60163 'Tornado'

Hi all,

Unfortunately I couldn't make the MHR because I have a really bad cold (All down my Sineses) So feeling pretty rough with it.

I've seen some footage this evening on You-Tube with Tornado and she slipped numerous times over the MHR gala? From what I've been told these were crews that normally crew her??? I've seen other footage on the mainline and she slips a fair bit too. Is this lack of knowledge of the loco; conditions? (If so are the Sanders not being used?)

Being an LNER loco (Not originally of course) she has sandboxes down the running plate, do A4's have sandboxes? As i would imagine pretty much every running mainline condition loco would have?!

Shame to see 35005 'Canadian Pacific' up the siding on one of the video's at the MHR gala!!

Andy

I watched Tornado come through Blackwater on the Reading-Redhill line a while back and didn't notice any problems. She seemed to be running very well, like a well oiled sewing machine.

Pete

It seems to be a problem when Tornado is starting off from a stand and heading towards a Gradient and with crews that also don't know her. Although on Preserved Lines only paid staff can drive/fire the loco..

Latest news on Tornado is that she will be going into Brunswick Green livery for a short period of time in early 2011. http://a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=123

Latest news is that Tornado will not be visiting the Bluebell for the 50th gala because of the extensive repairs that are being done to the loco.

More news and more cancellation's of mainline railtours because of the following; http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=708:tornado-winter-maintenance-update&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=123

And Quote here;

Tornado's boiler - an update
Wednesday, 12 January 2011 16:24
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust today announced that Tornado’s boiler would be returning to its manufacturer, DB Meiningen, in Germany, following the discovery that more extensive repairs to Tornado’s firebox were needed than originally anticipated when the winter maintenance was planned. Although the full extent of the repairs has yet to be agreed with DB Meiningen, they will include the replacement of several hundred fixed stays and a number of flexible stays as well as repairs to cracks in the two back and two front corners of the foundation ring. Only a very small number of weeping stays were identified out of the more that 2,000 in the firebox and therefore the overwhelming majority of the firebox stay replacements are precautionary to prevent further unplanned work during periods in traffic. The boiler will be lifted from Tornado’s frames later this week at the NRM, York, and sent by road and ferry to Germany where a full assessment of the required work will be made and a rectification plan agreed with Trust engineers. The Trust decided to return the boiler to its manufacturers due to their intimate knowledge of the construction of this type of firebox and the resources they have available to rapidly effect the agreed repairs. The firebox has already been inspected by the Trust’s boiler inspector and representatives from its VAB, insurance company and operators.

Mark Allatt, chairman, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, commented:

"Although these problems with Tornado’s firebox are part of learning about the locomotive in today’s operational environment, they are a source of great disappointment to all of Tornado's supporters and customers and our customers' passengers. As a part of our commitment to get Tornado back on the main line as soon as possible the Trust decided that the most appropriate course of action was to return the boiler to its manufacturers. We are working as hard as we can to bring Tornado back to full health and onto the main line at the end of April."

An update to Tornado on the A1 Trust website states the following:

Monday, 07 February 2011 16:20
"The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and DB Meiningen representatives met a week ago and agreed a programme of works of repair for Tornado's firebox. The locomotive has been in intensive use for some two and a half years as Tornado has operated across the UK on main line charters and heritage railways. The boiler and firebox usage is similar to that which would be expected between heavy general overhauls in the 1950s on British Railways with regards to hot-cold-hot boiler cycles. The boiler can be seen at Meiningen here

The repair work will be undertaken in the DB Meiningen workshops and will concentrate on replacement of platework (new sections of plate are being fitted to both sides of the firebox for preventative maintenance reasons), renewal of stays (some 1,100 to be replaced, 650 as a consequence of the plate replacement) and work on the foundation ring (four new corners to be fitted). This work will return the boiler and firebox to 'as new' condition and provide for further reliable operations. The nature of the repairs required are in line with those effected to boilers of similar type and are a consequence of the use of the engine on around 300 days (with another 100 ancillary days) since she entered traffic. The comprehensive nature of the facilities at DB Meiningen mean that the repairs are already in hand to ensure the swiftest possible return to operations for Tornado. The repairs are expected to cost no more than £50,000.

The scope of work will enable Tornado to return to traffic in early May and take up a comprehensive programme of tours and heritage line visits in diverse locations from Edinburgh to Plymouth and Carlisle to Canterbury.

In the meantime work has continued with routine maintenance of the loco's frames while Ian Matthews has been busy applying coats of Brunswick green to the tender."

A new update on the progress of 60163 here; Tornado News

Date is still set for the 26th of May for the Cathedrals run in the newly painted Brunswick Green livery.

Latest update that I have been informed today states that Tornado's boiler has passed its Hydraulic test at 375psi. Good news and can't be long before the loco's boiler leaves and is refitted to its frames.

Latest news is that 60163's boiler is being lit today for its Steam Test.

It appears as though 60163 has had a successful steam test from the news here;

Surely can't be long now till she is seen running on the mainline network? Does this also mean that her 10 year ticket starts again?

The latest news on the A1 Trust website shows Tornado with the Cab and Cladding almost back on and complete. Here;

Also; there is now a Haynes manual available. I think I might have to invest in one. Will certainly be an interesting read.

Here is the information in the manual;

The book that every new owner of a Peppercorn A1 should have in the glove compartment.... or maybe a tender locker! This is a Haynes Manual with a difference. Published in association with The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, it explains the construction, operation and maintenance of 60163 Tornado. The book explains how No. 60163 was based on the LNER Peppercorn Class A1 design, of which 49 were originally built but eventually all scrapped, and how Tornado is a magnificent and fully operational version that is totally faithful to the original Peppercorn A1s in all respects except for modernisation to suit today’s safety requirements. This manual about a unique steam locomotive will fascinate all railway enthusiasts as well as those who appreciate British engineering excellence. The book carries an RRP of £19.99 and will be available through the A1 Trust webshop - it includes the following sections:
Background of the A1 class: the original 49 A1s built in 1948-49.

The original idea for Tornado and the formation of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust; raising the funding for the project; sourcing information on the A1s; design and drawings.

The construction of Tornado: frames; wheels; cylinders; motion and valve gear; boiler and smokebox/exhaust; pipework and fittings; electricals; brake and safety equipment; tender; painting and lining.

Certification to run on the main line: requirements and process explained.

Main-line operation: planning a main-line excursion; work required on the locomotive before each run; coal; water; driver and firemen comments.

Maintenance: both routine and long-term.

First year of operation: a review of the loco's activities, both on main-line and preserved railways.

Appendices include key specifications and facts about Tornado, a timeline of significant events during the build process, and a list of commercial sponsors of the project.

Priced £15.99 at Waterstones. Here is the Link;

I have posted a new date on the Steam Calendar. 60163 will be hauling the Canterbury Tornado on the 18th June 2011. I will photograph either at Tonbridge or at Sevenoaks. Link for the Calendar is here;

Remember that all members can post their own events on this Calendar. The password to post is Steam.

Hi all,

I have noticed on Uksteam.info website that a few tours are being hauled by other locos because 60163 has Contractual issues?

Does anyone know what the problem is here please?

Many Thanks.

Ref the 18th June 2011 trip, I've posted a pic in my Personal Gallery. Don't know what you think, but I preferred the apple green livery. It was more striking!

I have heard that 60163 has recently failed a FTR exam? Does anyone know if this is correct and why?

A piece of Information from A1Steam.com;

"Following Tornado's appearance on 'The Cathedrals Express' from London King's Cross to Durham on Saturday 30th June a tiny steam leak was discovered in her firebox when she returned to Southall depot. Upon closer inspection it was revealed to be a small, pinhole crack in a weld adjacent to a fixed stay very close to the firehole door. After a detailed examination by the Trust's boiler inspector a full penetration weld repair and a replacement of the stay has been agreed. The Boiler Inspector advised that a repair of this sort is to be expected with a boiler at its stage of certification and intensity of use. It is anticipated that the repair will be completed on Monday 9th July with Tornado then able to return to her tours schedule. Tornado will be replaced by 4464 Bittern on 'The Cathedrals Express' on Thursday 5th July."

This is a shame as I was going to pop along to Lewes to get some photos of Tornado. :-(
This tour is now starting from Willesden due to guaging issues. I wonder if this is because of the mountings and running plate etc on an A4 which is why it isn't starting from Lewes?

Hi,
Can somebody tell me if the Information is correct that 60163 will be going into BR Blue Livery this coming November? Or is this just 'Hear-Say'??

Hi all,

I have found the Information, along with an artists impression of what Tornado will look like in Blue. Information is here;

Here is what Tornado might look like; Looks fantastic is she does come out in the guise;

A new update on 60163 is available on the A1 Trust's Website. They have begun Winter Maintenance and all the rubbing down has been done. Blue Primer has been added and they are ahead of schedule. The update is here; http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=123

Does anyone know what the issue was with 60163 at Slough yesterday? Was it the Air-Brakes?
Thanks
Andy

Hi all,
Does anyone know what the latest is with 60163?

An update has recently been posted on the website showing 60163 in Steam! So very good news! Excellent work that the A1 trust do! Here is the link; Tornado Update
Andy

Hi all,
Uksteam.info states that Tornado's last trip will be Monday the 25th August 2014 before Overhaul.....???
Has she not recently had an Overhaul. I know the loco had some major work done on the boiler, so to me there can't be a great deal to do???

2 updates to Tornado's Intermediate Overhaul now on the website;

http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1119%3Aintermediate-overhaul-update-20&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=123

http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=123