Features

34 TORNADO: THE GREATEST ADVENTURE HAS BEGUN
The official naming of new £3-million Peppercorn A1 Pacific No 60163 Tornado by Prince Charles at York on 19 February followed a headline-grabbing hectic first three weeks of main line operation. Robin Jones, who was on board Tornado’s first passenger-carrying run on the national network on 31 January, as the heritage movement reached a dizzy new plateau, brings the amazing adventure that is No 60163 up to date.

40 THE HALF-MILLION GARRATT!
In advance of the reopening of the completed Welsh Highland Railway in late summer, what is believed to be the most expensive narrow gauge locomotive restoration project ever undertaken in Britain is now in its final stages. Boston Lodge Works volunteer David Payling describes the rebuilding of NGG16 articulated Garratt No 87 and its return to steam.

46 GREAT CENTRAL GALA TRIUMPH
Seven engines in steam and a flurry of snow made for a magic winter gala on the Great Central Railway with an increase in visitor numbers and revenue on previous year despite the economic downturn reports
Brian Sharpe.

66 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: TORNADO HERALDS BIG YEAR FOR RAILTOURS
Focus on some great trips out in the year ahead, at prices to suit all pockets.

68 FAST, FASTER AND FASTEST!
Steam on Southern Region main lines is almost commonplace again, but although performances are frequently excellent, ‘the ton’ is no longer permitted. Dave Wilson fired the Bulleids in their last days in regular service and recalls what are considered to be three of the Pacifics’ best-ever performances.

74 A FASCINATION FOR STEAM!
Some say that all steam enthusiasts and photographers are the wrong side of 50, but there is a new generation discovering the delights of the lineside. Phil Jones, whose pictures regularly grace the pages of this magazine, presents examples of his work.

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3 OPINION

6 HEADLINE NEWS
National Railway Museum sells Flying Scotsman boiler; Pete Waterman given the job of restoring Royal Scot to meet lottery deadline, and the publication of a hard-hitting report on last summer’s steam crisis on the West Somerset Railway.

10 NEWS: THE WIDEST COVERAGE OF THE UK PRESERVATION SCENE
Turkish repatriation plan to resurrect ‘scrapped’ Doncaster 8F; Bluebell goes for modern image with class 73 passenger trips; Grange gala offers 50 engines on seven gauges; Kent & East Sussex extended westwards; new-build Tyseley ‘Bloomer’ scheme gathers speed; the loft boarded by carriage destination boards hoard; Swindon & Cricklade launches new-build project; agency debt delays Welsh Highland opening; Sheringham crossing must wait another year; second best year for North Yorkshire Moors Railway despite credit crunch; Barry Island line in Cambrian Transport takeover; East Lancashire Railway gala picture special; streamlined Duchess for May completion; rare photograph captures GWR locomotive’s identity crisis; GWR railmotor motor matched with chassis; Lavender Line secretary on trial over wife’s death, new heritage scheme for Bardney.

44 RAILWAYANA
Latest auction news and prices by Geoff Courtney.

52 THE THIN RED LINE by David Wilcock
The huge publicity machine that has springboarded Tornado into the public gaze, the black Dukedog topping the bill at the forthcoming landmark Steel, Steam & Stars 2 gala at the Llangollen Railway and why, despite claims to the contrary, it is all but impossible to ‘recreate’ the steam age.

58 MAIN LINE NEWS compiled by Cedric Johns
Two Swanage Railway firsts for spring - a through diesel tour from London, and then a second headed by Bulleid Battle of Britain 4-6-2 Tangmere, in a major breakthrough for the Purbeck line. Also, Mallaig steam celebrates 25th anniversary, and Lord Nelson to be based on Mid-Hants Railway.

64 MAIN LINE TOUR ITINERARY
Brian Sharpe’s guide to steam and heritage modern traction tours.

81 SCALE HERITAGE RAILWAY
New Royal Scots from Farish, and how to obtain an exclusive OO gauge model of Bill Parker’s ‘Polish’ GWR prairie No 5521.

86 OFF THE SHELF
The lowdown on the latest book and DVD releases.

88 MORGAN
Despite the growing public disdain for politicians, the Heritage Railway Association chairman finds cause to sing their praises.

90 UP AND RUNNING
Brian Sharpe’s full listing of operational lines and museum venues.