History-making locomotive to steam through north Northamptonshire

Hundreds are expected to turn out to catch a glimpse of a history-making steam locomotive when it travels through north Northamptonshire later this year.

The famous Tornado, which was only completed in 2008, will steam through Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby on a trip from Ealing to York on November 28.

It was the first to be built in the UK since Evening Star, the last steam locomotive built by British Railways, in 1960 and is the only example of an LNER Peppercorn Class A1 locomotive in existence.

In April 2017 Tornado became the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100mph on British tracks for more than 50 years.

Rail fan David Fursdon said: "I have heard a lot about it and seen a lot of pictures but I believe this is the first time it's been to north Northamptonshire.

"I would certainly cancel everything to go and see it and I'm sure a lot of other people are of the same mindset.

"We could have record crowds, although I would remind anyone heading out that they need to make sure they stick to social distancing guidelines."

Its visit comes after double disappointment this year for steam fans in the north of the county.

The iconic Flying Scotsman was set to visit in June but did not run because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and an October trip planned for the Duchess of Sutherland was recently cancelled.

On November 28 a train hauled by Tornado - which previously featured in Top Gear and the Paddington 2 movie - will go through Wellingborough after leaving Bedford before stopping at Kettering at about 9.50am to pick up passengers.

It will then pass through Corby's station before climbing to the Harringworth viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain.

It will return later that evening, again hauled by Tornado, stopping at Kettering at about 8.30pm.

Those who turn out to see the steam locomotive are reminded not to trespass on the track.

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