STEAM enthusiasts have helped a famous locomotive stay on track, by moving its new support vehicle from road to rail.

Tornado made history in 2008, becoming the first steam locomotive built in Britain for 48 years, cementing its place among Darlington’s rich railway heritage.

The Peppercorn class A1 will tow its support vehicle for the first time on June 11, travelling from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley.

The journey is a recreation of the Elizabethan Express, a trip first run 60 years ago to mark the Queen’s coronation.

The newly renovated support vehicle originally held three second class and two first class compartments, a guard’s compartment and a caged luggage area.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, which built Tornado, has now converted the MK1 Brake Corridor Composite to provide accommodation for the dedicated volunteers who operate the Tornado throughout the country.

Additional storage, a mess room and work shop have also been added, showing the amount of equipment, tools and expertise needed to run such a feat of engineering.

Having been converted at the trust’s works in Darlington, the support vehicle was transported to The National Railway Museum, in Shildon, using its unloading facilities to move the coach from tarmac to track.

The coach has since been moved onto the rail network, and been transported to King’s Cross for its maiden voyage with the Tornado next week.

Mark Allatt, chairman of the trust, said: “In three years, we’ve taken it from scrap condition and not only made it usable, but also moved it from being an ordinary brake train to being workable on the mainline.

“To run a steam engine, a carriage like this is necessary to keep the coal and water in the system running. It provides kitchen facilities, sleeping areas, workshops and electricity.

“The team will be essential to the engine, particularly on these longer journeys.”

Tornado will depart from London Kings Cross at 6.50am, with stops in York and Darlington, before terminating in Edinburgh.

The Alycidon will cover the return trip after a short break, leaving at 5pm.

Visit a1steam.com for more information.