The Return Of Steam

Although It is obviously not the most efficient, or green method of transport, there is just something about a Steam Train that makes me happy. Call it a SteamPunk fetish or something.






The 60163 Tornado, built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust over 18 years, is the first new mainline stream train in the UK in almost 50 years. Now we are not talking "restored" here. No, this is a brand new engine, built from the original plans made in 1948, the last of the original A1 was scrapped in 1966. While one would assume that because it is steam, it would be slow, this is not the case. Tornado is able to reach speeds of 160km/h.



Considering how slow, and bloody expensive the tilt train is, perhaps we need some A1's here? Do we get a discount for ordering more than one?

Also having a nice big, heavy, loud steam train might stop this nasty business of hitting trucks and derailing on level crossings. The hitting might continue, but at least the derailments would stop.