Tornado - Absolutely Chuffed DVD - Description
In 1990 a group of dedicated people came together with a vision of what seemed an unachievable task. They were united by an extraordinary ambition – to construct a brand new steam engine and to bring back to life the Peppercorn class A1 Pacific. After 18 years of incredible effort and teamwork, their dream became a reality when locomotive No. 60163 Tornado, moved under its own power for the first time. This BBC programme tells the story of an amazing tale of cooperation, skill and sheer hard graft by men who defied the critics, who had said it could never be done.
Such an achievement did not go unnoticed and Tornado soon became a celebrity in its own right. Wherever it has ventured, it has attracted crowds of people. Thousands turn out to wave and cheer. Children are hoisted aloft. Men hang from bridges and stand on car roofs. Enthusiasts wait hours in muddy fields for a fleeting view. At King's Cross, throngs blocked the platforms and when it blew a cloud of steam over the Duchess of Cornwall in York, the Prince of Wales burst out laughing.
Indeed, in its short life, Tornado has been a film star, splashed across newspaper pages and filmed in action by the many loyal enthusiasts who waited years to see their train on Britain's main lines again. It was the star of an episode of 'Top Gear', in a classic challenge race from London to Edinburgh with Jeremy Clarkson on the shovel.
Beautifully shot and produced by the BBC, this DVD takes the story on, with new extra footage never before seen on TV. A delight, not only for fans of steam trains, but for anyone who admires a skill and determination that is steeped in the great British tradition.
DVD Extras
- Speech from Prince Charles at the Royal Naming Ceremony
- Robert Hall BBC News Interview
- The first run to London.
- Extended interview with the team.
