It's full steam ahead for new locomotive

THE first new steam locomotive to be built in Britain for nearly half a century has made a flawless debut test run on the rail network.

Tornado travelled between York and Scarborough in the first stage of trials before carrying passengers next year – including to Scotland.

The York-based Peppercorn class A1 Pacific 60163 completed a hitch-free 84-mile return trip on Tuesday night.

Duncan Ross, of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, which built Tornado, said: "The run went well, with no discernible problems."

A further 142-mile return test run to Chesterfield is planned for today, and a 176-mile trip to Newcastle in two weeks' time, when the locomotive will run at up to 75mph.

The runs are designed to put Tornado though its paces progressively.

Only trust staff are taking part in the tests, but passengers are due to be carried for the first time in January, to Darlington, with a trip to Edinburgh planned for March. An Aberdeen excursion may follow.