Last weekend the, brand new, steam engine "Tornado" visited Chester.
This engine was actually completed in february of last year, being a completely new build of an A1 class express engine. one of the last classes to be designed by the old LNER, before nationalisation in 1948.
Most of the major classes of British steam engine have examples in preservation, but somehow the A1s slipped through the net.
This is probably why this particular class was chosen for a new build, as enthusiasts realised that the old engines are getting very long in the tooth, and new builds will keep steam operating for years into the future.
Having said that most of the old engines are in far better condition now, than they were when still in use in the final years of steam under British Railways.
I believe that a Great Western Grange class has also been under construction, for a number of years, one of the few other higher profile locos that doesn't have a surviving example.
I am lucky, living in Chester, as we get regular steam visitors, many of which carry on down the picturesque North Wales coast.
Sorry this isn't a great quality photo.
I took it with my mobile/cell phone, and couldn't see a thing in the screen, because of the strong sunlight. It was just point and hope.
Hope this post is of interest to any of you who remember the days when these, almost living, machines ruled the rails.
If you would like to see Tornado in action there are a whole host of videos on YouTube.
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