The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has released an update on Ex-LNER A1 No. 60163 Tornado, after weeks of storage at the National Railway Museum.

Most of our readers will be aware that just before lockdown, Tornado was moved from the Wensleydale Railway to the National Railway Museum. This was supposed to be ahead of the first tour of the year, but instead, it gave the Trust a secure place to stable the locomotive and support coach.

Earlier this month, a visit was permitted by the NRM, and A1SLT Locomotive Manager Richard Pearson travelled to York to conduct some small tasks and check on the electrical systems.

During the visit, Richard fitted a trickle charger to 60163 Tornado and tests on the electrical system has shown the Tornado’s batteries were all in good order. The support coach was connected to mains power, and this also seems to be in good order.

Tornado has been undercover in the Museum’s prep bay, and since this is known for roosting pigeons, the boiler barrel was sheeted over to protect the paintwork. The advantage of this is that the motion has been protected from the elements. Richard has reported that an extra layer of oil has been applied to save rust forming.

Grease was added to the axle box bearings before it was moved down the yard and back to distribute this around the bearings.

The Trust has left the boiler full and dosed with water treatment to reduce the corrosion. An exam will be completed before the locomotive returns to traffic.

The running boards and tender sides were washed down before leaving York to remove signs of the roosting pigeons.

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