By Cedric Johns
ENGINEERS are continuing to work on Tornado with the aim of getting the 4-6-2 cleared to head the first of a series of ‘North Briton’ excursions on February 9, taking in the Settle and Carlisle line.
Working in conjunction with DB Cargo’s fitness-to-run engineers, attention is being paid to both the A1 and its support coach at Wansford on the Nene Valley Railway.
Although not main line certified as this issue closed for press, the 4-6-2 has been operating Santa specials on the NVR. In addition to driver experience courses, it is due to work Winter Warmer Mince Pie Specials on December 29-30.
According to owner and builder The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, it is hoped the locomotive will have a main line test run in late December or early January. There is also the matter of obtaining a ticket for the support coach.
The ‘Christmas Border Raider’ which was booked to run on December 1 has now been rescheduled for April 13.
Equally Pathfinder Tours’ December 15 ‘Chester Chuffer’ will now be worked by a different locomotive – most likely Bulleid West Country light Pacific No. 34046 Braunton.
Read more in Issue 249 of HR – on sale now!