THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s (A1SLT) flagship 4-6-2 No. 60163 Tornado has come to the end of its current main stint slightly earlier than planned, due to wheel flats caused by a slide during the current leaf fall season, writes Gareth Evans.
An examination on November 16 identified several tyres on the tender that are beyond the limits allowed by main line standards. Normally this would be resolved by a visit to a wheel lathe for reprofiling, but the ‘A1’ is currently running on tyres that would reach scrapping size should they be turned again.
The loco is scheduled for new driving and tender wheel tyres in the upcoming overhaul.
The removal of No. 60163 from the main line meant it was unable to haul ‘The Rail Aid Pullman’ from London Victoria to Dover on November 21 with No. 35028 Clan Line. The ‘Merchant Navy’ instead doubleheaded with a Belmond-liveried Class 67.