Great Central Railway - Tornado Returns - 31st August 2024

[@yorkshirewanderer6176]

This Thursday, the GCR announced that this weekend will feature a special Tornado running event. It’s been two years since Tornado last operated in passenger service before undergoing its latest overhaul, and it has recently started testing at the GCR. Additionally, Stanier 8F 48305 and GWR 6990 Witherslack Hall would also be in service. I took the opportunity to visit on the Saturday to capture Tornado on its first day of running and from the crowds of people at each station there were quite a few other people that had done the same.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Tornado is a she. She's a beautiful steamy, make no mistake. Compare this with the fully loaded test run of 7754 last year, and you'll notice that the crowd on Llangollen station was slightly larger. Of course, God's Wonderful Railway is my favourite Big Four Railway Company. Which one is yours?

[@yorkshirewanderer6176]

Of the railways close to where I live now its the GCR because of its ability to run a high density timetable due to the double track along most of the line. It means you never have to wait long for the next train to arrive. For the views and ride through the scenery it would be the NYMR back in my native Yorkshire.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

@@yorkshirewanderer6176 I mean, which Big Four Railway Company is your favourite, GWR, LMS, LNER or SR? Rule no. 1: we never look at view or scenery when steam engines are running. We only do it when a stinky diesel forces us to do so. I ride up close and personal behind a steamy, most of the time, and stare at nothing but her. It's wonderful when the steam engine almost deafens us, by barking and whistling down our ears. Of course, it's just the way I am. I've never been one for looking at scenery, and I can't explain why.

[@yorkshirewanderer6176]

@@kellyashfordtrains2642 I was born in Doncaster so that's easy LNER.