The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has released the latest update on the winter maintenance of their steam engine, new-build London and North Eastern Railway ‘Peppercorn A1’ No.60163 Tornado.

Winter Maintenance

The Trust is in the process of carrying out winter maintenance on 60163 Tornado at Wensleydale Railway‘s Leeming Bar engine shed.

Majority of the work done is to minimise downtime in the 2020 season, allowing “Tornado” to remain in revenue earning service.

Work Completed

The cab has been removed to allow several minor boiler repairs to be made, with two leaking firebox stays, several rigid boiler stays and welding to the corners of the foundation ring corners. With the carrier bars out, the side and middle ones will be replaced.

Building up the lost white metal of all coupling and connecting rod bushes, along with Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), a form of Non-Destructive Testing is used to detect surface or shallow subsurface weaknesses like cracks.

The piston valves have been renewed following an inspection of the pistons and valves. In the smokebox, the self-cleaning plates and screens have been repaired where needed. A contractor has completed an overhaul of the injectors and yearly re-calibration of gauges.

Work in Progress

Refitting of the injectors, coupling and connecting rods. Reattaching lagging, cladding and cab. Finally, once all work has been finished, 60163 will be fired up for the boiler inspector and inspection party which will issue the new engineering acceptance certificate.

Covering Maintenance Costs

The Trust needs your help in raising funds, £250,000 plus a year, to ensure all necessary repair and maintenance work can be carried out and keep this unique running on the mainline. For more information or to support The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, please visit their website here.

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