6 0163 TORNADO The New Steam for the Main Line Communication Cord No. 41 Winter 2016 Neil Whitaker

Tornado at Paddington Station after returning with 'The Red Rose'. A1 ENGINEERING REPORT by David Elliott Tornado has continued to operate well and the pressure reduced, David Wright The function of the anti-vacuum valve is with few ‘out of course’ repairs. The discovered that the gasket between the to let air into the steam circuit when the most significant incident occurred on 26th anti-vacuum valve (snifting valve) and the locomotive is coasting with the regulator October during preparation for the engine superheater header was blowing. The anti- shut. When coasting, the pistons create and support coach move from the Severn vacuum valve is the object which sticks a vacuum which when the valves open Valley Railway to London. The discovery out of the top of the smokebox behind to exhaust, causes char in the smoke to of a steam leak in the smokebox when the chimney and can be heard operating be drawn back down the blast pipe into the regulator was opened resulted in the each time the regulator is opened when the cylinders. The air let in by the anti- locomotive failing the Fitness to Run (FTR) the steam pressure closes the valve with a vacuum valve reduces this effect. The exam. The following day with the fire out distinct ‘clink’ noise. air has an additional function of cooling ➤

1 the superheater elements when the there CONTENTS is no steam passing through them. This From the chair by Mark Allatt Page 1 reduces the tendency of the elements to A1 Engineering Report be burnt when the regulator is closed after s I finalise this events for supporters. The details of other Godfrey, grandsons of Sir Nigel Gresley, as PAGE 2 a prolonged period of high outputs. The column in visits are currently being finalised. vice presidents of the Trust. Support coach gasket and the moving part of the valve mid-February, As you know, last year marked the 25th Meanwhile in Darlington Locomotive were replaced, and an FTR successfully No.A 60163 Tornado has anniversary of the launch of the project Works the construction of No. 2007 Prince Darlington Locomotive Works upgrade achieved. Fortunately with the next main line just worked her (and to build a new Peppercorn class A1 with of Wales continues to race ahead with PAGE 3 'Belmond British Pullman' operation being the Trust’s) first train the first meeting at The Railway Institute in the fitting of more parts of the footplate From the chair on 6th November, there was still plenty of of the year - ‘The Red York on 17th November 1990. In this issue and the trial fitting of the cab. We have PAGE 4 time to move the loco to Stewarts Lane for Rose’ - this train was of TCC, Phil Champion (brother of David, also taken delivery of the locomotive’s Our new President, David this train. fully booked, selling well from the moment long-standing Trust volunteer and former distinctive smokebox door and other Champion The other ‘out of course’ repair was to that we announced it - proving that the editor of our first journal The Pioneer) components for the smokebox which PAGE 5 replace the concrete fire arch in the firebox. right train with the right starting points, writes about the Trust’s pre-history – a means that it won’t be too long before Editorial The existing arch was still serviceable but route and destination taken to market sort-of prequel to David’s four part story both cab and smokebox are fitted to the Diary 2016 pieces were starting to fall off it. David suitably early will generate a sufficient of the Trust’s early years - using material frames. PAGE 6 Wright and his team replaced the arch return to be commercially viable and discovered by long-term covenantor Bob With over £2m now pledged to our Tornado on Tour at Stewarts Lane and the new one is create enough profit to keep Tornado Parkinson in Steam Railway News (SRN). A P2 project, we need to keep up our PAGE 8 performing well. TCC operating on the main line on a day-to- fascinating read! fundraising efforts if we are to achieve our A1 project pre-dawn Anti-vacuum valve. PAGE 9 day basis (excluding five yearly overhauls). Most importantly we wanted to use 2021 target. However, in order to keep This is a stark contrast to our unfortunate our 25th anniversary as an opportunity to our self-imposed schedule we need to 'The Devon Belle' experience with ‘The Peppercorn Phoenix’ to highlight the importance of The 163 raise around £700,000 every year until PAGE 10 SUPPORT COACH Tornado last year. Pacifics Club – our desire to complete 2021 which gets harder as each year goes on the Severn Valley The arrangements for storing emergency equipment and other essential items on the PAGE 12 The Trust’s second train is ‘The Devon what we set out to do 25 years ago and by due to the nature of our ‘P2 for the support coach have not been entirely satisfactory, so a set of bespoke shelving has been nd Belle’ on Saturday 2 April sees Tornado purchase Tornado’s tender. Thanks to your price of a pint’ monthly covenant scheme. Geoffrey Colin Bird – a tribute installed in the guard’s compartment to house these items. The layout was designed by PAGE 13 returning on southern routes with a visit most generous support we now have And from an engineering perspective Rob Morland and built by Tom Blight who is one of David Wright’s team TCC 'The Scarborough Flyer' to the historic city of Exeter. Full details 79 members of The 163 Pacifics Club - our big leap forward in 2016 will be the PAGE 14 on page 9, or go to www.a1steam.com. tremendous progress but we still have a aim to wheel No. 2007 Prince of Wales Geoff Bird - part 2 Our third train of the year is the ‘The long way to go. in time for our Annual Convention on PAGE 15 Scarborough Flyer’ on Saturday 4th June. Sadly 2015 also saw the death of our Saturday 1st October 2015. This will A lathe from aldi! DARLINGTON LOCOMOTIVE WORKS This will be the first time that Tornado president Dorothy Mather, widow of require an additional £150,000 on top of PAGE 16 UPGRADE has hauled a revenue earning train to Arthur Peppercorn, designer of the our projected income for the P2 Project ‘The Red Rose’ the famous East Coast resort and the Peppercorn class A1s and the last chief for 2016 and so we will be launching a The main development at Darlington several more coats than would be needed PAGE 17 recreation of what was the LNER’s fastest mechanical engineer of the London & campaign to fill this gap in the spring – Locomotive Works has been the for modern paints. Presentations report pre-Streamliner era express. Full details on North Eastern Railway just six weeks please look out for our mailing and give completion by Darlington Council of The final result is very pleasing and our TTTE Cottesmore page 13 or go to www.a1steam.com. short of her 100th birthday. By happy generously if you are able. the renovation of the exterior. This has thanks are due to the Darlington Council PAGE 18 There will be more A1SLT promoted coincidence, the A1SLT trustees, advisors Thank you again for all for your involved repair and reinstatement of team and contractors who have worked The big picture trains with Tornado in the second half of and management team met in Darlington continued support for both Tornado missing or boarded up windows, total around us in a very considerate and co- PAGE 20 2016 but one already pencilled in the diary for its annual strategy weekend on the and Prince of Wales throughout our 25th renewal of the rendering and repair of operative way to ensure that our work Merchandise update is the ‘Flying Hamburger’ on Saturday 3rd weekend of 22-24th January and over anniversary year. With a great programme guttering and down pipes. This work in DLW was largely unaffected by the PAGE 21 December, from London to Birmingham dinner on the Saturday evening toasted of main line trains and heritage railway has been made more demanding by refurbishment. 'The Harwich Pullman' (to visit the famous German Christmas Dorothy’s memory on what would have visits planned for Tornado, major changes in Tornado the listed status of the building, hence 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of Accucraft gauge 1 Market) and the Severn Valley Railway. been her 100th birthday. Until very recent the make-up of the main line steam scene windows have to be wood framed and the closure of Darlington Works so it is PAGE 22 2016 will also see Tornado hauling years, Dorothy joined us at this dinner to and significant progress expected in the of appropriate period appearance, the good to see one of the original Stockton The 163 Pacifics Club trains for other promoters. Most notable encourage us in our efforts and regale us construction of Prince of Wales , 2016 has PAGE 23 render uses lime mortar and the paint & Darlington Railway buildings being will be the ‘Belmond British Pullman’. As with stories of her life with Arthur and her the potential to be a bumper year for the P2 Roadshow has a traditional lime base and required cherished and cared for. TCC supporters of the Trust you can receive a own history with the Trust. Many of us on Trust – may it be a happy and prosperous Covenantors' diary David Elliott 10% saving on journeys for travel on the the Trust’s board remember celebrating one for all of our supporters too. PAGE 24 ‘Belmond British Pullman’ before July 2016 Dorothy’s 90th birthday in such a fashion! l I don’t intend to repeat what has been Memories of Dorothy PAGE 28 – just quote code TO10 at time of booking. Although no-one can directly replace written in the railway and national press P2 engineering update As the majority of our main line Dorothy due to her unique link with about West Coast Railway Company Ltd PAGE 31 trains apart from the ‘Belmond British Tornado, the Trust does need a new (WCRC) following the Office of Rail and P2 Fundraising Pullman’ will for the foreseeable future be president and there is no-one better Road (ORR)’s issuing of a Prohibition PAGE 32 promoted by the Trust, it is vital that we qualified to take up this mantle than David Notice to WCRC on 17th February 2016. P2 certification update fill them and so I would ask that you look Champion, my predecessor as chairman Under the terms of the Notice, WCRC PAGE 33 at next year’s developing programme to and the man who devised the funding basis will not be able to operate trains on The Boiler Club see which trains you are able to support for Tornado, the monthly covenant and the the main line network until the ORR is P2 Dedicated Donations and also encourage friends and family to marketing slogan, ‘build an A1 for the price satisfied its governance and operations update experience some of Tornado’s magic. of a pint of beer a week’ (now also used meet industry practice and are fit for PAGE 34 Tornado will also be making several for our new P2). In this issue of TCC David the scale of its operation. Needless to Profile-Chris Walker heritage railway and centre visits during recounts his personal memories of our say, Tornado will continue to be operated PAGE 35 2016, starting with the Didcot Railway late president and how she took on such a on the Network Rail main line by DB From the archives Centre over Easter and including the pivotal role for the Trust. Thank you David Schenker, which has worked successfully PAGE 36 Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala for agreeing to take on this new role. I with the Trust since the locomotive’s Sponsors and contact in September where there will be special would also like to welcome Tim and Ben completion in 2008. TCC information Renovated exterior of Darlington Locomotive Works.

2 3 OUR NEW PRESIDENT, DAVID CHAMPION by Mark Allatt editorial by Graham Langer Mandy Grant David was born 1948 in South Shields, ndulge me for a minute please. price of a pint a week! And it gets better because you County Durham, the middle of three Have you ever wondered what it can also have a share in her new stablemate, currently brothers, Dennis older, Phil younger. A must be like to be part of winning growing up in Darlington and due in training in 2021! racehorseI syndicate, to have a share Talking of Prince of Wales , extraordinary progress is Hornby Dublo train set in Christmas 1955 cemented David and Phil’s life- in a thoroughbred and enjoy the thrill being made at Darlington Locomotive Works with many long love of railways. Whichever route of watching it run? Of course the of the components sourced during last winter being they took to Newcastle, the boys knew down side is that a stake in such an machined and fitted to the frames. In order to keep the that when ensconced on platform 9 at animal can be extremely expensive pace up we will be launching a series of initiatives this Newcastle Central with an Ian Allan ABC, (and the associated bills crippling) with no guarantee year – make sure you have your cash/chequebooks/ they would be treated to a feast of LNER of a return on your money… Hang on though, if you internet banking (delete as appropriate) at the ready. motive power which still held sway for are reading this you are already a member of a winning Meanwhile our current main line contender will be their last few years on the ECML. In due syndicate, whose steed has run every season for the last putting in a full season’s work so, why not attend a ‘race course they witnessed the depressing seven years, has shown form on almost every track in meeting’ this year and support your ‘runner’ on the track run down of steam and the change to the country (sometimes setting ‘course’ records) and has in person? The Trust is organising a number of great days diesel, aghast that so few of the Pacifics only been pulled up twice! What is more you can be a out with Tornado so get on board and book some tickets were being preserved. Round about this member of this successful syndicate for as little as the now. A guaranteed ‘winner’ every time! TCC time, in1964, David read an editorial in Railway Modeller that said the best way of preserving locomotives for the future was to make models of them. It infuriated him and he shouted angrily at Phil that, “No it bloody isn’t, the best way is to start making new steam engines and, DIARY 2016 mark my words, one day somebody will”. Below are the future operations Tornado is confirmed to be involved in. More details will be published This idea lay dormant for a quarter of David Champion presents Mark Allatt with the original business plan. on www.a1steam.com as trains are finalised. P2 events will also appear in this section with further a century while David indulged his other details on www.p2steam.com. Tour company contact details below. passion of playing music in bands. David in Steam Railway News proposing build Anniversary Convention); the method l th l th l th married Gillian (the singer in the band), a brand new Peppercorn class A1. just seemed to flow, the kind of Saturday 12 March – Belmond Friday 27 May – Belmond British Wednesday 7 September moved to rural Northumberland to work Enquiries revealed that the proposal was organisation, how it would operate, and British Pullman – The Golden Age of Pullman – The Golden Age of Travel – Belmond British Pullman – London for the Port of Tyne Authority in 1970. only very tentative, using a traditional most crucially, how to raise the money. Travel (Surrey Hills) (Surrey Hills) Victoria to Bath & Bristol David moved on to a northern building type of railway club structure, and raising In twenty minutes it was done and David l Saturday 4th June – ‘The l Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th society in 1976 and by the early 1980s money by selling souvenirs. David instinctively knew it would work - it still l March 25th to March 28th – Scarborough Flyer’ - London King’s September – Severn Valley Railway was running the estates side of things at immediately sensed that this would never is working today! Easter at Didcot Railway Centre their large Head Office. deliver a new A1, and offered to come Sadly, in late 1999, Gillian was Cross to York and Scarborough – A1SLT Gala At the beginning of the 1990s he was up with a workable business plan. The diagnosed as terminally ill with (bookings through UK Railtours) th l th ‘head-hunted’ to be one of the founder- next part has become A1SLT lore, when widespread cancer. David decided give l Tuesday March 29 – Driver Friday 30 September – partners in a new venture being set one warm night after dinner David took up work and all other commitments to Experience at Didcot l Saturday 18th June – Belmond Belmond British Pullman – The Golden up by Lord Rothschild, together with the remainder of a bottle of particularly care for her during her remaining time, British Pullman – The Golden Age of Age of Travel (Surrey Hills) Travel (Surrey Hills) elder brother Dennis, opening up the good red wine to his study and sat stepping down from his pivotal role l nd – ‘The Devon Saturday April 2 l Saturday 1st October – Annual Newcastle office. At the same time a down with pen and a single sheet of as A1SLT Chairman after nine year’s Belle’ - London Waterloo to Exeter – th l Friday 1st July – 'The Harwich Convention. series of letters and articles appeared paper (presented to the Trust at its 25 steering the project forward. When A1SLT (bookings through UK Pullman' - London Victoria to Harwich nd Gillian died in November 2004, David Railtours) l Saturday 22 October – had lost his soul mate, no longer had Town. (bookings through Papyrus Rail Belmond British Pullman – The Golden a career or income and his prospects UK) Age of Travel (Surrey Hills) were grim. Happily some friends ran l Friday April 8th - Belmond British l rd – Belmond l th – Belmond Graeme Bunker Graeme Barter Books, the UK’s biggest second Pullman – The Golden Age of Travel Saturday 23 July Friday 4 November hand bookshop in Alnwick Old Station (Surrey Hills) British Pullman – The Golden Age of British Pullman – The Golden Age of and offered David a job – and ten years Travel (Surrey Hills) Travel (Surrey Hills) later he is a Director of this wonderful l th – Belmond Wednesday 11 May l Friday 12th August – Belmond l Saturday 3rd December – company. Following Gill’s death David British Pullman – London Victoria to was reunited with Lillian, a close friend British Pullman – The Golden Age of ‘The Flying Hamburger’ - London to Bath & Bristol of Gill’s who had moved to Calgary in Travel (Surrey Hills) BirminghamProvisional and the SVR-A1SLT 1969 and was visiting the UK. They were married the following year. David became Belmond British Pullman Tel: 020 3117 1300 Web: www.belmond.com/british-pullman-train once again heavily involved with the Trust, Didcot Railway Centre Tel: 01235 817200 Web: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk signing up as Covenantor No. 1 for the new P2 Prince of Wales and now stepping Papyrus Rail UK Tel: 01908 410450 Web: www.papyrus-rail.com up to the role of president of The A1 Severn Valley Railway Tel: 01562 757900 Web: www.svr.co.uk Steam Locomotive Trust from a few years UK Railtours Tel: 01438 715050 Web: www.ukrailtours.com New Trust Vice Presidents Ben and Tim Godfrey start the profiler as vice president. TCC cutting No. 2007's frames.

4 5 Les Bailey TORNADO Our return to Stewarts Lane was delayed after a ON TOUR failed gasket was discovered in the smokebox, but from Shropshire back to ‘The Smoke’ by Huw Parker some swift work by the engineering team soon rectified the problem and the locomotive moved south once more behind a Devon & Cornwall Railways diesel in time to resume the last few Belmond trains prior to Christmas. The first in November and then two further trains in the

Geoff Griffiths second week of December were well loaded and the locomotive performed admirably, despite some poor track conditions on the second trip, where leaf fall and damp rails led to some challenging driving! This creates further challenge for the fireman, when the locomotive cannot settle into a steady demand for steam, but our DBS crews managed all three trains admirably before heading for a well-earned break during the Christmas and New Year period until the end of January. 8th December - Tornado heads the 'Belmond British Pullman' through Mortlake.

The same is not true for our engineering staff who support crews to keep the locomotive and coach visited Stewarts Lane during this period of inactivity in running order. By the time this edition of The to address some minor repairs and maintenance that Communication Cord is out and you are reading are not possible whilst the engine is hot or in steam. this, Tornado will be back in traffic after a couple We programme these repairs, routine maintenance of steam tests and a full boiler washout. We look exams and boiler washouts into the longer periods forward to a busy programme again this year and of down time between steaming, so whilst the hope to see you on one of our mainline excursions engine may not be out and about in steam, there or Preserved Railway visits. Here’s to a successful is a constant demand on the engineering team and 2016! TCC Yoshi Hashida

6th November, the ‘Belmond British Pullman’ - with autumn tinting the leaves, Tornado rushes through Putney.

The first part of this period saw Tornado appearing at damage was quickly rectified as photographs of the the Severn Valley Railway for two days dedicated for Covenantors’ Days testify. The locomotive went on her Covenanters and supporters. The locomotive was to haul service trains over the next two weekends, turned out to a very high standard indeed thanks to with a short stint of driver experience trips in a dedicated support crew, who spent the first part of the mid-week. The final weekend saw Tornado the week cleaning and polishing, only to have some operating alongside Royal Scot, which was building up of their effort undone once the fire was lit in windy mileage ahead of her return to mainline duties, and conditions causing much smoke to issue forth from a combination of the two locomotives drew many the firebox door rather than the chimney! To say the people to the railway and the lineside despite the 12th December - with another Surrey Hills Excursion, Tornado passes Shere Heath. air was blue would be an understatement, but the poor weather conditions!

6 7 A1 PROJECT PRE-DAWN - Part 1 by Phil Champion ‘THE DEVON BELLE’ - a wonderful spring trip to Exeter You might suppose the ‘A1 Project’ started in 1990. Not so. The early days have been by Graeme Bunker recounted in several publications by my On Saturday 2nd April 2016 No. 60163 brother David who devised the funding Tornado will set out from London basis for Tornado, the monthly covenant Waterloo station and head for Devon and the marketing slogan, ‘build an A1 and the historic city of Exeter. With for the price of a pint of beer a week’ the assistance of our friends at South – now also used for the P2. We joined West Trains we will be making a the project in May 1990 after David had fast turn from London to Woking extensive discussions with Mike Wilson via Surbiton and on through Surrey and we thought we knew the very early and Hampshire to pick up more history. However, long-term covenantor passengers at Basingstoke. We then Bob Parkinson has shed new light on the head via Andover to Salisbury where earliest days by acquiring relevant copies the locomotive will take water. Our of Steam Railway News (SRN) and sending route is then via the former LSWR them to David who showed them to reckoned, “I think it unlikely any replica Progress on a new steam locomotive route via Yeovil including the steep me. They highlight some contemporary steam locos can, or will, be built”. The was indeed slow by November 1989, ten climb to Honiton Tunnel, a real test opinions although later on I’ve included ‘It can’t be done!’ brigade had started months after that boxed advertisement. for Tornado. items from my A1 log plus David’s already! Locomotive owner Graeme To be fair that was not the society’s main After a break in Exeter our return memories. Binns was more forward looking when focus; improving and developing Stockton route starts with the climb to The first public inkling of a possible he contested that in the following issue. station was. SRN 76 announced that a Whiteball tunnel which marks the A1 project was a small 1” x 1½” boxed He replied that, “Modern technology has feasibility study had started into building border between Devon and Somerset. advertisement amongst fifteen others brought within the reach of preservation a replica LNER steam loco on Tyneside. Heading back towards the capital in the 20th January 1989 issue - it was schemes that were totally unthinkable Enthusiasts could help decide which we take the former GWR route via dwarfed by a much bigger one for years ago... With computerised machining type by writing to Mike or ‘phoning him. Castle Cary, Westbury and Newbury, components for Galatea. From the start techniques, it will be a simple and much Possibilities mentioned included an A1, P1, a beautiful scenic route as well as the choice was either a Gresley class cheaper task in the year 1999 than it is North British or North Eastern Atlantic one that will challenge Tornado with P1 (not P2) 2-8-2 or Peppercorn class today.” Other writers proposed a myriad or K3. The study was in conjunction with its fast running and long climbs. At A1. It read, “LNER Gresley P1 2-8- of other new build projects. Incidentally, Matatec Limited. This was a firm of ship Reading passengers who joined us Online and telephone bookings are handled by our booking 2 or Peppercorn A1 4-6-2 - are YOU in January 2013 Graeme mentioned in a repairers based in Seaton Delaval, North at Basingstoke leave us for a short agents UK Railtours. Go to www.a1steam.com to make an online interested in seeing the construction of letter to Steam Railway that he was one Tyneside who would build the locomotive. trip by service train to Basingstoke. booking or call 01438 715050 to book over the phone. In the a fully operational replica, built to main of a group of people who started the A1 The replica would be for possible use on Tornado steams on taking us back to event of cancellation or haulage problems please see our full line standards? If so write to Box SRN40” project off in Stockton’s Green Dragon the main line. A ‘large number of people’ London Victoria station via Ascot and terms and conditions of carriage. and then gave the publisher’s Southport pub. More doubts came with issue No. 64 had shown interest in a replica. Various Twickenham. TCC address. The start date has thus moved of 2nd June and Ian Prickett of Wakefield components were thought to be available from early 1990 to January 1989. However, strongly thought that a P1, A1 or LBSCR for an A1. deciding to build a P1 or A1 then getting Atlantic would just be a “marvel” rather Matatec came to be mentioned in SRN l First Class Dining Fare Prices the advertisement into this fortnightly than “a regularly useful engine today” a number of times. They were said to be Seats at a table for two* or four in a newspaper means the genesis had probably D. McVinnie and D. Wilson of Barrow- building a new tender tank for A4 Union First Class carriage. Includes a silver Standard Class £95.00 started in late 1988. in-Furness thought that a people might of South Africa and were recommended service full English breakfast and a In his ‘Comment’ for issue No. 56 of think a replica was not a ‘real’ engine and in SRN for other work such as boiler light lunch on the outward journey First Class Non-Dining £149.00 17th February Technical Editor Gordon H. proposed instead designing a new modern, repairs. In fact, the tank was built by the and a four course dinner on the First Class Dining £225.00 Walker wrote, “The advertisements that 1990s steam loco. engineering firm Longridge in Blaydon, return leg from Exeter. have appeared in the last few issues.... David’s discussions with Mike Wilson in further west, past Newcastle and on the have produced some response.” He added spring 1990 showed that the project was Tyne’s south bank. A later A1 project CME l First Class Non-Dining nd that current steam locomotive operating an offshoot of a plan to preserve Stockton contacted Longridge for an A1 tender tank Seats at a table for two* or four Provisional Timings for ‘The Devon Belle’ on Saturday 2 facilities would favour the P1 replica station. A steam engine had been thought quotation on the basis that they had built in a First Class carriage. Includes April 2016 are as follows: because its low axle loading would allow to be a useful part of the attraction. More the one for that A4. complimentary teas and coffees, as it to be used on most private railways. background on this is found in SRN76 Over a year had passed when a public well as afternoon tea during the STATION OUTWARD RETURN He thought that an A1 would be a more of 17th November 1989. The Stockton meeting was to be held in the “North East return journey. London Waterloo 07:55hrs **** th difficult type to test run and operate. He and Darlington Railway Preservation of England” on Saturday 24 March 1990 Basingstoke 08:45hrs **** could foresee, though, an ideal A1 scenario Society was formed in February 1988 to to decide which replica should be built - l Standard Class of regular steam running on a privatised reverse the decline of Stockton station. back to the P1 versus A1 choice. SRN’s Seats at a table for four in a heritage Exeter 13:30hrs 16:30hrs S&C. They managed to get it Grade 2 listed. By comment was very positive, explaining carriage. An on-board buffet serving Reading **** 20:45hrs late 1989 they were looking to lease or how so many of the components of such snacks and hot & cold beverages will Various readers’ letters are of interest. London Victoria **** 22:00hrs Tony Teperek of Leeds thought the A1s rent some station rooms then, with land a “daunting project” had already been be available. were candidates for “the most aesthetically available and a BR connection plus a large made in preservation - and technical Terms and conditions are available on request. All profits from this tour go towards pleasing design ever” (very hard to catchment area, set up a railway heritage progress would help with the others. * Guaranteed ‘tables for two’ in First keeping Tornado on the main line in future years. disagree with that!). The P1 was a strange centre. The society had monthly meetings Tellingly, it concluded with the comment, Class Dining and First Class Non- choice as only two were built; they were in the Georgian Theatre in Green Dragon “The building of a ‘modern’ replica would Dining are available for a supplement The Trust respectfully requests that anyone wanting to see Tornado not totally successful and didn’t last long. Yard, just off Stockton High Street. The now appear to depend on the raising of of £25.00 per person. follows the rules of the railway and only goes where permitted. Why not build the more successful P2? Chairman was Mike Wilson with Neville sufficient capital to pay for the available In issue No. 60 of 21st April S.J. Temple Anderson as Membership Secretary. expertise.” To be continued TCC

8 9 TORNADO ON THE SEVERN VALLEY – a volunteer’s perspective GrantAll pictures by Mandy & Mark by Mandy Grant

Mark and I arrived in Bewdley on Friday 9th October, Far right: David Burgess cleans the to spend a week working at the Severn Valley tender buffer beam. Railway, along with other volunteers from The A1 Right: Mandy Grant cleaning the Steam Locomotive Trust. At 19:00hrs on Friday smoke deflector. evening we received a ‘phone call asking if we would be free to help out at Bewdley MPD, where she was Below: Mike Abbott and about to be serviced, following three days of running Mandy Grant. for a selection of photo charter events. We met up with volunteers Andy Hardy, Tom Macdonald and Mike Abbott. Since Tornado had not been cleaned for several days at the request of the charter organisers, the task for the evening was to clean up the bottom end, including footplate, frames, wheels and motion, all of which were rather dirty! The five of us set about cleaning every nook and cranny with paraffin rags, with very little light at the depot, we were able to make use of Tornado’s running board lights and a couple of lanterns which just about illuminated the wheels and frames enough for us to see what we were doing. At 23:00hrs, after Andy Hardy on four hours of solid graft we had pretty well finished the footplate at cleaning this section of the locomotive. Kidderminster. Early the following morning Andy, Tom and Mike were joined by several of the SVR volunteers, who worked really hard to get the top half of the locomotive cleaned up and ready for the weekend’s running. On Saturday and Sunday, Mark and I switched roles as we were rostered to work on the Above: Mike Abbott and Mark Grant cleaning the chime merchandise stand at Kidderminster station for the whistle valve and pipework. Duncan weekend. Ballard on the regulator.

On Monday 12th October, we arrived back at which Tornado needed to pass, in order to haul the Bewdley MPD to spend three full days along with private charter trains on Thursday and Friday. At Mike and Tom, cleaning Tornado ready for the this point, I went back to the support coach and gave Trust’s special Covenantors’ and Founders’ days. the kitchen a good clean, whilst David Burgess drew The weather was perfect for all three days and the short straw and carried out a necessary repair allowed us the time to really get Tornado looking to the toilet! Graeme Bunker arrived late afternoon pristine! During the Monday we concentrated once and once Tornado had passed her inspections, we all again on the motion, frames, front end, cladding and gave the cab and front end a final fettle, to remove tender, everything was washed/ragged, waxed and some of the fresh soot which had built up after the

All pictures by Mandy & MarkAll pictures by Grant polished. We carried on until darkness fell, leaving fire had been lit. At the end of the day, we were all the metal work and cab for the following day. feeling rather tired but satisfied in the knowledge First thing on Tuesday, Tom cleaned out the grate that Tornado was looking her best, ready for our and checked the brick arch and firebox. Following supporters’ events over the following two days. TCC this inspection, I set about cleaning and polishing the cab, fittings and tender gauges, whilst Mark, Tom and Mike cleaned the drain cocks, whistles, Tornado sits on Tornado Above: on shed Above: Mike Abbott taps, and all of the pipework and oil boxes and then Platform 1 at following bottom end cleans the smokebox went over some areas on the paintwork which had Kidderminster cleaning at Bewdley door. been missed in the failing light the previous evening. station after MPD, 23:00hrs 9th Before we knew it, darkness was upon us once hauling the last October 2015. again! train of the day - Left: Mandy Grant On Wednesday we were joined by David Burgess, 15th October 2015. Right: Tom Macdonald cleaning the cab. as we finished off the final bits of cleaning! Andy cleaned and polished Meredith came along to light the fire and to carry the drain cocks. out the necessary safety checks and inspections

10 11 GEOFFREY COLIN BIRD – A TRIBUTE by Richard Peck ‘THE SCARBOROUGH FLYER’

Geoff began his railway career as a No. 60145 was in steam was 17th April 1966. Even at this late -A late spring trip to the sunny Yorkshire coast by Mark Allatt Premium Apprentice at Darlington stage, there was still the need to retain steam locomotives for Works. Having gained a thorough passing out firemen as drivers. This was often done by utilising We are delighted to announce the ‘The Scarborough Geoff Griffiths grounding in all the manufacturing Jubilees from Holbeck, but Geoff also managed to hang on to a recreation of ‘The Scarborough Flyer’ Flyer’ will travel processes at this large locomotive couple of Gresley class V2s (Nos. 60806 and 60831). No. 60831 and Tornado’s first visit to Scarborough from London King’s works, he joined the erecting gang worked on such turns for the full week of 10th to 14th October on a revenue earning train. This main Cross station building new Peppercorn class 1966, going out with the 08:18hrsYork to Hull and returning on line steam railtour will run from London along the East A1 locomotive No. 60130 Kestrel. the 11:45hrs Hull to York. The last V2 in steam at York was No. King’s Cross to York and Scarborough Coast Main Line Tradition had it that the erecting 60831 on 8th December 1966. and back, picking up passengers at to York, then along gang always got to go out with After moving the last V2 out of the shed at York, it was noticed Potters Bar (for M25), Peterborough and the delightfully ‘their’ locomotive on its first test that there was a middle connecting rod still lying in the pit. Geoff York. This tour will feature No. 60163 rural branch line run. Geoff was looking forward to this, but unfortunately his 21st asked for this to be cleaned up and moved into his office as a Tornado hauling historic carriages with through Malton birthday fell two days before, at which point his apprenticeship memento. This was very much appreciated 40 years later when passengers in First Class Dining receiving to Scarborough ended – so he missed out on the first test run for No. 60130! the National Railway Museum (NRM) found it necessary to a traditional silver service throughout itself. We expect He moved to Darlington Bank Top Shed as a Supernumerary repair the middle engine on No. 60800 (No. 4771) Green Arrow! the journey. Tornado first visited there to be much Running Foreman, a training position which he described as, At this time, the Motive Power organisation of locomen and Scarborough with her first main line test fast running at “neither nought nor summat”. In due course he progressed maintenance was split in two, and Geoff continued at York, now run from York on 4th November 2008. the permitted Tornado passing Arksey on 26th September 2015. into the post of Relief Shedmaster for the District, and relieved looking after traincrew. He still managed to get himself involved The British preoccupation with visiting maximum of 75mph as required as Shedmaster at various sheds including Kirkby in 1975 with the team moving historic locomotives from the seaside prompted the London & and with this being a late spring tour offers fine cliff top views over the North Stephen, Northallerton and Thornaby. Queen Street and Clapham into the then new National Railway North Eastern Railway (LNER) to launch we anticipate wonderful views of the Sea. A special discount is available After a brief spell working on the Western Region in 1959, he Museum which had been ‘his’ shed. His next move took him to this famous named train in the summer stunning Yorkshire scenery. to passengers on ‘The Scarborough returned to Darlington Bank Top Shed, this time as Shedmaster Doncaster as Divisional Traction Engineer, the post from which of 1927 to popularise this northern Scarborough retains much of its Flyer’. Open top sightseeing buses in his own right. The railway system of career advancement he retired. resort with Londoners. Running non- old character, with Victorian cliff lifts offer a grandstand view of this very meant a move in due course to Hull, working in the office of Following retirement he continued to get great enjoyment stop from London King’s Cross to York – linking the higher town with the agreeable resort and there are bracing the District Motive Power Superintendent. In 1965, he was from offering his services as Consulting Engineer to the NRM. a rare accolade – the ‘Scarborough Flier’ curving promenade and the beach. The seaside walks to be enjoyed too. After a appointed Shedmaster at York. Here he was involved with the He was also a very active model engineer, with traction engines (as it was also written until the 1950s) characteristic bustle of the South Bay three hour break Tornado will haul the run-down of steam locomotives, but he did not like to let them and 5” gauge locomotives, which he used to run at the Ryedale was by 1935 the fastest express on the contrasts with the tranquil North Bay, train back to York where an electric go too easily! He was famously involved with the special run of Society of Model Engineers at Gilling East. LNER, beaten only by the streamliners. where the North Bay Railway (probably locomotive will take over for the return No. 60145 Saint Mungo from York to Newcastle and back on 31st Geoff died on 3rd December 2015, aged 88. Throughout his After a wartime pause ‘The Scarborough the finest example of a traditional run to London King’s Cross. December 1965 (as recorded by Geoff in TCC 40). career, he was always well liked and respected. All who knew Flyer’ survived until 1963. It was usually seaside miniature railway in Britain) First Class Dining fares are available He was also instrumental in keeping a Pacific in steam at Geoff recognised him as a true gentleman, no one ever heard hauled by an LNER Pacific to York where for travel right through to Scarborough Darlington (No. 60124 Kenilworth) and York (No. 60145 Saint him swear. He will be greatly missed as another important link a Gresley class D49 would usually take only. First Class Non-Dining and Mungo), as standby locomotives for the rather unreliable diesel with our past. His wife ‘Patto’ passed away in 2013, and he leaves over for the Scarborough leg. Standard Class fares are available to locomotives, right through until March 1966. The last occasion two sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. TCC On Saturday 4th June 2016 The A1 either Scarborough or York, and also for Steam Locomotive Trust will re-create the journey from York to Scarborough Jim Meads the magic of going by steam to the and back to York but numbers are sea. With new ex-LNER Peppercorn limited. TCC Pacific No. 60163 Tornado in charge,

London /Potters London /Potters York to l First Class Dining Fare Bar/Peterborough Bar/Peterborough Scarborough Seats at a table for two* or four in a to Scarborough to York First Class carriage. Includes a silver First Class Dining £235.00 **** **** service Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner. First Class Non-Dining £159.00 £139.00 £59.50 Standard Class £99.00 £89.00 £39.50 l First Class Non-Dining Seats at a table for two* or four Provisional Timings for ‘The Scarborough Flyer’ on Saturday 4th June 2016 are as follows: in a First Class carriage. Includes complimentary teas and coffees, as STATION OUTWARD RETURN well as afternoon tea during the return London King's Cross 08:15hrs 21:30hrs journey. Potters Bar 08:40hrs 20:45hrs l Peterborough 09:50hrs 20:00hrs Standard Class Seats at a table for four in a heritage York 12:30hrs 17:30hrs carriage. An on-board buffet serving Scarborough 13:30hrs 16:30hrs snacks and hot & cold beverages will be

Terms and conditions are available on request. Guaranteed ‘tables for two’ in First Class Dining and First Class available. Non-Dining are available for a supplement of £25.00 per person. All profits from this tour go towards keeping No. 60124 Kenilworth working the Tees-Tyne Tornado on the main line in future years. Pullman. Kenilworth was one of two A1s Geoff Bird managed to retain into 1966, the last of their Online and telephone bookings are handled by our booking agents UK Railtours. Go to www.a1steam.com class to remain in traffic. or www.ukrailtours.com to make an online booking, or call 01438 715050 to book over the phone. In the event of cancellation or haulage problems please see our full terms and conditions of carriage.

12 13 by Graham Langer confounded re-organisation ‘reorganized’ “Where did you get this bloody thing?” established for five years and was, of GEOFF BIRD - PART 2 me out of the a job. The grade of LSM “It’s our boss, he’s blah, blah, blah…..” I course, the owner of Green Arrow. I thought York was the same as my post at Hull as won’t say that I had no hand in it because I that the con rod may come in useful one It was with sadness that we heard of Geoff’s Bill Reed the assistant superintendent technically did! I always enjoyed Royal Train work of rainy day in event of a mishap with Green passing, made more poignant by the fact overseeing York. The district was which there were many involving York and Arrow and as we all know it did after the that had had recently been in contact with designated as York and Hull. There was I always took on personal direction of the disastrous failure of her middle big end me to supply a couple of articles for The an assistant superintendent at York but proceedings. I was the officer responsible. on a return trip from Scarboro’ (when Communication Cord. Fortunately he had I deputised for him on many occasions I was aware there was a V2 extant in the inside connecting rod was virtually sent this material a couple of months before - just one of the strange anomalies of Scotland but so was No. 60831 at York destroyed due to the strap failure) the he left us and in TCC 40 we carried his differentials in railway grading, it’s very and I was determined that one of ‘my’ V2s middle con-rod was subsequently replaced story about the epic run that Saint Mungo different now with little variety of work, would be the last one. I am not sure how by mine and to this day Geoff Bird’s con- made on New Year’s Eve 1965. We can now traction and route knowledge. York men much my counterpart in Scotland was rod sits between the frames of Green Arrow. publish the second part, which is effectively his worked any type of train, steam or diesel, emotionally involved in the fate of his last A York driver, Syd Winfield, held the memoir and forms a fitting tribute to the man from loose coupled goods to top express V2 but I certainly was with mine and as we speed record of 143mph on the prototype who played such a key role in the final days passenger. all know No. 60831 was the last one to be HST when braking trials were being of the Peppercorn class A1s. I will let Geoff Now, I am one of those men who joined withdrawn. undertaken on the Main Line between York carry on… the railway because of a passionate interest Before leaving the tale of the V2s, and Darlington. Now, Syd had the knack “I was a Premium Apprentice with the in railways and of course particularly my I remember that I had kept back the of making light of all circumstances, when LNER at Darlington Works and was one of love of steam locomotives. A fleet of inside connecting rod of No. 60886. That one day he was involved in the derailment the last to be taken on in that capacity. The class 40s had taken over a lot of the front locomotive was under repair and the rod of a class 40 and every vehicle on a down crop that was contemporary with me (and line steam work at the depot but I did had been removed in order to do some freightliner. When I arrived on the scene a few that followed) remained life-long perpetuate as much as I dared in keeping work on the middle engine which in the (with the breakdown train and crane), Syd friends and colleagues which stood me steam in traffic, as it were, leading to some event was overtaken by the engine being was sitting in a cabin, chewing the fat with in good stead for the rest of my working rather strange happenings during that scrapped. When the engine left the depot all and sundry. He saw me and came up to career with the railway. period. For instance V2, No. 60886 was the for scrap the con rod remained in the me very confidentially and whispered in I started in Darlington works on 24th last LNER steam engine to work a Royal workshop pit. Later I decided to retrieve my ear, “It’s all right Mr. Bird, I’ve squared it April 1945 having left school the previous No. 60130 Kestrel - drifting down thru’ Saltersford Cutting near Grantham. Train [for British Railways] and LMS Jubilee it and transfer it into my office in Leeman wi’ t’ ganger!”. Fortunately the whole train July, the vacancy that I was to occupy was class No. 45562 Alberta (which I had on Road, York and there it remained until I had remained upright and coupled and no not available until the April of the following railway, at the contractor’s works. What a I made my change to the locomotive loan from Holbeck) was the last steam was appointed to the post of Divisional one was hurt but it was a very laborious year hence the delay. In the interim period wonderful chance, for instance, watching running dept. and I started my long and engine of all to work a Royal Train. I would Traction Engineer (Running) at Doncaster job to re-rail, having to make two lifts to I was working with Octavius Atkinson’s a on the rolling floor at Dorman Long’s, in happy career in that at Darlington Motive hasten to add that these arrangements in April 1980. The question then arose as every vehicle with the crane between gaps light engineering company in Harrogate the winding room of Hood, Haggies at Power depot in April 1951. My new were strictly legitimate because of basic to what to do with the con rod. I could in traffic on the up main. But we were (where I lived) and during my period Willington Quay, winding wire ropes or designation in the ‘oily rag department’ economics of the operation, particularly not take it with me and, feeling that all cleared up within hours. Could that with them I learned enough to pass the on the casting floor in one of the Teesside was Mechanical Foreman (learner) which in the case of Alberta but what a splendid my successor may not have the same happen now? government exam for electric and gas foundries. was like being a midshipman on board a sight she was, working the Royal Train sympathies towards it as me, I decided Footplate staff - the salt of the earth welding together with flame cutting, all However before I left the works in ship, and was neither ‘nowt nor summat’. back from the night halt at Nidd Bridge, to to bequeath it to the National Railway (although some might argue otherwise)! these were required for the war work September 1948, my ‘swan song’ in the But you were an official trainee in the York the following morning. The Duke was Museum (NRM). They made steam locomotives come which the company was undertaking. I works was being one of the construction responsibilities and practices of the Motive not too pleased, enquiring from my driver, Being 1980, the NRM had been alive!” TCC must say that this also was very useful in gang on No. 60130 Kestrel being built new, Power Department of the railway, now my future career with the railway. on the new engine pits. The first ‘proper’ British Railways. The dept. had just been As a premium apprentice one had Pacific built at Darlington for twenty years reorganised on LMS lines By Colonel certain privileges over the ordinary trade or so. I left he works on 14th September Harold Rudgard, a force to be reckoned A LATHE FROM ALDI! by David Elliott apprentices and we were expected to 1948 never to return except in social or with, rather like the great Leslie Parker at more or less follow a career plan of some ‘old pals act’ circumstances. Liverpool Street who many of my older I am not a great fan of shopping, used to true up the wheels on the tall sort in the mechanical engineering side It is perhaps worth mentioning here that colleagues will remember with either hate however the Aldi supermarket chain trolleys use for distributing goods to the of the railway. There were two options my wife’s father was a locomotive erector or admiration. does have some interesting offers from supermarkets, however developments in open after apprenticeship. One was to in Darlington works and was engaged on I was ambitious and the field of time to time on tools in what I have design of trolley wheels has eliminated remain in the Chief Mechanical Engineer’s construction of new engines all through promotion lay open to the positions of heard described as the ‘man creche’ - the need for this work. During summer department in the works, drawing offices the 1920s and ‘30s. So he would have had mechanical foreman, shed master, district the area devoted to hardware where us we were invited to view the lathe which or works management and the other was his hands on K3s, D49s and B17s, to name supt. or even the chief officer of motive chaps tend to gravitate to during family is a ‘Colchester Student’ (a nostalgic to move to the operational side of the but a few classes built during that period power. Promotions were far more available visits. This range of interesting tools and moment for me as I spent some time on business and work in running sheds on the in Darlington Works. Most notably he was than in the works side of affairs which gadgets does not normally extend to this model learning machining as a pupil maintenance and operation of locomotives one of the six fitters who were chosen tended to be rather limited - waiting for lathes. at Gravesend Technical School in the in traffic, together with all the trappings to work exclusively on the construction dead men’s shoes as it were. However, We have been looking out for a late 1960s). It was complete with fittings that went with that - and there were of No. 10,000 the ‘Hush-Hush’. Here I since the running dept. and shed work smaller lathe to complement the and generally in reasonable condition. plenty of them, I can assure you. make my perpetual comment that there was scattered over the whole compass excellent Harrison machine installed at We were invited to make an offer for it. On the completion of my apprenticeship were more engines built at Darlington to of the railway’s geography, so then was DLW and we now have one. Faverdale Steve subsequently went back to them when 21, I was lucky enough to be Gresley’s designs than at any other works the likelihood of one’s subsequent North trading estate in Darlington explaining that we are an educational appointed to the permanent staff within of the LNER! appointments. is home to a major Aldi distribution charity and could they donate it to us? months and remained with the CME During my two years with the Having moved up through the grades centre. Our stalwart volunteer fitter/ I am pleased to report that the answer dept. for the next two years as a material CME dept. at Stooperdale Offices in successfully, in August 1965 I was machinist Steve Wood happened to was favourable, and subsequently Aldi inspector before I made the translation the materials testing and inspection appointed locomotive shed master York, meet one of the senior Aldi maintenance kindly disconnected it and placed it on following some tender loving care from to the operational side of locomotive dept. I became semi-affiliated with the having been shed master at such places staff, who let it be known that they a pallet enabling us to collect it in the our volunteers is fully operational. Our engineering. Again this was two years of dynamometer car staff (them sharing the as Kirkby Stephen, Northallerton, Botanic had a lathe which was surplus to Trust's van. sincere thanks are due to Aldi for this valuable experience in the manufacture of same chief with me) and naturally, I used Gardens, Darlington and asst. district requirements. It had originally been The lathe is now set up at DLW and generous and useful donation. TCC materials, subsequently purchased by the this affiliation to my advantage. However, motive power supt. at Hull, before a

14 15 PRESENTATIONS REPORT by Chris Ardy ‘THE RED ROSE’ by Huw Parker The talks about Tornado and Prince of Wales continue to be are in other forms of transport, even Motor Transport! One of Tornado and her support coach moved Huw Parker Matt Hunt shared the footplate on popular with talks on the P2 increasing and A1 talks gradually the more unusual talks was a recent one to the Leicester Clock to Southall immediately following his last run down the GWR mainline declining since the launch of the P2 project. During 2015 we did Society. the 'Belmond British Pullman' on 6th to Paddington. Perhaps as a result of 33 talks, eight on Tornado, fifteen onPrince of Wales and eight joint Since the convention in October we have had a number of February, albeit using a circuitous route this significant occasion, the chime presentations. For 2016 we already have seventeen confirmed people volunteering to join the panel of speakers, but we are via Wembley, Staines and Bracknell whistle saw extensive use on the run bookings, three for Tornado, nine for Prince of Wales and five joint. still a bit thin on the ground in parts of the country, particularly to Reading and then tender first up home. Swindon received a particularly We give talks to a variety of organisations, mainly Railway Scotland, Wales, London (and south of London) and Lancashire the GWR Mainline to Southall due to long salute as we passed the works Clubs and Societies but also Rotary and Probus clubs. Recently and Yorkshire. If anyone is interested in giving talks please get in engineering works at Acton. So it was and rocketed through the station, but we have given talks to a lot of IMechE groups around the touch with me at [email protected] and I will let at Southall that ‘The Red Rose’ support many other locations received similar country. We have also spoken at groups whose main interests them know what is involved. TCC crew gathered to begin preparations treatment. Most notably the arrival back for the run to Worcester on Valentines’ into Paddington, where halfway down Day. The morning of the preparation Platform 1, the whistle valve gave up and day dawned cloudy and damp, but this stuck open marking Fred’s final arrival TTTE COTTESMORE by Neil Whitaker did not curb the enthusiastic efforts into Paddington in proper style!! of the team! In light rain, they set to After a brief pause to say farewell Anyone who visited last year’s Royal Neil Whitaker cleaning wheels and frames, assisted by to our passengers, the same 67 diesel International Air Tattoo at RAF two members from RAF Marham, who Two support crew members that had caused us such grief that Fairford in Gloucestershire and saw had joined us for the weekend; they from RAF Marham who helped morning arrived at the other end of the stunning tail decorations on three quickly learned the ropes and proved prepare the locomotive for the train. Fortunately, this was to take Panavia Tornado aircraft may not have surprisingly adept at brass cleaning – ‘The Red Rose’. the formation back to Southall without automatically put two and two together must be a military thing!! At the same further incident, where Tornado and her and guessed that here was a link with time, Colin Green, our Fitness To Run They had already made up 10 minutes support coach were detached and run our own Peppercorn class A1 No. 60163 Inspector completed his examination by the second stop at Reading and back into the depot, the 67 and empty Tornado. and functional checks, passing the were just 15 minutes late arriving at coaching stock returning to Eastleigh. The special tail-designs were locomotive ‘Fit to Run’, much to the Charlbury for water. A quick fill in just The next morning a smaller support applied to three examples of the relief of everyone present. 12 minutes and we were away again in crew prepared the engine for the short venerable swing-wing Tornado jets to The locomotive was coaled the good time, passing Evesham right time run round to Stewarts Lane in readiness commemorate the 35th anniversary previous evening as the class 67 diesel, and arriving at Worcester Shrub Hill just for the next Belmond British Pullman on of the type’s arrival at the newly resplendent in 'Caledonian Sleeper' three minutes late. 12th March. Driver Paul Major gave Fred formed Tri-National Tornado Training livery, had arrived with the coaching Worcester Depot was not available Lewis the regulator for his very last turn Establishment (TTTE) at RAF stock the night before. The afternoon to us for servicing, so we took coal and and Gareth Jones as TI completed the Cottesmore in Leicestershire. TTTE was cleared slightly, allowing the team to water on the goods lines behind the team, marking the start of Fred’s final a unique collaboration between the UK, wash and wax the tender and cab sides station before heading off to turn the week before retirement. I know that Germany and Italy, the three nations In 1995 The A1 Steam Locomotive for its Tornado connections, and the and polish the smoke deflectors and engine and support coach around the The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, our that made up the Panavia consortium, Trust was presented with two closest unit to No. 60163’s birthplace in nameplates and as darkness came, the triangle. A combination of fitting the support crews and regular supporters and it was responsible for training over nameplates for Tornado - one displaying Darlington. engine was as clean as it could be, given move around service trains and a brief of mainline steam will join me in wishing 3,400 Tornado crew members from the station crest of RAF Cottesmore Though they remain highly capable the prevailing conditions. delay reforming the train, saw a slightly Fred a very long and happy retirement! those country’s air forces until the unit’s and the other sporting the unit combat aircraft, the RAF’s ‘Tonkas’ are The day of the run arrived and delayed departure from Worcester, but TCC disbandment in 1999. crest of the Tri-national Tornado now in the twilight of their years and, The name Tornado was selected for there were some final preparations to in the skilful hands of Driver Fred Lewis Huw Parker Training Establishment – by the joint sadly, the skies over RAF Cottesmore complete; the fire was livened up and we were soon back on time before No. 60163 in 1991 to honour the type’s RAF, German and Italian Air Force have not heard the roar of their twin prepared for the hand over to the DB passing Yate right time and arriving for aircrew that flew Operation Granby commanders of TTTE in a ceremony at Rolls Royce jet engines for many years. Schenker crew. Before they arrived, our first water stop at Bristol Parkway. combat missions in Kuwait and Iraq Tyseley. However it’s apt that our very own Tornado and the support coach were Unlike the day before, the weather was during the first Gulf War. All these The RAF Cottesmore crest is still Tornado commemorates this unique attached to the train and all was ready kind to us all day, although the clear Tornado crews had passed through TTTE on Tornado but the ‘Triple T E’ crest multinational unit, a spectacular aircraft in plenty of time to meet our booked skies and winter sunshine masked a Cottesmore before joining their front has been replaced by RAF Leeming’s, and its brave crews both past and time off shed. Unfortunately, the class cold wind for most of the trip and the line squadrons. another air force station well known present. TCC 67 diesel had other ideas and following light was already fading as we passed the brake test, the locomotive brakes though Yate. At Parkway, the yard was could not be released. After much head full of coal hoppers which prevented an Rob Morland scratching and more than a little cursing easy hose route and the tanker had to Valentines! ‘The Red and swearing, the brakes were eventually be re-located before we could take on Rose’ fulfilled its role released and the train left Southall some enough water to reach Wantage Road in fostering romance The Reverend Awdry once wrote that Gordon became 58 minutes late, making some time up (where we would fill again). Getting on the rails. Stephen jealous because Henry had been rebuilt and was before reaching Paddington. The waiting away from Parkway, Driver Lewis Rees proposed to Diane whistling too much. Ironically Gordon's whistle then passengers were quickly boarded and eased Tornado down Filton Bank before Lyne using the on-train stuck open and the joke was on him. Any similarity Tornado finally headed out west. The heading round through Bristol East Fireman Paul Major, Driver intercom, and she said between this story, a certain Doncaster product's DB Schenker crew of Traction Inspector and off towards Bath. This was to be Fred Lewis (on his last steam “Yes”! The couple recent overhaul and events on the night of 'The Red Bob Hart, Driver Graham Ward, Fireman his last official mainline steam driving turn before retirement) and celebrated with bottle of Rose' are entirely coincidental... Dave Proctor and Trainee James Cooper turn before his retirement later in Traction Inspector Gareth champagne provided by quickly got Tornado into her stride and the week and colleagues Geoff Ewans, Jones at Stewarts Lane. Huw the Trust. settled into the task of making up time. Vince Henderson, Rob Binstead and Parker looks on from the cab.

16 17 David Chandler

Bathed in evening sunshine, Tornado is seen at Ashchurch with the returning 'Red Rose'.

18 19