60163 Tornado

Britain's first new main line steam locomotive for almost 50 years.
All Images Copyright A1SLT.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Help us to keep Tornado in A1 Condition!Become a regular supporter of @60163_Tornado from as little as £5 per month! https://t.co/xS8o5m3NBi

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Tornado is back in Darlington!

You can see the A1 up close at our May open day. Visit us on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May for free, with access through Hopetown!

The Works is open 10.00-15.00hrs.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

This weekend there has been a slight change at the front of Tornado. In a style that A1’s were seen in before withdrawal the bright work on the smokebox door has been painted.

We have not made this change before & hope you enjoy seeing a different aspect of the A1 class.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

The team have been preparing Tornado for tomorrow’s trip to Carlisle. In the morning, the A1 will leave Tyseley on Vintage Train’s ‘Shap Mountaineer’ taking passengers over some of the most challenging inclines and beautiful terrain on the British rail network.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

🚂 The dream became reality.

LNER Class A1 60163 Tornado was the first brand-new main line steam locomotive built in Britain for almost 50 years.

Today it continues to inspire thousands — but ongoing support keeps it steaming.

Help support Tornado 👉 https://t.co/78acUUOGVb

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

We have had a wonderful day welcoming visitors to Darlington Locomotive Works to see both the A1 and P2.
We can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

In an added bonus this Open Weekend, on Saturday, Tornado will be in steam at Darlington Locomotive Works. Come down between 10.00 and 15.00hrs and visit the footplate!

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Following completion of the ‘cold exam’ element of the annual recertification process the locomotive has been moved outside for the ‘hot exam’ to take place. For this the locomotive needs to be in steam so the fire has been lit today.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Last-Built Class 08 Shunter Secured for Darlington Depot Duties.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has confirmed an agreement with Railway Support Services for the hire of diesel shunter 08927 (D4157).

Read more at https://t.co/iu7sKxGVns

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Join us at Darlington Locomotive Works this weekend for our 1st Open Days of 2026. We have a fantastic weekend planned, with talks & activities all focused on the subject of boilers!
Tornado is in residence at the Works & you can see the new P2 boiler, delivered just last month.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Tornado, hauling ‘The Christmas White Rose’, arrived into York slightly ahead of time this lunchtime.

It’s been a glorious day for it and we love seeing your photos - share them here or email [email protected]

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Tornado is turned, prepped and ready for the Christmas White Rose tomorrow. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, and if you are out please keep safe and do not trespass on the railway.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Tornado passing through York this morning en route to Tyseley for this week’s ‘White Rose’ tour with @vintagetrains

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

It has been wonderful to see the Rail 200 Innovation train at Darlington Locomotive Works, staying with us for the last few days. It left site this lunch time and is heading for Glasgow.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Win a footplate ride on Tornado and other exclusive prizes in the A1SLT Autumn Raffle!
Get your tickets today at https://t.co/VtMlPavhhg
The draw closes on Sunday, so don’t delay!

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

An honour to welcome you to the Works and onto Tornado’s footplate! 🚂🐻 @AmbJapanUK

[Hiroshi Suzuki @AmbJapanUK]

I’m in Darlington!😄
Celebrating 200 years of British Railways!!👍

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

We were pleased to welcome @AmbJapanUK to Darlington Locomotive Works as part of the S&DR200 celebrations. His Excellency sat in the drivers seat of Tornado with Paddington! Also viewing the world’s first installation of digital signalling using @Hitachi equipment.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Another famous friend arrive at Darlington Locomotive Works!

A4 Class No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, sister locomotive to the world steam speed record holder Mallard, is with us throughout the weekend as part of the Titans of Steam Gala.

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

Possibly the two most famous locomotives in the world, Flying Scotsman stands alongside Tornado outside Darlington Locomotive Works. What a sight to see ahead of the opening weekend of the Titans of Steam Gala!

[60163 Tornado @60163_Tornado]

What a day we had yesterday as Tornado steamed home! The A1 is now on the road alongside the P2 at the new Darlington Locomotive Works, the first time the locomotives have been together since the P2 was mere frames.

[Ian @Guard_Ean]

@60163_Tornado Just passed you all on the way to Bishop 😍