Update: The train will be returning to London on the 15th Sept – details here.

Today I wandered over to Kings Cross to watch the A1 Tornado steam train make its inaugural commercial trip – and into London. Got to the station at about 1pm, for the 1:47pm arrival and platform 1 where the train was due to arrive was already packed to (near) overflowing.

This was going to be a big crowd.

I met a friend at the station, and we decided to risk going up to the very end of platform 4 to get a view of the train arriving – only to find that about 30 people had already had the same idea – on each of the platforms.

OK -this was going to be a very big crowd.

The crowds at the ends of the platforms

As it happened, the train was running late, and ironically for a steam train, the delay was caused by electrical problems at Peterborough – so we hung around on the cold platform slowly edging to the front of the platform. As we waited a train pulled into Platform 4 where we were standing (although not blocking the view) – and there were fervent prayers that it wouldn’t be departing the moment the steam train arrived.

Shortly before the Tornado arrived though, a modern train pulled into Platform 2, so anyone waiting there for a view of the steam train would have probably be uttering very unprintable comments.

As the anticipated time of arrival came closer, heads kept craning out to see if the train was visible yet – cameras all held at the ready – and then suddenly the engine appeared out of the tunnel and there was an almost audible gasp as people started snapping like mad, or filming with their video cameras this iconic arrival.

A1 Tornado Arrives - 3

With gushes of steam and a blast on the whistle, the train thundered into the station, pulling a long line of old passenger carriages. Many of the people on board waved to the welcoming crowd, and we waved back in delight.

I tried to wander down to the front to get more photos, but the station was busier than the Chinaware department in Harrods on the first day of the sale – so after manfully struggling to get some photos, I decided it was time to head home.

What a large crowd

It was really great to see this magnificent beast arriving at Kings Cross, and while the crowds meant I couldn’t get a perfect position to watch – in a way the size of the crowds was itself wonderful as it indicated just how many people are fans of these living engines.

Old and New - 3

According to a TV news clip, the train will be stationed at Old Oak Common Depot for the next week – until it does a Valentines Day trip. According to the organiser’s website, it will be leaving Waterloo station at 9:40am on Sat 14th Feb (returning at 4pm) – and then doing an evening trip from Victoria at 7pm and returning at 10:30pm.

A few more photos at my usual Flickr account.

NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know what's on in London, and the latest news published on ianVisits.

You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails.

Tagged with: ,
SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE

This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles.

It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising.

Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver, every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website, and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts.

If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here.

Thank you

2 comments
  1. Tony Frith says:

    Thanks very much for the cometary & the photos we are very lucky living in York as we have seen the Tornado lots of times even on its test runs at night but its still a great site
    Regards Tony

  2. Chris van Wyk says:

    Hi and thanks for sharing this with the rest of the world. I’m following the A1’s progress and hopefully one day might be in a position to see it with my own eyes. In the meantime, I’m just drooling over anything A1.
    Regards,
    Chris

Home >> News >> Transport News