We are delighted to bring you the excellent news that Tornado's boiler passed its hydraulic tests last week and is today leaving DB Meiningen headed back to the UK.
Whilst in Germany, Tornado's boiler was extensively refurbished, having new flue tubes, new smoke tubes and new foundation ring corners. The boiler has also had some limited repairs to plate work and an increased number of flexible stays fitted. Following this work, the boiler was tested under hydraulic pressure.
With the hydraulic test passed successfully, arrangements were made for the boiler's return. Collected by our trusted hauliers, Alleleys, it leaves DBM today, and should arrive back on Monday, headed for Darlington Locomotive Works. There it will be steam tested and cladding will be affixed before the journey to LMS (Locomotive Maintenance Services) where it will be reunited with the frames. This huge milestone marks the final straight of Tornado's overhaul, and we look forward to being back out on the tracks in Spring!
All the time that Tornado remains under overhaul potential earning opportunities are being missed, which means we are more reliant than ever on donations from our supporters. If you are able to make a donation towards the overhaul, every little helps and a lot goes a long way! The Overhaul Club remains open, and one-off donations are very welcome. If all supporters donated £20 in December, we would enter the new year with an additional £40,000 to go towards our locomotives. Please give what you can.