Still time to reserve a seat - and some romance - on historic Tornado services

Tornado, a Peppercorn class ‘A1’ steam locomotive is visiting the line and will be hauling two regular Northern timetabled services each day – as well as two extra services each day which have been introduced specifically for the visit.

Paul Barnfield, Regional Director for Northern, said: “Tickets, which are available via the usual retail outlets, have been selling incredibly quickly and we have already sold out all reservations for the regular timetabled services. There are, however, places left on the extra services though I am certain these will sell out quickly too.”

Each service will have seven coaches with four of these available on a reservation only basis and the remaining three open to those customers with regular tickets which can either be bought in advance or on the day.

Paul added: “Although the three carriages will be run as regular services they will be extremely popular and I strongly recommend reserving a seat. There will be no standing allowed in any of the carriages and admission to the non-reserved carriages will be on a first-come-first-served basis so passengers should arrive early to avoid potential disappointment.”

Tornado is arriving on the Settle and Carlisle line as a way of the rail industry saying ‘thank you’ to local people whose services have been disrupted since a landslip in February 2016.

Since then Network Rail has worked round the clock – and in all weathers – on a mammoth engineering project to restore the line at Eden Brows.

Network Rail route managing director Rob McIntosh said: “As well as holding a special place in many people’s hearts, the Settle-Carlisle is a vital commuter and tourist route serving many rural communities. We strive to ensure our railway meets the needs of the communities it serves  and know that the landslip near Armathwaite, which led to the Carlisle end of the line being closed for repairs for the past year has caused frustration and disappointment.

“With work on course to re-open the line fully on March 31, these journeys are our way of thanking regular passengers for their patience during the disruption as well as reminding people who may not have used the route for some time just how special it is. 

“I’d like to thank the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line for their support and pay tribute to our teams who are working tirelessly to not only repair the damage caused by the landslide but also take measures to prevent such damage in the future.”

The celebration of steam is only possible thanks to a strong partnership involving Northern, Network Rail, DB Cargo UK, Friends of Settle and Carlisle, Settle and Carlisle Development Company, A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Rail and Steam Railway magazine, who have all come together to make the ‘thank you’ a genuine spectacle.

Richard Corser, DB Cargo UK’s Account Manager for Charters, Special Trains and Resource Hires, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with our industry colleagues on these momentous services celebrating the restoration of the Settle to Carlisle line following last year's landslip.

“It is poignant that the last railway in Britain to be built by pick and shovel has now been restored through a significant project using modern engineering practices. DB Cargo UK has assisted Network Rail on the project to re-open the line by transporting stone used in the repair programme.

“The steam services in February pay tribute to the line's history and future and we are pleased to be providing a highly experienced train crew for 60163 Tornado, who have a combined experience of approximately 80 years working on steam locomotives.”

Tickets are still available on the following services:

14 February    08:25 Appleby – Skipton

14 February    17:15 Skipton – Appleby

15 February    08:25 Appleby – Skipton

15 February    17:15 Skipton – Appleby

16 February    08:25 Appleby – Skipton

16 February    17:15 Skipton – Appleby

Notes for editors

There will be a limited number of places available for the media to travel on the Tornado services on Tuesday, 14 February, but all travelling media must be accredited beforehand.

To register your interest in receiving accreditation please contact Northern press office on 01904 568652 or email press.office@northernrailway.co.uk