LNER A1 60163 'Tornado' storms up the East Coast Main Line on 'The Pennine Explorer' - 22/05/2021

LNER Peppercorn A1 60163 'Tornado' returned to mainline railtour operation this week for the first time since the lifting of recent coronavirus restrictions. The A1 had been in store at the National Railway Museum for many months, having last worked a train in Autumn 2020. Thankfully however, as mainline steam slowly begins to make a welcome comeback, tickets were rapidly snapped up for the locomotive's first special of the season: 'The Pennine Explorer'.

Previously captured travelling light engine to Barrow Hill (see separate video), the train would see the A1 tackle a monumental journey across the north of England. Starting at Leicester behind diesel traction, 'Tornado' would join the train just outside Chesterfield at Barrow Hill and head north via Swinton and Milford Junction to York. From here, the tour would sprint up the East Coast Main Line as far as Low Fell, before turning west to traverse the Tyne Valley line through Northumberland to Carlisle. After an afternoon break in the ancient city, the train would return south via the Settle and Carlisle railway as far as Hellifield, where 60163 would be detached and a diesel would continue the journey home to Leicester. The route was magnificent; scenic, dramatic and a a gruelling challenge for any locomotive. Like countless others, I couldn't wait to see 60163 blast her way along Britain.

My day started at York on a very tight schedule. I wanted to see 'Tornado' at as many locations as possible, therefore, I had booked a service train departing York at 10:07. However, 60163 was set to arrive in York at 10:05, meaning that if either train was seconds off their timetables, my plans would be scuppered. Ultimately, my service train was delayed by fifteen minutes due to crew problems at Leeds, allowing me plenty of time to film 'Tornado' gliding gracefully into York's gigantic trainshed, before swiftly departing north. Excusing the overhead wires and rationalised track layout, it could have almost been a scene straight out of the late 1950s.

After the tour had left York, my service train arrived and hopped on board ready for a fast run to Northallerton, overtaking 'The Pennine Explorer' near Tollerton. I was hoping for a fast dash along one of the quickest stretches of the East Coast Main Line, although a late-running LNER service resulted in 'Tornado' being slowed at Longlands Junction. She was soon given the green light and we see 60163 with the regulator through the roof, charging through the station.

Another game of leapfrog ensued en-route to my final location at Durham, jumping ahead of the tour during at twenty-five minute pathing stop at Tursdale Junction. 'Tornado' was scheduled to pass through Durham's Platform Two, putting pay to any chance of high speed running. Nonetheless, we see the train crossing the infamous viaduct and whistling to onlookers. A marvellous run all round.

I hope you all enjoy the video. Apologies for any shaky shots, my editing software has developed a fault wherein the stabilisation feature is disabled. Special thanks to the support crew of 'The Pennine Explorer' for a fantastic run. Feel free to comment and subscribe!