HUNDREDS of steam enthusiasts descended on Darlington at the weekend to witness a milestone event in the birth of a new engine.

The Tornado steam locomotive is being built at the Hopetown engineering works by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, and on Saturday, the Tornado was lowered on to its ten wheels.

The operation involved the use of four electric jacks, donated by Matterson Cranes, of Rochdale, Lancashire, which weigh up to 16 tonnes each.

They were used to lift the locomotive about 7ft into the air so the wheels could be fitted.

David Elliott, head of engineering at the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: "This is the first new mainline steam locomotive to be lowered on to its wheels since the Evening Star, built in 1960 by British Railways in Swindon.

"It represents a major milestone as it now actually looks like a steam locomotive."

Without the use of the electric jacks it would have taken up to four days to fit the wheels.

The project to build the locomotive, which could cost up to £1.8m, began six years ago. Funding has come from trust members, through covenants, and from industrial sponsorship.

Once the locomotive is completed, it will be used for mainline and special excursion trips all over the country.

To find out more about the project, log on to the trust's website.