Ebor Flyer - A1ST and Tornado: 14/04/18

Oh, so you know what I'm thinking now, do you? Shut up, and stop being so presumptuous.

I was quite calm and relaxed until I read your post.

 

Before the gremlins struck. Tornado through Arlesey at 87 mph.

 

A member of staff at York just told a bunch of photographers here that it’s been cancelled.

 

Well, if you were hoping to see Tornado roll into York, it sort of has...

 

Question is... if it hit something in the four foot, is a service train now missing something?

 

Nice shot Ian!

 

Well the Russians said there would be consequences, you have to admire their imagination to hit a steam train, and atv90mph from 2000 miles away to boot

 

Given what has been said since, I sadly suspect it wasn't something in the four foot, but a failure of some part of the motion which hit the underside of the loco. Anything hitting at that speed would create quite a bang and give the impression of having hit something.

Pointless speculating though. If past performance of the Trust is anything to go by, they will be open about it and will get to the bottom of the problem.

Just hope it isn't the sort of thing which the RAIB or similar need to spend months investigating.

 

I am aware we’re all quite upset gentlemen. Emotions are high.

Can I put in a plea for calmness online, and a step back.

The A1 Trust, Network Rail EC and Virgin EC are doing great work handling the situation as best they can in trying circumstances.

It’s best not to speculate now. The main concern is getting passengers to Peterborough safely, which from where I am sitting, they are doing with great skill, and a calm air.

Just want to thank all the good gents and ladies of the A1 Trust on board who have conducted themselves with great professionalism.

One last note - I want to make it clear that I won’t be asking for a refund as I consider it part of my duty in supporting the trust.

Thank you to everyone who has wished us well on board.

 

I suppose it depends on how unsafe the occurrence was deemed to be. Tangmere dropping it's rod springs to mind

 

From Twitter:

We are disappointed that Tornado failed whilst hauling ‘The Ebor Flyer’. This was due to damaged inside motion. The cause is not known but is not thought to be speed-related. Tornado will be taken off at Peterborough and will be moved to the NVR for inspection and repairs.

Best wishes to the A1 team

Sawdust.

 

Well said Sir- can I just point out that some ladies are also upset and disappointed though less emotional than some gentlemen. The onboard team have been excellent and the air con has just come back on. So York it is.

 

Yes fair point entirely Mike! I did have that in mind as I wrote to be fair. I didn’t think it fair to lump the good ladies in with the gentlemen.

 

Rescued train proceeding very slowly on the Down Slow near Offord



John

 

Might I suggest that rather than let this thread go off at 90mph into a series of speculation and recriminations that a line is now drawn and we await the official diagnosis. As a member I know the A1 Steam Trust is one of the most professional operators on the mainline and the cause will be found the fullness of time. Let's just wait for the official report.

 

I suspect that wasn't quite the video you planned to take today John.

 

No, very sad day indeed.

 

Double post deleted. I think the hamster that powers my phone is getting thirsty.

 

Agreed.