The Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line) is pleased to announce that the new steam sensation Tornado, will be present during the railway's annual Spring Steam Gala from the 5 - 7 March. This is the first time Tornado has visited the railway.
Tornado has taken the nation, quite literally, by storm since her completion in 2008. Main line registered; she has been pounding the rails all over the UK achieving some amazing feats in less than two years such as hauling the Royal Train twice and appearing in an episode of BBC Top Gear, performing a non-stop run of 106 miles from Kings Cross to Grantham on a run to Edinburgh. Tornado also came to the rescue of stranded commuters during the recent heavy snow, taking some 100 evening commuters home to Kent stations!
Tornado is the first steam locomotive to be built in this country for almost 60 years, it took 20 years and £3m to complete her. It is also the first time Tornado will have visited the Watercress Line and this is an excellent opportunity for the people of Hampshire and surrounding areas to see her up-close and ride behind her.
Tim Beere, Marketing Manager for the railway, said "We are delighted to have Tornado‟ as our star guest during our Spring Gala. Since completion, Tornado has captured everyone‟s imagination and opened eyes to the wonders of steam. Having Tornado present, along with our stable of other impressive locomotives, is sure to be a fabulous event for the entire family to enjoy".
Mark Allatt, Chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the charity responsible for Tornado said, "We are delighted to be bringing Tornado to the Mid Hants Railway for the first time. We have many supporters in the area and so are looking forward to seeing old friends and hopefully making lots of new ones!"