The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has announced that A1 No. 60163 Tornado is set for ETCS testing in Wales as part of its return to service.

During its current overhaul, which is approaching completion, the locomotive has been fitted with European Train Control system as part of the East Coast Digital Programme. The ECDP will see the digital signalling system installed on southern sections of the East Coast Main Line.

Testing was originally planned to be carried out at the Rail Innovation & Development Centre in Melton Mowbray, however, a new location has had to be found due to a landslip.

A section of the Cambrian Line, between Shrewsbury in Shropshire, and Newtown in Powys, Mid Wales, is set to be used for dynamic testing of the locomotive.

These test runs in the Spring will be carried out overnight during night-time posessions so they do not affect passenger services.

Ed Akers, Network Rail‘s Principal Sponsor, ECDP, said: “With operations at the RIDC site currently affected by a landslip, we have decided to use a section of the Cambrian line for dynamic ETCS testing on the Tornado locomotive, part of our heritage pathfinder project.   The testing will take place in the Spring, during several night-time possessions to not affect passenger services, between Shrewsbury and Newtown, in mid Wales.

“The pathfinder project is technically challenging and, as a world first in fitting ETCS to a steam locomotive, has required much innovation.  The dynamic testing of Tornado is one of several important steps in determining the technical and commercial viability of the project.

“Whilst most elements of ETCS dynamic testing will be undertaken on the Cambrian, some specific testing involving the use of multiple Radio Block Centres will still take place at RIDC later in the year.”

An A1SLT Spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the East Coast Digital Programme to make Tornado the first steam locomotive in the world to be fitted with ETCS digital signalling equipment. We are grateful to colleagues for making the eastern section of the Cambrian route available for testing, whilst the normal test track in Leicestershire is unavailable, and enabling Tornado to continue its journey towards full ETCS operations.”