Tornado does the ton

Good news for fans of Kettles!

A couple of Eye co-respondents (sic) have sent through some images of last night's Tornado test run and PR coup.

Tornado clocked up speeds of 100mph on the ECML between Raskelf and Alne, north of York, as can be seen here...

From Newcastle back to York the loco carried the ‘Matey’ headboard, in memory of Ray Towell whom we sadly lost just over a year ago.

And here is a picture of the test run team (and guests) safely back at York, following the 100mph triumph.

Good effort!

Meanwhile, Eye is unsure what Northern passengers must make of this, as traction across their franchise is both older and slower.

No matter!

Rumours that Tornado is now on Thunderbird duties, to drag VTEC services through crappy OHLE at Retford, have been denied...

A message to our friend South of the River...

Dot - dot - dot - dash!

"Blessent mon coeur d'une langueur monotone" 

Keep your pecker up mon brave!

Br Churchill 

Some good news from York...

This from the York Press...

A RETIRED museum worker had a special message for a police community support officer – thank you for saving my life. 

Ray Towell, 66, had a heart attack and stopped breathing as he went to catch a bus home from Blossom Street, in York. 

But PCSO Lee Johnson was passing on patrol and immediately started emergency first aid, as did paramedic Craig Barley, who also happened to be passing. 

“It is just amazing to me I am still here,” said Mr Towell, of Moor Lane, York, a former curator at the National Railway Museum. “How lucky can you be? I am extremely lucky that the right people were there at the right time. “What they did –it means my life to me.”

After being rushed to the cardiac unit at Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance, he made a full recovery...

Matey! 

Jennifer's Dairy - Mr Towell's train

Jennifer writes (with apologies to the Tatler and H&Q)...

The NRM arranged an excursion train on the 5th May for a Mr Raymond 'Ray' Towell, a long time servant of the railway.

Mr Towell retired on the 28th April from his most recent incarnation, at the National Railway Museum, where he provided 25 years service.

Renowned charter operator West Coast Railways laid on a special Pullman luncheon train for Mr Towell and his friends, hauled by two class 37s, which toured the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Amongst the guests were NRM supremo Steve Davies and RAIL editor Nigel Harris (pictured) who helped 'Ray' to mark the occasion in some style.


Mr Towell said 'I'll be back, Matey!".

Matey!