The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has released news surrounding the mainline operation of 60163 Tornado.
Tornado has been operating on the mainline since the spring, covering more than 2000 miles to assist Railway Touring Company and West Coast Railways.
The trust says that they have been content with the current operational arrangements so far. However, the trust says that West Coast Railways management has advised that they aren’t content with the relationship that has evolved and have informed the Trust that they do not want to continue as an operating partner.
The trust has therefore confirmed that 60163 Tornado will NOT be operating with West Coast Railways until further notice, and this affects tours on the 3rd, 16th and 31st August 2025.
Other operating companies have not been ruled out, and the trust wants to develop partnerships where possible.
Thankfully, Tornado’s appearance at The Greatest Gathering is unaffected, and DB Cargo will be facilitating the movement from Orton Mere on the Nene Valley Railway later this week.
The locomotive will then be in and around Darlington for September and October before its planned visit to the Bluebell Railway.
Sadly, support coach 21249 was damaged in Scotland on the 10th July with a wheel suffering a significant wheel flat. The trust says that this was caused by an unsolicited brake application via the distributor on the coach, caused by vegetation on the little-used Longannet branch near Alloa.
The coach is now at Bo’ness where it is being repaired to be returned to use with Tornado in the coming weeks.
Responses
Not only those two 70000 Brittania as well. Taken off at Peterborough and sent to Nene valley Railway under its own power. Strange to say the least.
With 45212 failing at the weekend – what next.
With 45212 out of traffic needing axlebox repairs I don’t know what’s going to happen now as 34067 has been missing for ages too and it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s FUBAR too. Their own little pets are stuck in the shed doing no work while other loco owners are having to have their locos do extra work. This is bloody ridiculous now as is the bloody coaches issue.
Ah, West Coast again. Who the fudge at WCR is trying their best to distroy the amazing history of WCR? They were once loved by many now not earning any respect from fellow steam enthusiasts. So sad.
Hmm, although we haven’t got the full story from both sides yet, WCR don’t exactly come out of this looking good which seems like insanity given they currently have one operational locomotive (excluding the two operating the Jacobite). I don’t know what their next move is but I hope their full fleet will be able to be operational again soon enough by whichever means necessary because at the moment they are looking tinpot.
I think their railtours will start running with diesel throughout.
Well when you ask the society that owns the engine to cut down on the maintenance of their own engine so it can work more tours for yourself, you can’t be that surprised when the society turns round and tells you to do one
Obviously, we are not been told the real story here. Suffice to say, WCRC involved again. It will be interesting to see what pulls the Scarborough Spa on Thursday.45212 perhaps?
Considering its failure in Plymouth yesterday I doubt it
Thanks, only just seen that. I wonder what will haul the Scarborough, there can’t be much left!
Diesel haulage apparently as are the RTC tours.
This news should make WCR act fast to solve this situation out. I’m on the Waverley 17th of August and I’m beginning to believe no loco will be available.
Well, I did not see that one coming. A little bit got it to hear this but hopefully they can sort the issue out and fulfill the railtours with other locomotives.
That’s disappointing. Obviously something has gone off between the two parties which has resulted in this partnership ending. I was hoping and praying that Tornado would be on the West Somerset Steam Express In September.