At the National Rail Award ceremony held on the 16th of September, the builders of Tornado, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, won a special commendation in the project award category. Open to all projects, regardless of size covering new trains, refurbishment, signalling, improved customer facilities, new technology - the award was open to any project that changed and improved the railway. The project had to benefit railway operations and, most importantly, railway passengers or freight customers. 

Awarding the special commendation to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the judges commented, "Building a new steam locomotive to a 50 year old design, while incorporating today's systems and being able to work within the modern network, would defeat most people, but not those who led the Tornado project.

Started 20 years ago and completed in 2008, 60163 Tornado spent its first year capturing the hearts and minds of railway staff, enthusiasts and the general public. The judges were impressed by the dedication, innovation in engineering and, above all, the team's aim to work to modern accreditation and certification requirements without hesitation."

Barry Wilson, Mark Allatt, Rob Morland and Graeme Bunker at the Awards Ceremony

The reason the A1 Trust was there!