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Steam Legend 'Tornado' To Return To North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The legendary steam locomotive 'Tornado', famous for reaching 100mph and starring in Paddington 2, is set to return to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this summer with services departing from Pickering.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced that the legendary steam locomotive, Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific No. 60163 'Tornado', will be returning to its heritage line this summer.

Described as a powerhouse of British engineering, the famous locomotive will be in steam on selected dates from the 27th of July to the 8th of August, with departures running from the North Yorkshire town of Pickering.

The 'Tornado' holds a truly special place in United Kingdom rail history. Built entirely from scratch, the engine was completed in 2008 by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.

This remarkable achievement meant that the 'Tornado' became the first new-build steam locomotive constructed for the British mainline in over half a century.

Today, it stands as the only surviving member of the historic Peppercorn A1 class, offering passengers an exclusive chance to experience the power and grace of a modern marvel of steam.

The locomotive is a firm favourite with railway enthusiasts and film fans alike, having previously starred on the silver screen in the beloved movie Paddington 2.

Furthermore, the engine cemented its legendary status in 2017 when it became the first steam engine in over fifty years to officially reach a speed of one hundred miles per hour on British tracks.

Paul 'Piglet' Middleton, the Director of Mechanical Engineering at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, shared his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming visits.

Paul Middleton said:

"We’re really excited to be welcoming Tornado back to the NYMR. It’s one of the most remarkable steam locomotives of the modern era that appeals to rail enthusiasts and the wider public alike. Seeing Tornado in action on our historic line is a great experience for lifelong steam fans, or visitors who are discovering heritage railways for the first time."

Visitors eager to ride behind 'Tornado' in action can do so on pre-booked, seat-allocated services.

These scheduled journeys will operate from the 27th of July to the 1st of August, and will resume from the 3rd of August to the 8th of August.

Each of these return services will depart from Pickering, with passengers able to choose between a morning departure at 9:55 or an afternoon departure at 13:05.

In addition to the standard daytime timetable, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has organised a special event for the 29th of July.

On this date, 'Tornado' will be hauling an additional evening service.

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