UK: Tornado fails, boiler stays replaced

[John Ashworth]

From A1 Steam Locomotive Trust website

Tornado back at depot for inspection and repair
Monday, 31 May 2010 16:35

During Tornado's lay-over at Canterbury whilst operating 'The Canterbury Tornado' excursion for Pathfinder Tours, fitters discovered a potential minor fault with a boiler stay. The prudent decision was taken to work the locomotive light engine back to Hither Green depot where a thorough examination could be made and any necessary repairs undertaken. The train returned to Newport by diesel traction.

After initial inspection it has been identified that repairs cannot be completed in time for Tornado to haul 'The Cathedrals Express' on Thursday 3rd June 2010. This Steam Dreams promoted tour has therefore been postponed until Monday 16th August 2010.

Information on when Tornado will return to traffic will be posted on http://www.a1steam.com as soon as it becomes available.

Tornado update 08.06.10
Saturday, 05 June 2010 10:16

Following investigations in partnership with Dampflokwork Meinengen (Tornado's boiler manufacturers), the Trust's VAB and insurers, repairs to Tornado have been put in hand and rapidly effected. As a precautionary measure a number of stays were replaced and the boiler successfully passed its hydraulic test on Monday 7th June and its subsequent steam test on Tuesday 8th June.

It is planned that Tornado will recommence her programme of main line tours and heritage railway visits with 'The Purbeck Tornado' from London Waterloo to Swanage and return on Wednesday 16th June, promoted by UK Railtours. 'The Canterbury Tornado' from London Victoria to Canterbury and return on Saturday 12th June (promoted by Pathfinder Tours) has therefore been postponed to a date yet to be confirmed.

The Trust would like to place on record and thanks for all the assistance from our partners in effecting a swift repair and most particularly to Balfour Beatty Rail for making facilities available at Hither Green depot to the Trust at very short notice.