Last week the A1 completed five round trips on the Nene Valley Railway following final snagging work and the installation of a new grate. The locomotive showed itself to be performing satisfactorily, and we are pleased to be in receipt of all necessary certification to return to the national network. We now have the main line test run hurdles to overcome before the locomotive gets its clean bill of health, and this must take priority over everything else so that we can start productive main line operations again.

After much effort by very many people from different organisations, it is planned that Tornado will return to the main line tomorrow, Friday 7^th March. The locomotive will conduct its light engine test run (with the support coach), operated by West Coast Railway Company (WCR), running to its base at Carnforth from the Nene Valley Railway. This is a major, positive step, and follows the registration documentation and certification being completed at the end of February. On arrival at Carnforth the locomotive will be fully examined and if all is well it will be prepared for its loaded test run.  Clearly this is subject to a successful light engine test run and completion of appropriate audit and acceptance activities with WCR.

Considering this timeline and the potential risk involved, we have agreed with the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) to postpone the visit scheduled for this month. This is not something we do lightly, especially after such a long time out of operation, but it is important that we ensure Tornado is properly tested and available for the 2025 season and is operated with confidence. We are making arrangements with the ELR to agree the dates for a visit as early as is practical, and we hope to announce the new dates soon.

When looking to the future operations in 2025 and beyond, we are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement with Railway Touring Company and West Coast Railway Company to provide Tornado to them for a significant number of tours each year during the current certification that covers us to 2028. This agreement will allow the locomotive to be seen on the main line, working with the UK’s biggest promoter and largest charter company, operating Railway Touring Company tours and hauling the Northern Belle from time to time. As part of this arrangement, we have agreed to enable the locomotive to appear in late 1950s condition to align with the appearance of these express trains, recreating the last decade of regular steam in the UK.

We know that there will be disappointment that we will not be operating public trains at the ELR this month but be assured that Tornado is now moving towards a much-awaited re-emergence onto the national network and a busy programme of railtours across the UK, plus visits to preserved lines too.