TRAIN enthusiasts will be able to ride behind Britain’s newest steam engine when it pulls into Lancashire this Easter weekend.
The East Lancashire Railway will be hosting 60163 Tornado from March 29 to April 2. Completed in 2008, the train has featured on Top Gear as well as on film in last year’s Paddington 2, and is capable of reaching speeds over 100 mph.
Visitors will be able to take pictures of the train before enjoying a trip along the 12-mile track through the Irwell Valley.
It will also be the first time the iconic engine has been reunited with LMS Hughes Fowler ‘Crab’ - a regular East Lancashire Railway engine, which also featured in Paddington 2.
Mike Kelly, chairman of East Lancashire Railway, said: “Tornado is Britain’s fastest and newest locomotive - created because, as a nation, we have a real passion for steam.
“Paddington 2 saw both Tornado and our very own ELR engine, The Crab, take a starring role, introducing a whole new generation to steam trains.”
Tornado and the locomotive will depart from the station at various times across the five days. Visit eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here