Tornado's current boiler was lifted today, Friday 11
th February. In a change to the original plan, it will be transported to Meiningen to be serviced and returned to the UK. We are taking this step because German industry has been significantly impacted by Covid-19 and this has unfortunately delayed progress on the new boilers under construction.
While we could have delayed the completion of
Tornado’s overhaul, waited for the new boiler and accepted significant impact to our programme, the boiler's limited number of steamings through the pandemic mean that a refresh to the current boiler is a credible option and represents value for money. We are assured that the maintenance work will be completed quickly and re-fitting the current boiler will negate the requirement to modify cladding, crinolines, boiler fittings and so forth, thereby offering a more timely return to steam.
Our obvious priority is to get
Tornado back on the tracks to take full advantage of the exciting programme of main line tours we have scheduled this year.
Up and away! Tornado's boiler is lifted from her frames - David Wright
The suspended boiler awaits the low-loader - David Wright