Tornado steam locomotive set to race into South Yorkshire later this year

Tornado, the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for half a century. will steam into Sheffield on October 7.

The new Peppercorn class A1 willl haul the Tees-Tyne Express which will travel from Dorridge to York, Durham and Newcastle, picking up at Solihull, Tamworth, Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield.

A Class 67 diesel locomotive will haul the train as far as Derby, where Tornado will continue the journey north.

Passengers visiting York have nearly five hours to explore the city centre with the historic Minster and Shambles or take time visiting the National Railway Museum.

Those travelling on to the beautiful city Durham can visit the castle and cathedral which were used as a location in the filming of the Harry Potter movies, or else enjoy time by the River Wear.

Passengers for Newcastle have the chance to explore the amazing rejuvenated waterfront with its famous views of the bridges and many shops, bars and restaurants. Tornado will then return with passengers as far as Derby, thereafter the diesel will complete the journey.

Heritage carriages will provide a nostalgic journey back in time, where passengers can enjoy the scenery as plumes of steam drift past the windows, and the locomotive’s whistle can be heard.

First Class dining passengers travel in luxury, receiving silver service for both their full breakfast and four course evening meals.

Graeme Bunker, operations director of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said: "These tours are promoted by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, with all profits going directly to the upkeep and maintenance of Tornado. We look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”

Local steam enthusiasts will have a chance to see Tornado before then however.

On May 1 and May 6, the Heart of Midlothian and Talisman services will travel from Peterborough to Edinburgh and London King's Cross to Darlington respectively.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, a registered charity, built Peppercorn class A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado, named after the RAF aircraft, at its Darlington Locomotive Works.

Fitted with additional water capacity and the latest railway safety electronics, Tornado is fully equipped for today’s main line railway. The A1 class was designed by Arthur H Peppercorn for the London & North Eastern Railway and 49 were built in 1948/49 by British Railways. However, following dieselisation, all were scrapped by 1966.

After 18 years of construction and fundraising, the £3 million locomotive was completed in August 2008. Tornado was named by HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at York station on 19th February 2009.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is now constructing Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive - Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales.