [email protected] or call 01325 460163. Howard and one to the Darlington I am sure we will do very well. TCC l First choice of other components to sponsor Thank you. TCC

18 19 EVENTS ATTENDANCE REPORT by Mandy Grant THE 163 pacifics CLUB - it's time to get on board by Mark Allatt Background - The Aln Valley Railway project is currently in its at Darlington just as we did with Tornado. There were others infancy and their main aim is to restore and operate the railway who were already signed up members and wanted to find out As I am sure you know by now, in and the number/name of your line between Alnmouth and Alnwick. more about progress with the construction. Our events folder this our 25th anniversary year, we are favourite pacific. In a few short years, what this group of dedicated volunteers contained up to date pictures and information about the project focusing our fundraising for Tornado on l If 163 people were to donate £10 have achieved is incredible and well worthy of a visit! So far, they and was a useful aid when talking to visitors about the build. As the purchase of her tender. The tender per month over the eight years until have successfully constructed a museum, gift shop, café, engine usual, we handed out many leaflets and hopefully once visitors is currently owned by William Cook we need to purchase the tender (or shed, station and platforms, a footbridge and the beginnings of went home and read about the project, they may at some point Cast Products, the company owned by alternatively make a one-off donation a network of track which will shortly link up the newly built feel inspired to come on board. We packed up for the day at Andrew Cook and the Trust’s Principal of £960) with the addition of Gift Aid infrastructure with that of the original trackbed and it’s amazing to 16:30hrs and went out for dinner together. Sponsor. Andrew kindly offered to fund (£2.50 per month or £240 one-off) think that several years ago the whole area was just a field, prior At 09:30hrs on Sunday we were joined by Andrew Taylor and the construction of the tender in 2006, this would raise £195,600. to that we understand that it was a council refuse tip! The group Gemma Braithwaite, it was to be Gemma’s first time on the stand. allowing funds being raised at the time already have an interesting collection of locomotives and rolling We had another busy day and once again, the glorious weather to be spent on the engine. As with the previous schemes, this stock, once the track is complete and a mainline connection brought lots of visitors to the exhibition. We signed up another The tender is leased to the Trust The newly overhauled tender in initiative comes with special benefits for established, they hope to be able to accommodate a wider variety covenantor and spoke to lots of interested people about the under a fifteen year loan agreement Darlington Locomotive Works. those who generously take part: of visiting engines. More information can be found at www. project, the vast majority were very supportive of the project! At which will come to an end in 2021. l A numbered certificate (1-163) alnvalleyrailway.co.uk. the end of the day and after our complimentary brake van ride, Tornado’s tender is a development of upon 25 years ago. Following the recording the details of the donation The Event - We arrived at the Aln Valley Railway in glorious we packed up the stand and headed off home. those built for the original Peppercorn success – thanks to your generosity – of and the number/name of your sunshine at 09:00hrs on Saturday morning. We met up with The model railway exhibition was a new venture for the railway class A1s with changes mainly down to our Regular and Dedicated Donation favourite ex-LNER express passenger Andrew Taylor, one of our volunteers and proceeded to set up the and one which, to his credit, Roger Germy had meticulously the different operating environment schemes for the construction of Tornado pacific from the Gresley class A3s/A4s, stand ready for the exhibition. planned and executed. The end result was an enjoyable and on the modern Network Rail main and the ‘Use Your Loaf’ appeal for the Thompson class A1/1 and Peppercorn By 10:30hrs we had already welcomed our first new covenantor productive weekend for ourselves and for the railway, as it line. Due to the lack of surviving steam support coach, the Trust has decided to class A1s. on board. We were kept busy all day with visitors to the stand, turned out to be their most successful event to date, with visitor infrastructure, water capacity is at follow a similar route for the purchase l Name inscribed on the official Roll some of whom had not heard about the project and being numbers on the Saturday alone exceeding previous gates over a a premium and so Tornado’s tender of Tornado’s tender. However, instead of of Honour in Darlington Locomotive local, were interested that we were building the locomotive two day period! Thanks to all concerned. TCC carries 6,200 gallons (as opposed to “an A1 for the price of a pint” and “use Works which will detail the pacific 5,000 gallons) and 7½ tons of coal your loaf”, we’ve decided to raise the sponsored. (rather than nine tons in the original funds in a different way, The 163 Pacifics l E ntry into a draw for a main line A1s). The tender is also the home for Club: footplate ride on No. 60163 Tornado. by Sophie James many of Tornado’s other unique features l We need to raise £200,000 to Covenantors' Diary including an alternator, Timken cartridge purchase Tornado’s tender. Forms to join ‘The163 Pacifics Club’ roller bearings (pre-greased sealed l Although Tornado carries the can be found on www.a1steam.com As another busy year draws to an end, Convention and Convention Dinner planned but we will try to find another self-contained units which do not have number ‘60163’ - the next in the in the ‘Supporting Tornado’ section. it is time to look forward to next year’s are proving to be more popular each date in 2016 when she can attend the to be fitted in enclosed axleboxes), Peppercorn class A1 series following Membership of The 163 Pacifics Club Covenanter events. year, and it is with this in mind that I venue. Train Protection & Warning System No. 60162 Saint Johnstoun – her pre- has grown steadily since its launch It was wonderful to see so many am pleased to announce that the 2016 Watch this space in future editions (TPWS), National Radio Network nationalisation LNER number would and following our convention 71 of of our supporters at this year’s Convention will be held in Darlington as there promises to be many other (NRN) radio, Global System for Mobile have been ‘163’ the available 163 ex-LNER express Convention and 25th Anniversary on Saturday 1st October. Save the date! exclusive opportunities to see No. Communications - Railway (GSM-R) l There have therefore existed 163 ex- passenger Pacifics have already received Celebrations. The day proved a Owing to the cancellation of 'The 60163 Tornado in action and view the radio, GPS tracker and of course the LNER express passenger pacifics with new ‘shed allocations’. It really is that great success and we continue to be Peppercorn Phoenix' it will not be progress on No. 2007 Prince of Wales mobile phone charger! 6ft 8in driving wheels - the Gresley simple! Help us to celebrate our 25th grateful for all of your generosity. The possible to take Tornado to Shildon as during 2016. See you there! TCC We need to raise £200,000 by 2021 class A3s/A4s, Thompson class A1/1 anniversary by sponsoring your favourite to purchase Tornado’s tender – thereby and Peppercorn class A1s. Pacific today and makingTornado debt making the Trust debt-free - and finally l A numbered certificate (1-163) will free with her paid-for tender behind her completing the project we embarked record the details of your donation by 2021. Thank you. TCC

No. 60002 Sir Murrough Wilson No. 60067 Ladas No. 60102 Sir Frederick Banbury No. 60008 Dwight D. Eisenhower No. 60071 Tranquil No. 60108 Gay Crusader No. 60015 Quicksilver No. 60076 Galopin No. 60118 Archibald Sturrock No. 60033 Seagull No. 60080 Dick Turpin No. 60122 Curlew No.60042 Singapore No. 60085 Manna No. 60132 Marmion No. 60051 Blink Bonny No. 60089 Felstead No. 60140 Balmoral

No. 60056 Centenary No. 60095 Flamingo No. 60144 King’s Courier

No. 60060 The Tetrarch No. 60097 Humorist No. 60150 Willbrook

Here are some of the names still looking for ‘allocations’ – there are some surprisingly popular ones still left! Supporters at this year's Convention fill Darlington Locomotive Works.

20 21 A1SLT The Winds of Change That Became a Tornado by David Champion

Part 4 - Unstoppable progress inspection pit, trackwork, and an office, hard work you round a corner early one toilets and mess room. Ian Storey laid a morning and come face to face with a giant The first visit ofTornado’s frames to 60’ panel of track outside the works and locomotive you have helped create? First, the National Railway Museum in Spring a method agreed to crane the locomotive the back of your neck tingles, followed by a 1997 had been a huge success, attracting onto accommodation supplied by moistening eye, then a broad grin breaks our much positive media coverage, and Tyseley. The locomotive would then be which you wear for the rest of the day. You more importantly encouraged more winched in and the frames jacked onto our could feel the tension in the air in Hopetown Covenantors to join and assist the build. frame stands with the bogies returning to Lane as the giant crane painstakingly The heady pace continued as the year Birmingham on the Low Loader. transferred Tornado over several hours to the progressed. Covenantors were promised It falls to very few people to organise length of track outside the Works, ‘til at one o’ that they would see an appreciable the opening of a new locomotive works, clock the working party stood inside the Works difference from its ‘York’ condition and I was very honoured to be in the right with the locomotive waiting apprehensively just when they saw it next in September. place at the right time. I felt it should feel outside the door. A whisper went round, as we With the frames back at Tyseley, work like a very special and historic occasion remarked that the atmosphere was electric, in progress included casting the cannon when we welcomed Tornado to her new hardly daring to believe the evidence of our boxes, axleboxes, orders placed for roller home. Preparations were made for the eyes: that an LNER design Pacific was about to bearings, splashers fitted to the frames, locomotive to arrive by low loader on enter the last surviving portion of the famous the cab manufactured and the complex Thursday 25th September 1997. Darlington North Road Works.” machining of the outside cylinders was Council closed Hopetown Lane for the Painfully slowly, Tornado crept forward nearing completion. Bob Meanley and day so the massive crane that Ian had snail-like as Mathew Storey laboriously Ian Storey were working out the logistics organised could get into position for its turned a manual winch while a small of the move to Darlington which would historic task. The low loader arrived early number of us pushed as hard as we could. I have to be by road, as the additional work morning and parked at the south end thought to myself “This is going to take all carried out meant that Tornado would now of Hopetown Lane. As it stood there, a day!”. That is until Bob Meanley, using all his be out of gauge for shipment on top of a couple of elderly gentlemen, obviously tact and inter-personal skills, drew himself rail wagon. former North Road Workshops staff, up to his full height and addressing the Work at Darlington had been continuing were over-heard having the following small group of camera toting onlookers to convert the old Stockton & Darlington conversation, called out, “Oi! You Lot! This engine isn’t Railway carriage works for our use as “Hey – isn’t that an A1 on that low going anywhere until you so-and-so’s put Darlington Locomotive Works. The work loader?” down your cameras and get behind it!” costed £300,000 and was supervised by “Yes, you’re right, it is an A1” A short Cameras were downed in an instant, and Darlington Council; this included removing pause then, with a dozen shoulders behind it, Tornado asbestos, repairing the roof and adding “I wonder where they got it from? moved in at a slow walking pace. And sound insulation, new window frames and this was one of the golden memories I sliding main access door, rendering the I arrived about 08:30hrs, and I can best shall always treasure, my shoulder to the walls internally, digging out the old floor describe the impact by quoting the words I front step and Bob behind me pushing and laying a new floor a metre lower so wrote at the time, on the right hand cylinder as Tornado that Tornado would fit in, installation of an “How do you feel when after seven years majestically progressed through the doors at Hopetown for the first time. As we delighted in the sight of our

A1SLT A1 just come to rest in the Works, someone said, “Well, she’s home now”. A contemplative silence was followed by Tornado’s someone else saying softly in awed tones, frames on display at the national Railway Museum. “Have we REALLY done all this?” We had slow to gain maximum effect. Half a dozen Stockton and Darlington Railway, the 62nd present her with a bouquet, as unknown to much to do, the opening of the Works was volunteers had been press-ganged to anniversary of the inaugural run of the her I had worked out that this day marked just two days away and we were expecting operate the curtains including our long Silver Jubilee and the opening later the exactly 30 years since the day we met. 400 Covenantors and guests to join us on term supporter, Derek Scrafton. As we same day of Darlington Locomotive Works. Then a fleet of vintage buses took us to the Saturday afternoon. Friday, the next went through the rehearsal I mused that it The Covenantors were regaled with the Hopetown. At two o’clock Barry Wilson day, was spent setting up the Works for the was quite something to have Derek, then story of how construction had accelerated, opened proceedings and emphasised Grand Opening. Director General of Transport for South with so much having happened in the the historic moment that was upon us. I Knowing that we needed to make a big Australia, on curtain-pulling duties for us! last two years. There were memorable described the delivery of the locomotive impact on both the printed and TV media, I As we finished off on Friday night a friend talks by broadcaster Bill Weeks and our two days earlier then the Leader of ‘borrowed’ the wherewithal to make a bit of Ian’s brought a stencil with which we late friend Andrew Dow. Presentations Darlington Council mounted the dais of a show from Darlington Civic Theatre; proudly painted ‘A1 – Darlington’ on the to acknowledge Dedicated Covenants and unveiled the works sign, declaring a set of four theatrical curtains to conceal bufferbeam. were made by Dorothy Mather and Peter Darlington Locomotive Works open. Tornado, a disco smoke machine which Saturday dawned and a record Townend. Covenantor Mr. Scotney was Dorothy Mather spoke of her pleasure at I hid in the pit under the loco, a sound attendance gathered for the Convention surprised to be presented with a John being part of the A1 Trust and bringing the system and a massive amount of ‘event’ in the Central Hall. Mark Allatt opened Wigston print of an A1 (arranged by his locomotive to a part of the North Road lighting gave a sense of occasion. We the meeting with the theme of ‘this wife) to mark his 50th birthday that day, and complex Works where her late husband, “Isn’t that an A1? I wonder where they got it from?” Tornado arrives in held a rehearsal to time the raising of the most historic Convention’ citing the Mark shocked my wife Gillian by inviting Arthur Peppercorn, had worked. Dorothy Darlington in 1997. curtain which I wanted to be tantalisingly 172nd anniversary of the opening of the her onto the stage in order for me to then turned to the shrouded giant with all ➤

22 23 those hundreds of Covenantors gathered Dining Train and a Beer Train. The idea was the camera and began his introduction at ‘unique moment in railway history’. And A1SLT round it, and announced, “I welcome for passengers to move from one train to the instant we went live to the studio. as designed, the exposure drew in yet Tornado to her new home” At this, the the other during the course of the night. We re-staged the curtains and smoke more supporters which in turn allowed grand music started and smoke began It’s all a bit of a blur.... Paul Ambler of Black unveiling with A1 Board members, the progress on the locomotive to further to emanate from the pit. Slowly, slowly, Sheep Brewery gave us two barrels of beer industrialists and spouses resplendent accelerate. Indeed, over the next year the the curtains eased up, taking a full two to help the evening along, there seemed to in evening dress enjoying wine and covenanted income was to rise by 22.5%. minutes to clear Tornado’s cab. The looks be lots of laughter and fun and singing, and canapes. Bob Meanley and David Elliott The beauty of our covenant scheme of surprised delight on the faces of the if I remember rightly the evening ended gave a detailed talk to the industrialists was that it provided a substantial regular Covenantors was really something to with Gillian and I leading a last chorus of in technical language. Bob remarked that cash flow allowing contracts to be let behold. I led three cheers for Tornado the Everley’s ‘Dream, Dream, Dream’ on the saying “They don’t make them like and components manufactured when and introduced Bob Meanley, who, in his Andrewshouse platform with the two that anymore” was clearly wrong – they needed. Steady progress continued over inimitable way remarked that he had never trains simmering alongside. I have no evidently do! He finished by remarking the winter as the smokebox was rolled, been at the opening of a fog bank before! recollection of how, or when, we managed that this night marked the first ever ‘black- orders were placed for the patterns for Bob told of the night before the to get home. tie’ reception held in an engine shed! I the blastpipe, chimney top and internal locomotive left Tyseley, looking down It was just a well we had Sunday off as have a very pleasant and abiding memory steam pipe extensions, with the patterns at it and thinking, “Have we really built the finale of the Works opening was set of the A1 Trustees and their wives ‘chilling going forward to a new sponsor, Charles this?” and said that everyone at Tyseley for the Monday night – a ‘black tie’ evening out’ afterwards in the ‘snug’ of the Central W. Taylor Iron-founders of South Shields Locomotive Works was tremendously event for Industrialists (including those that Borough pub opposite the Works. The pub (an ‘Industrialists Night’ attendee) for proud of it. Bob was presented with an were already sponsoring us) – broadcast locals had grown quite used to us over casting. The smokebox door was being inscribed plaque by Stuart Palmer to directly into the BBC evening Look North the last year, but quite what they thought manufactured by Israel Newton at reflect the Trust’s grateful thanks for all he news programme. It nearly went awry. when a large group invaded their pub on Bradford, Ian Howitt was making the door had achieved. The BBC outside broadcast van was all a Monday night, dressed as if we were fittings, while famous local bridge builder But there was more... it seemed a set up with plenty of time to spare, but heading for the Ritz in London’s West End, Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge shot-blasted shame not to make a weekend of it no presenter, who it appeared was stuck goodness only knows. the smokebox. Wheels and axles were on for Covenantors who were staying in traffic. As it ticked closer to 18:15hrs After all this excitement Mark got order and the decision was taken to sell over, so that night I had arranged for a the cameraman informed me that as there to work on ensuring that the excellent the old A3 tender frames back to Flying dining train, the ‘Causey Rambler’ on was no-one else available, I was going to media attention on TV, radio and Scotsman Services. This made eminent the . Much of the detail have to do the presenting. With less than newspapers also translated itself into sense as we realised the frames would Visitors in black tie gather for the industrialists’ evening at Darlington and preparations for the night out were a minute to spare the presenter raced the specialist and technical press. The have required major surgery to convert Locomotive Works. capably worked out by Steve Alder. It had through the door resplendent in white Northern Echo described the Works them to roller bearings, and it set us on been arranged for 70 people, but so many dinner jacket and bow tie, grabbed the opening as ‘spectacular’ and ‘momentous’ course to have a locomotive that was original Darlington A1s had become one Tornado, and the brilliant launch of Prince of wanted to come we ran two trains, a microphone off me, seamlessly turned to and BBC Look North described it as a brand new (and with brand new reliability) of the ‘Saturday Crew’ showing visitors Wales is a testament to how Mark was the from buffer to buffer. This ‘brand new’ around DLW. In addition to being a lovely right person at the right time to take over reliability feature won us many friends man with a ready smile, his background and the baton.

A1SLT among those who control access to the technical skill were of material assistance. I would like the closing words to my railways, and is something that some of the By September 20th 1999 all the driving account of the ten most exciting and ‘me too’ projects in our wake may regret wheels had been pressed on to their exhilarating years of my life to be Gill’s, not following. axles and parts were accumulating written in The Pioneer No.35 when I As 1998 went on major new items at Darlington. As we went into 2000 handed over to Mark. included the tyres, and parts for the crank equipment at DLW was now adequate axle. Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge kindly to start assembling the bogie while “When David said this was his final followed up their free shot-blasting of the manufacture of the motion parts was well article for ‘The Pioneer’ I felt it was time I smokebox by cutting the smokbox ring out under way. The East Anglian group led by had my say. I vividly remember the first of 2in plate free of charge, while Tyseley Alan Lusby made a terrific job of the cab meeting of the A1 Project. As I did my manufactured the smoke deflectors. As seats, construction of the cab doors and wifely bit with refreshments I listened to always, a myriad of small components the hardwood cab floor.... simultaneously five men who, I might add, had no prior were steadily manufactured alongside many more items were being ordered experience in this field (nobody had), the ‘big ticket’ items. Darlington Works in the right sequence according to Rob propose to build from scratch a life-size was steadily building up its engineering Morland’s ground-breaking Project Plan. A1 Pacific. I thought “These people are equipment and we had a visit from Fred As the finished wheelsets began arriving mad and it will never happen”, but what Dibnah with attendant film crew, who at Darlington and were placed under the I did recognise was the excitement and crawled all over the locomotive and locomotive (marking the fact that the passion that would prove me wrong... declared it “Brilliant!” engine was now 50% complete by weight) when I was diagnosed with cancer last Our autumn 1998 Convention at the I received the tragic news that my beautiful year, I was uplifted by the concern and East Railway reflected the fact wife and soul mate Gill, was terminally encouragement of so many Covenantors, that there was much A1 activity at Ian ill with cancer and would become some of whom I have never met. It was Riley’s works at Bury. As we moved into progressively paralysed as the illness a difficult time for us both and your good 1999 all the major components, progressed. After the support she had wishes are most appreciated. wheels, axles, bearings, crank webs and pins given me both in my career and with the Next time you go to Darlington Loco were at Bury for assembly and completed A1 Trust, the right course of action was to Works, do reflect that everything you later that year. Ian Howitt had finished the give her 100% of my time for however long see, Tornado, the Works, and the whole smokebox door assembly and the first she had left. The obvious course of action organisation, had to be created by the tranche of motion forgings were ordered was to give up my career and recommend Trust for itself. In 1990 all we had was a from Heskeths. We were saddened to lose to the Board that Mark Allatt take over piece of paper and a dream. Good luck to a link with the past: Vince Dunnington who the A1 Trust Chairmanship from me. The you all!!” TCC Bob Meanley, Dorothy Mather and David Champion stand in front of Tornado’s newly delivered frames. had been involved with the building of the subsequent ground breaking history of

24 25 P2 ENGINEERING UPDATE by David Elliott FUNDRAISING FOR No. 2007 PRINCE OF WALES by Mark Allatt The extended overhaul of Tornado resulted in a dramatic reduction in work on No. 2007 at Darlington

Sarah Anne Harvey Sarah Anne from October 2014 to June 2015 with both the workshop space and labour resource being fully occupied Pledges towards building Prince by No. 60163. Work off-site continued, although not necessarily at the desired pace due to the Director of of Wales reach £2m just two Engineering being diverted to reassembly of Tornado. years after project’s launch David Elliott Pledges towards the building of new Frames Gresley class P2 steam locomotive No. We now have almost all the cast frame 2007 Prince of Wales have already reached stretchers and brackets in fully machined £2m in just two years since the launch form which have been trial fitted to the of the project in September 2013. The frames and are in the process of final new locomotive is already over one- fitting with driven bolts and Philidas third complete by weight. This rapid nuts to his usual high standard by Mick construction has been fuelled by the Robinson. The exceptions are the pony project’s successful fundraising campaigns truck top centre and the new (A1 design) which have seen pledges of 40% of the frame stay and front boiler support £5m required to complete Britain’s most castings which are presently being powerful steam locomotive by 2021. In machined. The outside motion brackets only 18 months since the launch of the which are the last of the frame castings project’s ‘P2 for the price of a pint of How your money is being spent - the superb smokebox door are awaiting 3D drawings and final design beer a week’ (£10 per month) regular for No. 2007, formed at the South Devon Railway. of the shaft work for the reversing donation - or covenant - scheme, funds mechanism before poly patterns can be either already donated or pledged by l Preliminary discussions held Mark Allatt commented, “We are ordered. Standing Order have already reached with boiler manufacturers and delighted with the level of support The larger frame stays which are Redesigned large £2m. forged foundation ring corners that the project to build Britain’s inappropriate for poly patterns (and frame stay (for welded Public interest in seeing a new Gresley manufactured and machined most powerful steam locomotive has would be excessively expensive as wood fabrication). class P2 become a reality sooner rather l A start has been made on the received since its launch. Thanks to patterns for what are one-off castings) than later is high and over 700 people boiler fittings, with castings for our supporters’ continued generosity have been redesigned in 3D CAD as house mathematical capability. This is acceptable. Rather than trying to predict have already signed up to the ‘P2 for the the two combined injector water £2m has now been donated or pledged welded fabrications, with modifications further exacerbated by the difficulty in the actual loads applied to each frame stay, price of a pint of beer per week’ (£10 and delivery valves ordered from which has been converted into over where necessary to accommodate air knowing what the actual loads applied to as it would appear that the original cast per month or more) covenant scheme existing Tornado patterns one third of the new locomotive being brake cylinders and air pumps. However these structures are. frame stays were satisfactory, comparison since its launch a year ago. In addition l Vampire study into ride and now in existence by weight. With No. demonstration that these structures in It has been agreed in principle with of stresses in the new structures with the to this core scheme, funds have been suspension completed and Finite 60163 Tornado’s overhaul now complete, their modified form are acceptable from Ricardo Rail (formerly Lloyds Register old when applying arbitrary but realistic raised through The Founders Club (over Element Analysis of crank axle our team at Darlington Locomotive stress and fatigue point of view was Rail), our Assessment Body (the modern loads to demonstrate that the new 360 people have donated £1,000 each to ensure locomotive complies Works has resumed the erection of No. proving difficult. The complexity of their equivalent of the Vehicle Acceptance structures are no more highly stressed – target 100 people, now closed), The with modern standards nearing 2007 Prince of Wales’s frames, fitting the shapes meant that manual calculation of Body used for Tornado certification) that than the old would suffice. Boiler Club (95 people have pledged completion frame stretchers, horn guides and other stresses is ambitious, and beyond our in- the comparative approach would be During discussions with Graham £2,000 each - target of 300 people), l Assessment and notified body components manufactured by external Nicholas, our in-house certification guru, Dedicated Donations (£160,000 from appointed to oversee certification contractors over the past few months. suggested that an add-in Finite Element existing supporters sponsoring a variety l Cab sides, roof and cab side window “We are hopeful that we will have Analysis (FEA) simulation module for the of components) and the sponsorship of frames ordered completed the rolling chassis for No. Solidworks 3D CAD package being used David Elliott the locomotive’s distinctive front-end by l Locomotive footplating delivered 2007 Prince of Wales next year and we for the design work would enable such The Gresley Society Trust. This means and being fitted remain on-track for completion of the comparisons to be made. Your Director that the project has already received l Smokebox door tooling complete new locomotive in 2021. However, to of Engineering, David Elliott, was sceptical pledges of £2m (including Gift Aid) of the and ready for pressing, doorframe maintain this rate of progress we need to about his abilities with FEA (as in the past £5m needed over the next seven years. ring and smokebox platework continue to raise in excess of £700,000 it has been regarded as highly specialised Construction progress to-date includes: ordered per year, which given the nature of the area of design requiring years of training). l Frame plates for engine and tender l Chimney pattern and casting regular donation scheme becomes more However having visited Solid Solutions, rolled and profiled ordered challenging as each year passes. the local Solidworks distributor and seen l E ngine’s frames erected at Darlington l Nameplates delivered and chime “I would encourage all of our a demonstration, it would appear that Locomotive Works whistle ordered! supporters who haven’t yet contributed the software has moved on in leaps and l All 20 wheels for engine and tender The project’s use of the latest to this exciting project to help us to bounds and is now within our grasp to cast; eight 6ft 2in driving wheels Computer Aided Design (CAD) meet these deadlines by becoming a use effectively. Having agreed a good price proof machined; engine’s tyres technology means that the weight of all monthly covenantor or joining The Boiler for the package, Solid Solutions have also delivered of the components now in existence Club. It’s time to get on board! This year donated a well specified Solidworks 3D l All major engine frame stays, can easily be calculated. The weight will see further major announcements as CAD training computer which will ease brackets, horn blocks, axle boxes and of the engine parts now in existence the construction of new Gresley class P2 the load on David’s laptop. buffers cast – 64 in total stands at 37.2 tons (39% of an estimated No. 2007 Prince of Wales gathers pace.” In the meantime, Multi-Tech Engineering l Roller bearings for all engine and completed empty weight of 96 ton) For more information on how you at Ferrybridge are making steady progress tender wheelsets and engine axles and the tender at 4.8 tons (17% of an can help to build Britain’s most powerful with machining the coupled wheel horn and crank pins ordered estimated completed empty weight of steam locomotive visit www.p2steam. blocks and horn stays. They should have l Over 1,000 fitted and driven bolts 28.4 tons) giving a figure of 34% for the com, email enquiries@p2steam. been delivered to Darlington and should ordered whole locomotive by weight. com or call 01325 460163. TCC be being installed on the frames by the Mick Robinson torques a 1in nut. time you read this. ➤

26 27 David Elliott crank axle design is needed, the other axles Graphics by David Elliott Wheelsets will be ordered anyway to enable assembly of All the wheels are cast, the eight tender the other wheelsets. wheels, two pony truck wheels and two We now have a quote for the axlebox and Cartazzi wheels are at Multi-Tech for cannonbox machining work including all the finish machining of wheel bosses and spacer and thrust rings and special bolts. proof machining of the rims. Discussions are taking place with South Devon Cylinders and valve gear Railway Engineering (SDR) to agree the Now that the basic layout of the valve gear assembly procedure which will then be (Lentz as improved by Franklin) has been submitted to Ricardo for their approval. defined, detailed design of the cylinders and This will enable the axle holes in the valve gear has resumed. wheels to be bored to the finished size. The proof machined coupled wheels Footplating With the delays in have been at Darlington and following finalising the frame design, the manufacture final machining of the centres, will be and fitting of footplating has been brought laser scanned for balancing before being forward and all the laser profiled plate work sent to SDR for wheelset assembly. The and footplate support brackets and angles locomotive’s tyres have been delivered have been acquired and where necessary to SDR. rolled into curves. They are in the process In the case of the crank axle we Proof machined driving wheels at DLW. of being fitted (to a high standard) by Ian are also awaiting the outcome of the Matthews. FEA study by Mott MacDonald. This Tony Lord has taken rather longer than originally Smokebox expected as the original comparative With the exceptional offer of sponsorship by methodology we proposed (as per the the Gresley Society, the smokebox has been frame stays) was not thought by them started. South Devon Railway Engineering to be adequate in this case. Instead they has been contracted to make the smokebox wished to use actual figures. Fortunately door, a difficult (and expensive) shape due to Andrew Hemming (of Tornado balancing the flat on the top of the door. The male and fame) has come to our rescue and has female press tools and test pressings made. produced a large spread sheet and a The door frame is also difficult to make due series of diagrams showing the expected to the flat on the top of the top of the door. torque in the crank axle at any angle It has been ordered from Timsons Engineering and at a range of cut-offs and speeds at Kettering who are CNC machining it resulting from both piston and inertia from a piece of 80mm thick boiler plate, forces. This has now been submitted incorporating the grooved door seal ring. to Mott MacDonald for incorporation Manufacturing drawings for the smoke box in the model and the results should be barrel have been prepared to enable plates to available by the end of October. Once be profiled and rolled. the results of the FEA are available, axles We have ordered a wooden pattern for a can be ordered. If further work on the Roller bearing cannonbox and axleboxes ready for machining. Spheriodal Graphite (SG) iron casting of the double chimney. David Elliott Cab Again with the delays in other areas, a

David Elliott set of manufacturing drawings for the cab laser profiles and rolled angles have been produced and a kit of laser profiles, rolled where necessary delivered to Darlington for assembly. TCC David Elliott

Steve Wood machining a buffer Male and female smokebox door With footplate brackets in place, the signature curved frames appear. casing on our lathe at Darlington. tools at the SDR.

28 29

PROFILE – GILL LORD by Graham Langer FROM THE ARCHIVES by Graham Langer Tony Lord A1SLT Gillian has been the Merchandise Director and a Trustee in January 2009 l Autumn 1995 - An historic since 2009. She was born in Morecambe in Lancashire where when she worked agreement was brokered with her father worked for British Railways and her mother ran a on Tornado’s first Darlington Borough Council, the guesthouse. In 1961 the family moved from Morecambe to main line runs, selling owners of the 1853 former Stockton & Loughborough after her father gained a post with the railway raffle tickets and Darlington Railway Carriage Works at as a booking clerk at Loughborough Central Station. Gillian talking to passengers, Hopetown. The A1 Steam Locomotive can well remember visits to the booking office, the huge then in April 2009 Trust would be able to set up its fire in the grate, the always-singing kettle ready to make the when Tornado visited permanent base in what is to become endless cups of tea required by all railwaymen! One morning Barrow Hill she was the new Darlington Locomotive Works in 1963, she can remember standing on Loughborough surprised to see how early in 1997. The announcement was Central Station with her father and brother waiting for little commemorative Gill Lord with Simon Kohler followed by a brief ceremony in front of a train to pass through; it was, according to her father, a merchandise there and the new Hornby model of Locomotion No. 1, the world’s first public very special occasion which soon became clear when Flying was available to sell Tornado. railway locomotive, now preserved in Scotsman passed through the station on her ‘last’ run. As we to the hundreds of people who had gone along to see the Darlington Railway Museum; at this know, the former Great Central Main Line was closed soon locomotive. Gillian decided to have a little chat over coffee ceremony, Councillor John Williams, afterwards, and the family had to move once again, eventually with Mark Allatt and the rest they say is history! Mark asked Mayor of Darlington and Leader of to Surrey and finally Nottinghamshire. if merchandise could be procured in time for the visit to the Darlington Borough Council, presented On leaving school Gillian joined the Westminster Bank North Yorkshire Moors Railway, just three weeks hence. As the key to the new locomotive works to (now Nat West), staying in banking until the late 1990s when time went on, the list of suppliers grew and Gillian now has Mrs Dorothy Mather. she decided to start her own business in Family History a good working relationship with them, insisting that as far l Autumn 2000 - The long-term research which ran successfully for a number of years. a possible all items are sourced and made in the U.K. In the loan of a set of Matterson jacks from During all this time, Gillian retained a love of railways, taking first twelve months the merchandise choice grew and sales the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) further her family to just about every available were phenomenal, so much so that to keep track of stock a boosted progress at the works. A during holidays – much to her children’s dismay as they grew till had to be purchased and all items given a PLU number. A representative of Matterson worked older! In 2004 Tony, her husband, attended a couple of talks large heavy duty till was purchased for Heritage Railway visits with the Trust to bring the jacks up to about the new steam locomotive being built in Darlington and events and smaller portable ones for use on the trains. full working order, including a complete and before she knew it, she had been volunteered to attend The Trust already had a chip and pin machine, but due to the rewire. In addition Matterson’s produced events to sign up new covenantors! This in turn led to Gillian amount of use a second machine was acquired. drawings of jacking brackets (for the becoming a covenantor herself in 2008. With such a large turnover of stock, it was decided to find Trust to fabricate) to enable a straight “in The turning point to becoming more involved happened a store to keep the entire stock safe and secure and for the one go” lift. The existing beams would The Matterson jacks are seen in operation lifting Tornado’s frames last five years it has been held in a storage unit in Cannock require two lifts. The jacks were restored in 1995. under the supervision of fellow Trustee Chris Walker. Chris and put into service. deals with all the on-line sales, selecting items and posting connecting rods was nearing completion. links so treated. In other news, the

David Elliott them out very quickly once the orders have been received l Autumn 2005 – In the November Further work had been done on boiler design had been finalised with and once a year a team travels to Cannock for a stocktake. Communication Cord, David Elliott the with the reverser Meiningen and a model of the tender Tornado is a Registered Trademark and as such anyone making recorded that work at DLW had stand was now complete and working. tank had been made to clarify its profit from images ofTornado in whatever form must pay included completing the fitting of the Progress had been made on grinding conversion to welded construction. royalties to the Trust. The operation of this aspect of the Trust crossheads, and fitting of the outside valve gear components with the radius is in the capable hands of her husband Tony. l Autumn 2010 – October Gillian worked on the majority of Tornado hauled trains in found over 200 guests attending the

2009, 2010 and 2011 then in 2012 she decided to enlist other A1SLT Convention at Barrow Hill with Tornado volunteers to work as team leaders, these people would be the centre piece in the roundhouse. It in charge of the merchandise team for that day, liaise with was noted that the immediate financial the R.O. and balance to books at the end of the day. This objectives must include finishing the system has worked well and Gillian can now work fewer trips support coach, setting aside funds for and therefore keep on top of all the other Trustee activities. the five year intermediate overhaul, Once a year Gillian arranges a Merchandise Volunteers Day, a rebuilding the contingency fund and social get together with learning workshops and a chance for establishing a pool of spares while volunteers to discuss anything merchandise, the day is always accumulating the necessary reserves enjoyable and can sometime carry on until the following day! to repay the £500,000 bond by the In 2011 Gillian re-located to so has been end of 2016. Happily all these targets on hand to assist at Darlington Locomotive Works when were met! During the year Tornado had required. The move has also been useful to Trustees and visited Barrow Hill, stayed at the Severn Volunteers alike as there are always a couple of spare rooms Valley Railway, run numerous ‘Cathedrals for overnight stays when a meeting or Tornado is in the area! Expresses’, operated The Royal Train All this seems a long way from the little girl standing on (again!), hauled the VSOE ‘British the platform at Loughborough all those years ago, but as Pullman’ train, and fitted in visits to the Gillian says, railways and locomotives are in her blood, you MHR, the GCR, Shildon, the Swanage cannot be the daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter Railway, the WSR and increased her Gill Lord with No. 2007 Prince of Wales under of railwaymen, be married to an ex-railway man and nothing accomplished mileage to almost 30,000 TCC miles. TCC construction at Darlington Locomotive Works. rub off! Coupling and connecting rods at DLW in 2005.

30 31 The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is pleased to display the logos of organisations giving us their ongoing support. Their contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

Principal sponsor

The Gresley Society Trust

the A1 steam locomotive TRUST CONTACTS President Dorothy Mather Vice Presidents Peter Townend and David Champion ([email protected]) Board of Trustees Mark Allatt Chairman ([email protected]) Graeme Bunker Operations ([email protected]) David Burgess Company Secretary ([email protected]) David Elliott Director of Engineering ([email protected]) Gill Lord Merchandising ([email protected]) Rob Morland Electrical ([email protected]) Chris Walker Finance ([email protected]) Advisers to the Board David Breakell Legal ([email protected]) Richard Corser Finance ([email protected]) Sophie James Sponsorship & Covenantor Care ([email protected]) Tony Lord Premises Manager ([email protected]) Graham Nicholas Quality & Certification ([email protected]) Huw Parker Project Management ([email protected]) Richard Peck Commercial Manager ([email protected]) Editor Graham Langer ([email protected]) Picture Editor Tony Watson ([email protected]) Design Kevin Lumb ([email protected]) * All information correct at the time of going to press late-November 2015. For up-to-date information and dates please check the website www.a1steam.com. l The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Darlington Locomotive Works, Hopetown Lane, Darlington DL3 6RQ l e-mail: [email protected] l website: www.a1steam.com Darlington Locomotive Works is normally open to the public on the third Saturday each month (11am – 4pm). Access to the works is via : Darlington Railway Museum where covenantors are entitled to free entry. Charity registration No. 1022834. The Trust respectfully requests that anyone wanting to see Tornado’s main line passenger trains follows the rules of the railway and only goes where permitted. © 2015 The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust except where shown. Views of contributors are not necessarily those of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.

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