Steam to the rescue as high speed rail fails
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stranded rail passengers in the UK were given a helping hand this week -- by a steam locomotive.
Stranded rail passengers in the UK were given a helping hand this week - by a steam locomotive.
As heavy snow and freezing conditions brought much of Europe's rail network to a standstill, including the high-speed international Eurostar service, the Tornado steam train managed to complete the route from London Victoria and Dover twice on Monday 20, carrying commuters left stranded by modern electric trains.
The Tornado is a Peppercorn Class A1 steam train, the final class of steam trains to be withdrawn from service in Britain in the 1960s. It now operates excursion tours and took a group of enthusiasts almost 20 years to build, the first steam train to be built in Britain for almost 50 years.
Despite the engine being designed in the 1940s, it was unaffected by the freezing weather and dropped passengers at various stations along the Network Rail main line.
"Not only are we delighted that she was able to brave the arctic weather to haul two of the few trains to run in Kent on Monday but we were pleased to be able to help some of London's stranded commuters to get home in style," said Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.
Steam locomotives were withdrawn from use in favor of diesel and electric for almost all passenger operations around the world during the later half of the 20th century. Replica locomotives such as the Tornado are now popular tourist attractions in the UK, the US and Germany in particular.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments