The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust was delighted to assist London Transport Museum through the loan of its authentic-looking LED headlamps for use with Metropolitan Locomotive No. 1 (built in 1898) on  the London Underground 150th Anniversary steam trains between Earls Court and Moorgate during January 2013.

Tim Shields, curator at London Transport Museum said, “With just a few days to go before the steam trains were due to run we were still looking for two main line approved ‘high-intensity’ headlamps for use on Met No.1.  We didn’t want to use modern portable headlamps as these would not look historically accurate on a steam locomotive.”

“Knowing that Tornado has authentic-looking high-intensity LED headlamps we contacted The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust to see if they could help us with something suitable.  We were delighted when they said they would assist, and the result is that we have excellent forward vision for the driver whilst keeping with the historic appearance of the steam locomotive during this important celebration. We feel this is a great example of ‘old meets new’ and very much in keeping with the 150^thanniversary celebrations, which look back at the Underground’s history and forward to its future”.

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust added, “When Tim contacted us  just before the first test trains were due to run, we knew we had to work fast to come up with a solution that would suit their needs whilst not being obtrusive on the historic Met No. 1”.

Rob Morland, Director of Electricals at The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust continued, “By good fortune Tornado is undergoing annual maintenance during January and we had already removed the headlamps for their regular sprucing-up.  We were honoured to be asked to help, so we travelled down to Gunnersbury Depot the next day and by around 8pm we had designed and built a power supply and fitted the lamps to the engine ready for its move to Lillie Bridge Depot that evening.

“We always like a challenge in The A1 Trust and this was one that we couldn’t resist.  We are very pleased to have been able to help in a small way to support this great celebration of 150 years of the Underground and look forward to working with London Underground on other projects in the future. ”

Metropolitan Railway No. 1 sports Tornado's headlamps - Rob Morland