As the overhaul of No. 60163 Tornado draws to a close the locomotive has taken the short trip from LMS' workshop at Loughborough to nearby Toton. This is to allow access to the wheel lathe, where Tornado has previously been for turning. 

The locomotive has had new tyres fitted during this overhaul, and they are at maximum size. With Tornado’s boiler now fitted, we better understand the clearances needed and can turn the tyres to our exact requirement to minimise wastage. To ensure safe and reliable operation, the tyres will be turned to size before the locomotive returns to LMS for the installation of the cab, now complete with all ETCS modifications, the heavy motion which is ready to fit, and the remaining small fittings and pipe work. 

The overhaul of Tornado has taken longer than forecast, but the end is now in sight. Once complete, the locomotive is scheduled to move from the LMS works to begin running in alongside testing and commissioning of the new ETCS signalling equipment.

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