Tornado pictures and aerial video: The train now arriving at Skipton... is a steam engine

A STEAM train has hauled passengers through the Yorkshire Dales on a scheduled main line service, for the first time in half a century.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Feb 2017, 09:07 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:37 BST
Tornado, the newest steam locomotive in Britain, pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.Tornado, the newest steam locomotive in Britain, pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.
Tornado, the newest steam locomotive in Britain, pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the Peppercorn class A1 steam locomotive Tornado begin the first of three days of pulling the regular service between Appleby in Cumbria and Skipton, in North Yorkshire, along the Settle to Carlisle line.

The train left Appleby Station at 8.25am, calling at Kirkby Stephen, Garsdale, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Settle en route to Skipton, via the Ribblehead Viaduct - the mecca for all steam engine and railway photography enthusiasts.

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In Skipton, there were queues for the few remaining tickets as travellers took advantage of the chance to travel on a steam-pulled service at regular prices.

Tornado, the newest steam locomotive in Britain, pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.Tornado, the newest steam locomotive in Britain, pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.
Tornado, the newest steam locomotive in Britain, pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.

The initiative, organised by Northern Rail, Network Rail and the Friends of Settle and Carlisle to mark the upcoming re-opening of the line after landslides during the December 2015 floods closed a long stretch, runs from today until Thursday, on two return journeys each day between Appleby and Skipton.

Rail enthusiasts have already snapped up almost all the reserved seats, around half of the 500 seats on each journey.

British Transport Police officers have been patrolling the route over the three days and have encouraged enthusiasts to enjoy the spectacle while remaining at a safe vantage point.

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Inspector Neil Hubbs said: “We understand people are excited about seeing the Tornado and want them to enjoy the occasion and, of course, have a great day out.

The Tornado locomotive pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.The Tornado locomotive pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.
The Tornado locomotive pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.

“Our priority is the safety of the public and passengers viewing and travelling on the train.

“The railway is a hazardous environment and we urge people who are planning on attending to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and not to risk their lives and the lives of others by trespassing on the tracks, and to respect local landowners by not trespassing on any private land.”

Paul Barnfield, regional director at Northern Railway, said: “It is great to see so many people supporting this historic venture.

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“We always knew that the first timetabled steam services in the UK for 50 years would be extremely popular, but the demand for tickets has been phenomenal.

The Tornado locomotive at Appleby station before it pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.The Tornado locomotive at Appleby station before it pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.
The Tornado locomotive at Appleby station before it pulls the first timetabled main line steam-hauled service for half a century across the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire.

“The running of Tornado on the Settle and Carlisle line - as a timetabled service - is going to be quite a spectacle and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the three-day event.

“The services, and all stations along the line, will be extremely busy and we understand that even those who are not travelling will want to be able to witness Tornado running on the historic line.”

Related topics:Yorkshire Dales