Tornado

Possibly. But the organisation is also "selling" to them - and if an organisation loses it's customers, it will be the one that loses.

"Whinging" on forums is a signal that all is not well, and one that sensible organisations will pay heed to - in private, if not in public.

 

A quick look on the Companies House site reveals that the total wage bill is c.£160k and that the person mentioned appears to be paid £27k as Marketing Director (in what may be part time position?).
In addition there are several large sums paid the Trustees who also happen to be contract consultants (these sums were reimbursed by a ‘third party).

 

Saying nothing is the fuel for the rumour mongers. When things go wrong any organisation is likely to retain credibility by coming clean about it, the bullsh*t baffles brains approach doesn't work in the age of social media.

 

I must admit that there'd be a certain irony in Tornado turning up but then couldn't be run because of the fire risk to adjacent fields...

 

The person repeatedly posting the comments is in no way affiliated with either the NVR or A1SLT so is in no position to speak and is merely putting out false information.

As of a short while ago the A1SLT has put out that the warming fire has been lit ready for steam testing to commence from tomorrow, and the loco will be ready to transport to NVR by the end of the week.

 

Preparing the warming fire:

 

Warming fire video : -https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-lUyvJo2FP/?igsh=dWhzazc2aWk2anc5

 

Let’s hope nothing goes pop apart from the safety valves.

 

The phrase "skin of their teeth" comes to mind but I can imagine a big sigh of relief coming from Wansford.

 

I’m not counting any chickens ….

 

The Tornado footplate experiences seem to have disappeared from the NVR website now.

Dave B

 

Not unreasonable as they were sold out?

 

From the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust:

'Tornado warming fire lit as the A1 prepares for testing in steam this week''.

For those that use Facebook, here is the video. (12) Facebook

<BJ>

 

Goes on to say
Dear Volunteer

I am delighted to report that today a warming fire has been lit in Tornado's firebox. The fire has been lit, as planned, following the locomotive being weighed, and the successful resolution of a small number of minor snagging tasks. The locomotive will be gently brought into steam before commencing static and dynamic tests this week.

No. 60163 will undertake initial movements at the Great Central Railway before moving by road to the Nene Valley Railway next week. The first public trains with Tornado will run on the 24th-26th August, and booking details can be found here. Please may I also take this opportunity to remind you that tickets are on sale for Tornado's first main line train, across the Settle and Carlisle railway on Saturday 21st September, and more information about that tour can be found here. That is sure to be a triumphant moment in this locomotive's story!

My deepest thanks go to all of the A1's supporters for your patience and generous contributions during this overhaul period. There will be further updates as the week progresses, to bring you the latest from Tornado's return to the rails.

Yours faithfully,



Steve Davies MBE
Chairman
A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

 

... and ready for the Driver Experience courses? "Next week" is a touch vague.

 

It’s not impossible. But everything has to be absolutely perfect.

Warming fire yesterday suggests steam test today. Which could lead to some LE mileage today if succesful. Another day LE tomorrow. Maybe a day on stock Thursday. Lorry booked for Friday and it’ll be there by Sunday.

Although I wouldn’t fancy working with those margins perhaps it’s a gamble both the A1 chaps and NVR are willing to throw the dice for

 

Another problem is that GCR are running passengers trains from Tuesday to Thursday so it'll have to fit in the timetable somewhere.

But we can only hope that this does work

 

I can’t see the GC timetable being so intensive that they can’t fit test runs in. But yeah that is a factor. Who knows, it may be steam tested today and not be right. As I said above, tight margins

 

There'll be room in the timetable, keep it out of the Rothley - Leicester North single track section and it'll be fine to LE.

My concern would be the road haulage - haven't a couple of groups/locos struggled recently with late cancellations from movers? Not sure how many firms can move a loco and tender at short notice!