Painting Up Storm At National Railway Museum

A team from The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust headed up by NRM expert Tony Filby is currently working full steam ahead on the challenge of painting no. 60163 ready for its first passenger carrying mainline run on the 31st of January.

During the painstaking painting process, from the very first brush stroke on the body work, right up to the final hand painted number on each side of the cab, Tornado will be stabled ‘behind the scenes’ in the National Railway Museum’s paint shop so its gleaming new appearance will surprise and delight its many supporters around the country.

As well as painting locomotives Tony’s steady hand is also put to good use painting signs carriages and all manner of other jobs within the museum but his real passion is locomotives. He explains:

“To be a part of this great moment in locomotive history is a real high point in my career and as I retire in January I can’t think of a more fitting swan song. I didn’t think when I started this job in 1975 that I would be painting a brand new locomotive built in Britain, so it’s a great pleasure.”

David Elliott Director of Engineering at The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust also describes this momentous event:

“I can’t believe this moment has finally come, 18 years in the making and finally Tornado is getting her apple green livery. I’ve dreamed of this moment since we started the project and it’s a dream come true that it’s finally here; I can’t wait to get Tornado on the mainline where she belongs!” -- www.nrm.org.uk