0:00:02 > 0:00:05They said it couldn't be built.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12They said it shouldn't run at speed.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18I reckon that magic 100mph is going to be in the bag.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Oh, come on, come on!
0:00:20 > 0:00:22I've got 97.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26They said the steam age was dead.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27We're all big steam train lovers.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30This is the story of how Tornado was tamed
0:00:30 > 0:00:33and taken to the tonne.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34Keep going!
0:00:46 > 0:00:48A steam locomotive on a mission.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53Tornado, a Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific, arrives in Doncaster.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It's a spiritual homecoming.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57The class was designed in the town.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Now it's base camp for a thrilling railway adventure.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05It's travelled up from London, along with Huw Parker,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09one of the team of volunteers who keep it on the rails.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11If you were sitting where I am,
0:01:11 > 0:01:13you'd feel the heat coming out of there.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16It's very hot, indeed.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Once alight, managing the fire is an essential chore.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24If the loco's been cold,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27we light a small warming fire and take as long as we can to bring it
0:01:27 > 0:01:30round into steam, to allow the boiler to heat evenly.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35And, even off the footplate, there's a need for elbow grease.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Cleaning isn't just for cleaning's sake.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43All the oil and grease from the axle boxes and from the front end
0:01:43 > 0:01:46have all been thrown back over the rods.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49So again, just checking the centre of the wheel,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51where it joins the axle,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54to make sure there's no sign of movement here.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56The pressure is on.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Tornado needs to be in the form of its life.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03We're very confident that this engine will meet the challenge
0:02:03 > 0:02:05without a problem.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10Three days from now, the team will attempt a 100mph run.
0:02:11 > 0:02:18No-one has driven a steam engine at 100mph in this country since 1967.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22We are moving into an environment where we are asking people to do
0:02:22 > 0:02:24something that they've been trained for,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26but they haven't physically done.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32It will be a test of man and machine.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36And, while it has all the hallmarks of a thrilling tale
0:02:36 > 0:02:39from an adventure annual, there is a serious point.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Tornado's bread and butter living is made by running excursion trains
0:02:46 > 0:02:48around the country.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50Thousands rode behind it when it stormed along
0:02:50 > 0:02:53the Roof of England, on the Settle to Carlisle railway.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58We have, since the back end of the last century,
0:02:58 > 0:03:03run steam at 75mph, but, as people will be aware,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05the rail network has got busier and busier and busier.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08There are more fast express trains, there are more commuter trains,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10there are more freight trains.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14At 75mph, with the fact that steam doesn't accelerate as fast
0:03:14 > 0:03:16as a modern electric train,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20we are starting to run out of places that we can run the loco
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and to make it commercially viable.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27It costs hundreds of thousands of pounds to run Tornado every year.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30It's essential they can please passengers
0:03:30 > 0:03:32and still fit around other trains.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37A plan has been devised to prove Tornado can run regularly
0:03:37 > 0:03:39at up to 90mph.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Starting from Doncaster,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44the loco will haul a test train up the East Coast Main Line,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47pausing at York to take on water.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48Then they'll press on northwards,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52steadily increasing their top speed to hit 90.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Just outside of Newcastle, they'll stop and examine everything,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59making sure Tornado is running perfectly.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02After turning round, they'll dash south,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05with permission to try for 100mph.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07This is part of a test to show Tornado is safe,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09even when exceeding the speed limit.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13We want to run regularly at 90mph.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16We need to show that the locomotive operates satisfactorily
0:04:16 > 0:04:1810% over that speed.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21It's 99, but the point of 100 came from Network Rail,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25whose comment was, if we're going to authorise you at 99,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27we should authorise you at 100mph
0:04:27 > 0:04:29and not leave you like a batsman at the crease.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34The Tornado story itself is remarkable.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Every original locomotive of its type was scrapped.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39This left a gap in the family tree
0:04:39 > 0:04:42of East Coast Main Line motive power.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45To fill it, a group of enthusiasts clubbed together
0:04:45 > 0:04:47to build a brand-new one.
0:04:47 > 0:04:48Top this side up again...
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Working from a converted carriage shed in Darlington,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56they spent 18 years machining and making the parts.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02By the time the last bolts were tightened in 2008,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05the bill came to £3 million.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08But their efforts were rewarded.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13As the first new steam engine built for Britain's main line since 1960,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15it certainly caught the imagination.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20This engine is named Tornado,
0:05:20 > 0:05:25and may God bless all who are lucky enough to locomote behind her.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Since then, it has become a steam star
0:05:32 > 0:05:34but, to keep its place on the East Coast line,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36running faster is essential.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40And, back in Doncaster,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Tornado won't be going anywhere unless it passes the crucial
0:05:44 > 0:05:46fitness-to-run examination.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Every tap tells a story.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Every cranny could conceal a show-stopping problem.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Huw faces an anxious wait.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00We've got an independent examiner from DB Cargo,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02our train operating company,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05who is auditing our own engineering procedures.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07So I've got my own engineer going round the engine,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10making sure that everything is safe and secure.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12We check all the pins for security,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14check all the split pins are there, all secure.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16There's no loose legs, there's nothing loose.
0:06:18 > 0:06:2236 hours before the run, everything needs to work perfectly.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I'm beginning to feel happier.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34And out of sight can't mean out of mind.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37The locomotive is reversed over an inspection pit.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39We've got the three sets of valve gear and connecting rods
0:06:39 > 0:06:41on the outside - we've already examined them.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44This is the middle big-end, so that's flying round
0:06:44 > 0:06:46at a fair speed in here,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49really, so we want to make sure that the nuts and split pins are in place
0:06:49 > 0:06:50for those, as well, really.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55The inspection lasts for most of the day.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Eventually, though, they have in their hands a piece of paper -
0:07:00 > 0:07:02steam and speed in our time.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Tornado is good to go.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08This is all about confirming that the locomotive is safe
0:07:08 > 0:07:11and in a fit condition to be running on the main line.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14And we're all quite excited and looking forward to having a crack
0:07:14 > 0:07:17at that 90mph on Tuesday night.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21We are going into an element we've never had the like of at that speed,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24so as much as we can predict what it will do and we can measure what it
0:07:24 > 0:07:26will do, we don't know for sure.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30So this is where there's an element of excitement,
0:07:30 > 0:07:31but also caution.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36As Tornado accelerates, air will be drawn faster across the fire,
0:07:36 > 0:07:38making it burn hotter.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40It will eat coal,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and the fireman will have his work cut out to make enough steam.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46The driver will need plenty of power at his disposal.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51But, as the metalwork moves ever quicker, if anything overheats,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55it's game over. The lubrication systems are absolutely critical.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57This is a five-figure endeavour.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00If you take into account all the money we've spent so far
0:08:00 > 0:08:02on getting here, ready to do the test,
0:08:02 > 0:08:04it's a six-figure endeavour.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07So we have... You know, we have to succeed.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10Going further, faster,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14has been a recurring theme through railway history.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17The legends slumber in the great hall of the National Railway Museum,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20but before them all came Rocket.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23As soon as Rocket wins the Rainhill trials,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25speed becomes a major ingredient.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27People want to travel places.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30The railway gives you the ability to move long distances,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32but you don't want to spend forever doing it,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35and especially in third class, as they were then,
0:08:35 > 0:08:36it's quite an uncomfortable thing.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40So improving the journey time is really important.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44A century later, speed was the epitome of railway endeavour.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48In 1934, Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive
0:08:48 > 0:08:51to be officially driven at 100mph.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56Four years later, the world steam speed record was set by Mallard,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58at 126mph.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It has never been beaten.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04This is where we turn speed from a phenomenon for people
0:09:04 > 0:09:06into a science.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09A rolling laboratory called a dynamometer car
0:09:09 > 0:09:13was used to record accurate performance data for the first time.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17There is an umbilical cord between the locomotive and this car
0:09:17 > 0:09:20that's feeding back all sorts of variables.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23You need to understand what's going on,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25whether it's the track that you need to improve
0:09:25 > 0:09:27to make the train go faster, the braking.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30That's also something that was measured in this thing,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33the ability of the train to slow down from speed to stop.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41But, despite the advances, by the late '60s, steam was done,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44swept away by modernisation.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- ARCHIVE:- The fastest train in Britain,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49the Bristolian at times exceeds 100mph.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51It's sad to think that superb locomotives
0:09:51 > 0:09:54of the King and Coronation class must be superseded.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Drivers who know their ways and moods,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59as if the engines lived, are loathed to bid them goodbye.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00Southern Region, in 1967,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04there were numerous occasions where
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Bulleid Pacifics were clocked at 100mph plus,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09because they wanted go out in a blaze of glory,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11and the timings allowed them to do so.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15To prove steam can still cut it at speed,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18the obsession with measuring continues.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Tornado is being cabled up like a moon rocket.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27These are the accelerometers, so that's measuring vertical loads.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30That one there is measuring lateral loads.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Stability matters.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Tornado will naturally move from side to side,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37but too much and that's known as rough riding.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41It might be the track, or it could be a problem with the loco.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Meanwhile, the wheels and the rods which connect them
0:10:44 > 0:10:48will rain force downwards, just like the blow of a huge hammer.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51We've been able to balance Tornado much more thoroughly than
0:10:51 > 0:10:54any other steam engine's ever been able to be done,
0:10:54 > 0:10:58and that means that Tornado at 90mph produces
0:10:58 > 0:11:00less hammer blow than an A4,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03such as world-record holder Mallard, at 75mph.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07But we also have to look at this as nearly 170 tonnes of loco.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08When it arrives onto a ridge,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11the deflection forces and so on are very important indeed.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13As the vehicle moves up and down,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16the accelerometer sets to measure the two forces.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17If you get 1G, that's 1G
0:11:17 > 0:11:19upwards against gravity.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21So, at that point, you increase base.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24So, if we're getting to that sort of situation,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27there's a possibility the vehicle might become unstable
0:11:27 > 0:11:30and actually want to jump off the track. So that's a no-no, obviously.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31But, as part of the safety process,
0:11:31 > 0:11:35we have to go through the criteria to make sure it's safe to operate
0:11:35 > 0:11:37and doesn't actually exceed those levels.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43The data gathered on the test might help other steam engines run faster
0:11:43 > 0:11:44in future, too.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49And the heritage world is watching.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Steam Railway magazine are holding their presses,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54hoping to be first with history.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59This is really the big story, isn't it, so we can't really underplay it.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03Reporter Tony Streeter will join the train, writing his copy on the move.
0:12:03 > 0:12:09I've written about these things now for the best part of 20 years.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Um, never done anything quite like this.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16I cannot think of another locomotive anywhere in the world,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18another steam locomotive anywhere in the world,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21that will regularly run at 90mph.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25Yes, I think it will make it the fastest in the world,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27at least on a regular basis.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Green for the main line...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32But the East Coast Main Line is faster still.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37The modern electrics have a top speed of 125mph.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Even at a special one-off tonne,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42let alone the new planned maximum of 90,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Tornado will be outpaced.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51At Network Rail's London headquarters,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54word of the test train has reached the very top.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57The railway is the heart of the British economy.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01It creates economic growth, it creates jobs and it creates houses.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04And people have to travel in order to do that.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06But that's travel through necessity,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10and we would like people to also kindle their emotional
0:13:10 > 0:13:14and romantic side and actually feel that the railway is for them
0:13:14 > 0:13:16and that they are connected with it,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19and there's nothing like a steam locomotive to do that.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22If you're old, like me, you remember them when you were young.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24If you're not old like me,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26it's just something quite extraordinary
0:13:26 > 0:13:29when you see a steam locomotive passing by.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33At some point, somebody will be driving along on the motorway
0:13:33 > 0:13:37at 70mph and this thing will go tearing past them
0:13:37 > 0:13:38and leave them for dead.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42You know, what's the average car driver going to think when they see
0:13:42 > 0:13:46a steam train, of all things, doing a good 20mph more than they are?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48That engine's now ready.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50All the maintenance is done, all the preparation is done.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52We just need to get out there now.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55The time has come to hand over the star act
0:13:55 > 0:13:58to the train operating company, DB Cargo.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02The only thing now is waiting for the train crew and then we go.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05An experienced footplate crew has been hand-picked
0:14:05 > 0:14:06to meet the challenge.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Everything is going much faster, things happen more quickly,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13so their reactions are probably going to have to be quicker.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16They're going to have to react to how the engine's performing,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18what it's demanding of them.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21The run is taking place at night.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25The railway isn't as busy then, but it's also being kept a secret,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27so there isn't a problem with crowds of onlookers.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29We'll see how we do going north.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31We might run without the diesel on the back...
0:14:31 > 0:14:36As the gloom gathers, the whole team comes together for a last briefing.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Any questions?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Excellent, that is the correct answer.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- THEY CHUCKLE - Cheers, guys.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Hello, Jim. Are you all right, matey?- Good.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48And then the men of the hour arrive, the footplate crew.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Ahead of them, 230 miles of high-speed running into the night,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56and behind them, a tender full of eight tonnes of coal.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's a bit special. Yeah, should be good, though.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02We'll just see if we can do it. I think there's no problem.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04I cannae see any problems, you know.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10A moment years in the making has finally arrived.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12WHISTLE BLOWS
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Steam fills Tornado's cylinders.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Heads are turned as it drifts through Doncaster Station,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34and the test begins.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40The first stage of the journey to York should be routine,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43but, with the data analysts and invited guests on board,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45who know they're here for something special,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48it's not long before eyes are on clocks.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53I use a GPS to tell me how fast we're going these days.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55We used to do it by timing the mileposts,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57or by counting the rail beats.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02The numbers are already being crunched.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Pretty steady.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Before long, York is in sight.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12The plan is for a quick splash-and-dash water stop.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Word of the run is already out.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18It's kind of a thing in my family.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20We're all big steam train lovers,
0:16:20 > 0:16:22so I've kind of grown up with it since I was little.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24So any chance to come and see it,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27I hopped in the car and came here as fast as I could.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30We're taking about 2,500 gallons of water.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33It should take us between five and ten minutes,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36depending on how fast the tanker can fill us.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39We strive to achieve it in the fastest time we can, really.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Huw is joining the crew on the footplate
0:16:41 > 0:16:43for the next part of the run.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Ten more minutes of water, Lindsay, please.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50The plan is to take Tornado well above the usual 75 limit.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- 75 to Skelton. - Skelton to Tollerton.
0:16:53 > 0:16:5583. Tollerton to Thirsk.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- 90.- 90.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Before long, the loco is settling into its stride again,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20on a part of the East Coast line known as the racing stretch.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Northallerton comes and goes in a blur.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41WHISTLE BLOWS
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Slowly, Tornado nudges towards uncharted territory.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- 78.- It seems to be, if you feel it through the gauge...
0:17:49 > 0:17:53There are anxious moments as the speedo climbs towards 80.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55There are hints of rough riding.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Because it gets a little bit of a natural resonance, the loco.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01It's very low. We have seen one little anomaly,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05but a bit of bad track, so it's been a very stable run so far.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08It's Darlington.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17This is the fastest a Peppercorn Pacific has run
0:18:17 > 0:18:19since the end of steam.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23On board the train, journalist Tony Streeter is writing up the story.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26There will probably be discussions for evermore afterwards
0:18:26 > 0:18:29about exactly this bit or that bit, but that's a sign, I guess,
0:18:29 > 0:18:34of the importance that people are placing on what's happening tonight.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36And there's more to come...
0:18:37 > 0:18:40..as Tornado touches 90.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43It's been a phenomenal effort from the crew.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Back in 2013, a sister engine of world record-holder Mallard
0:18:47 > 0:18:50was allowed to go this fast, but no more.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55It's a bit early.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59But, as the lights of Durham come into view,
0:18:59 > 0:19:00the pace-setting is over for now.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04A few miles from here,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Tornado will turn off the main line
0:19:07 > 0:19:11into a depot just outside of Newcastle for a thorough inspection.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Handbrake on? - Yeah, handbrake's on.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Perfect. Cup of tea for you, then?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Well done, chaps. That was bloody superb, Tony.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33- Well done.- Thanks, mate.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Fastest I've ever been on a steam engine.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's the equivalent of a Formula 1 pit stop,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40albeit at a more measured pace.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44With the crew off the footplate, Huw can give the fire a once over.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47Yeah, that's the temperature
0:19:47 > 0:19:50of the middle eccentric there, at 40 degrees.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Meanwhile, David Wright
0:19:51 > 0:19:54is one of the first support crew members on the ground.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57We're confident with how it runs normally at 75,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59we know what it does,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01but 90's just that little edge more, really.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06On Tornado's motion alone, there are 14 oiling points to check.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10As the bearing's working, it's obviously using oil,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12and it's trying to draw air in.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14So in order for it to draw air in,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17we've basically got a cork with a bamboo cane through the middle.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20So then, as it's using oil, air's drawn in, replaces it,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22therefore we don't get a vacuum,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24therefore it's actually using the oil.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Having run 80 miles since York, another water tanker pumps
0:20:29 > 0:20:32thousands of gallons into Tornado's tender,
0:20:32 > 0:20:33ready for the next leg of the trip.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38She was waggling a bit at around the 80mph mark,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41but she settled down and was as good as gold.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44With some assistance from the gradients downhill on the way back,
0:20:44 > 0:20:49I reckon that magic 100 mile an hour is going to be in the bag.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50Here you are, Dave.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Graham will ride on the footplate back to York,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57and there's a new pair of hands on the shovel too.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- ON RADIO:- Are you ready to set off now towards Newcastle, over?
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Huw retires to the train.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04If Tornado does top the tonne,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07he'll confirm the on-board measurements with the footplate.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09WHISTLE BLOWS
0:21:14 > 0:21:17OK, that's us on our way back into Newcastle.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22First, though, the whole train is heading across the Tyne
0:21:22 > 0:21:24to turn around.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34It's 2:30am in the morning,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Britain's commuters are asleep.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42We're in a position to head off shortly, and, you know,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44we'll see what the future brings.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48It's calm and quiet, you know, it's a professional job.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50That's the point.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52We're not playing trains here.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Dave, remember there's plenty of downhill out of here,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57it will just blow its head off otherwise.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05On the way home, there are three places where they can clock 100,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07but to take heritage steam into a new realm,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10everything has to be in their favour.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14I've sent a message to the Network Rail Head of Operations North,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17and just said, "Greens all the way, please!"
0:22:22 > 0:22:26Tornado's staccato exhaust beats reverberate across the city.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28The crew are getting stuck in,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and, as requested, there's a clear road ahead.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Now everyone on board is watching a speedometer.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46At more than a mile a minute,
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Durham is quickly reached.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02She's going up, she's going up.
0:23:02 > 0:23:0481...
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Come on.
0:23:14 > 0:23:1796. Come on, come on, come on!
0:23:18 > 0:23:2097! Come on, come on!
0:23:20 > 0:23:25It's a post-'60s record, though not what they came for.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28How far to Aycliffe?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30About five miles.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34And at the Aycliffe curves, there's a speed restriction for all trains.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36There's no choice but to slow down.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Ease her back.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42No, don't shut off, just ease her back a bit on here.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45They're disappointed, but not beaten.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49We'll bring her round and we'll go again after Aycliffe.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52We're not very far from Darlington now,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55so the driver will be mindful of the 90 mile an hour
0:23:55 > 0:23:58over the voiding line at Darlington station.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Graham joins the fireman in shovelling,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04as they prepare for the next sprint.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07But a couple of miles later, there's bad news.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Why have we got two flashing yellows?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13They haven't got the green signal they were expecting.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Is that right?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Instead of going round Darlington station,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20for some reason they're being sent through it.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22The station?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25And that means slowing down again.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31A solitary member of staff gets an unexpected surprise.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37WHISTLE BLOWS
0:24:37 > 0:24:40A mournful lament on Tornado's chime whistle,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43their second chance at the tonne has just disappeared.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45We'll leave it now.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48When we get over the restriction the other side of Thirsk,
0:24:48 > 0:24:50we'll get through Thirsk,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54get past the neutral section, and then we'll go for it.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57We're now accelerating again.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02Unfortunately, we have another 75 at Northallerton to obey.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- TANNOY:- The approaching train is not scheduled to stop at this station.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Fast train approaching.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17It's still a spectacular sight,
0:25:17 > 0:25:21but another temporary speed restriction follows
0:25:21 > 0:25:23just down the line at Thirsk.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Now Tornado has to drop down to 50mph.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28They're running out of track and time.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Are we through the neutral section?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38It's all down to the final few miles before York.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- Like bending the handle...- Yeah.
0:25:42 > 0:25:4387.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Oh, 88.
0:25:45 > 0:25:4688...
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Come on!
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Keep going!
0:26:03 > 0:26:0595! 95.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Come on, girl!- Come on.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Oh, come on, come on!
0:26:13 > 0:26:14They've got 97.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Trailing wind, anything.- Anything.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Everyone, everyone jump up in the air.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27Yes! Whoo!
0:26:37 > 0:26:41To celebrate, the rarest of snaps for the album,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44a defining moment for Tornado and the crew.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46They're wonderful people, so they've done us proud.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Take her in, steady lads.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54The water stop at York beckons.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57I bet he's tired out, isn't he?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00He's been doing a lot of concentrating.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Anywhere there, Steve, anywhere there.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Well done, boys.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Don't want to do that again!
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Well done.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I hope she's all right after this.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27So do I.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33100mph is a big figure to achieve,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and it's incredibly symbolic.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42I think it's a milestone, and a real, real talisman for the future.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48I asked for a picture of the speedometer when it goes over 100.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49I think it's a really great thing to do.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53I would do it again, aye.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I don't know if Tornado would do it again, but...
0:27:56 > 0:27:58..it's been done anyway, so...
0:27:58 > 0:28:00THEY CHEER
0:28:00 > 0:28:02She was doing 100 mile an hour for 48 seconds.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05I think we can say it did 100mph.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08When we get it home, and it's all in one piece, then we can be proud.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12From a casual idea, to a titan of steam,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15from nought to 100,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Tornado has quickly garnered accolades.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Yes, there is a serious business here,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24but it's adventure that makes the heart race.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27There are still plenty of pages of that annual to fill.