A steaming double act as Mallard and Tornado unite in York (VIDEO)

HISTORY was made in York on Tuesday when the city played host to two of the world's most famous steam locomotives at the National Railway Museum.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jun 2010, 19:53 BST
Updated 22nd Jun 2010, 19:57 BST

The engines Mallard and Tornado were united in the Museum's car park ready to travel on together to Locomotion, the NRM's sister Museum in Shildon, County Durham, on Wednesday.

Mallard is one of the most well known steam locomotives in the world - famous for breaking the world speed record for steam traction by reaching a speed of 126mph on July 3 1938.

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Tornado, the new 3m Peppercorn class A1 pacific steam locomotive, was built over almost 20 years by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust in Darlington.

NRM Director Steve Davies said fitting in with mainline operating schedules meant it was not immediately clear exactly when Mallard will leave and who would be around when it did, hence the display in the car park.

"It gave more people a chance to see Mallard and Tornado together up close and have the opportunity to take some impressive photos, which I'm sure they will treasure for a long time," he added.

Mark Allatt, chairman, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, added: "It is a great honour for Tornado, very much 'the new kid on the block', to be associated with Mallard's move from the NRM to Locomotion."

The Museum will be open for visitors to use the toilets, and refreshments will be available from a food and drinks van on site leading up to the departure of the Mallard and Tornado.

Related topics:HistoryYorkMuseum