Tornado set for return to region (From The Advertiser Series)

Iconic locomotive Tornado to recreate 50s steam route

6:01pm Sunday 22nd July 2012 in News

THE charity responsible for building an iconic steam locomotive in the region is recreating the Elizabethan express in celebration of the Queen’s jubilee.
Members of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust completed £3m steam locomotive Tornado in 2008.
It was the first mainline steam locomotive built in Britain for nearly 50 years.
The charity is recreating the Elizabethan express, from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh, on Wednesday.
The Elizabethan express, named in honour of the Queen’s coronation, was the premier service on the East Coast Main Line in the post war period, with 2012 the 50th anniversary of its withdrawal.
Passengers will travel northwards courtesy of the Deltic locomotive Alycidon, before returning south from Edinburgh behind Tornado, which will be in Scotland having after tomorrow hauling a train carrying Prince Charles on a visit to the region.
Passengers will be collected at York, Durham and Newcastle, but the service will be unable to call at Darlington because of logistic issues at the station.
Trust chairman Mark Allatt said the unavailability of a slot at Darlington station was disappointing.
He said: “We are delighted to be able to join in the celebration of the Queen’s diamond jubilee with the re-creation of ‘The Elizabethan’ express.
“This iconic train of the 50s was British Railways’ response to the optimism prevalent at the dawn of the new Elizabethan era.
“With both Tornado and Alycidon on the route they were designed for, this unique railtour will be a day out to remember for all of those lucky enough to be on-board.”