Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon is delighted to announce that Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado will visit the museum during Spring 2010.

A total of 49 Peppercorn Class locomotives were built in Darlington and Doncaster in 1948 & 1949.  These proved to be the most reliable of all the express passenger locomotives owned by British Railways; but, with the rapid onset of dieselisation, by September 1966, all had been scrapped.

In 1990, however, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust launched the project to build and operate a new Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific steam locomotive.  The new locomotive, to be built in Darlington, would carry the running number 60163, the next in sequence following No. 60162 Saint Johnstoun.

Finally, after 18 years of determination, skill and sheer hard work, Tornado made its first public moves in steam in August 2008. It is now regularly works on the main line, hauling special trains across the UK.

Thanks to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Tornado will be on display at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon during late April next year. Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon celebrates Shildon’s history as one of the world’s first and greatest railway towns. There are more than 70 historic vehicles from the National Collection on display, including the original Sans Pareil; the Deltic prototype; British Rail’s Advanced Passenger Train; and the iconic L.N.E.R. locomotive Green Arrow.

What’s more, the museum’s operating locomotive in residence is Furness Railway No. 20. Built in 1863, this is the oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive in the UK. When Tornado visits Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon next year, you’ll have the chance to see this remarkable survivor from a bygone era  - alongside the world’s newest steam locomotive!