60163 Tornado, LNER Peppercorn A1 Class (new build)

A new-build LNER Peppercorn A1 Class 4-6-2 Pacific — the first new main-line steam locomotive built in Britain since 1960 — completed at Darlington on 5 August 2008 by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and named Tornado after the RAF Panavia Tornado jet aircraft. Built to the original Peppercorn A1 drawings that survived in archives after the last of the original 49 A1 Pacifics was scrapped in 1966 without a single example being preserved, 60163 fills the most significant gap in the British preserved steam fleet.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust was established in 1990 with the stated aim of building a new Peppercorn A1, funded entirely by public subscription through a covenant scheme requiring supporters to pledge a fixed monthly sum. Construction began in 1994 at the Darlington Locomotive Works and the completed locomotive was formally named and entered traffic in 2009, certified for 100 mph main-line running. Tornado has since operated extensively on excursion trains across the national network, hauling trains at speeds well above the capabilities of most preserved steam locomotives and appearing at major heritage railway galas. In 2017 she hauled a train at 100 mph on the East Coast Main Line — demonstrating that the Peppercorn A1 design could match the performance claimed for the originals.

Last recorded as main-line certified, owned by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. Operating status: Main-line certified. Current livery: BR Express Passenger blue as 60163.

Location varies — actively touring. Location, livery and operating status last confirmed pre-2024 and subject to change. Check with the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust for current information.