Doesn't time Fly!

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted anything, although, to be honest, not much has changed in that time.

I still haven't had the chance to get to York, and it looks like I won't get the opportunity between now and Christmas. This is so frustrating, especially seeing reports of the mainline trials in the newspapers and on the website. Still, there's always next year and, if the newspaper reports are correct, I might get the chance to see her when she'll eventually be taken through the Channel Tunnel for testing in Germany (NOT under her own steam, I hasten to add - we've already had one fire in the tunnel this year. I don't think that Euro Tunnel would want another fire..... EVER!)

Tornado has already reached 75 mph in the UK but speed restrictions here prevent her from going faster. However, if I understand correctly, Deutsche Bahn has given permission for Tornado to go much faster. It would be nice if Tornado eventually broke Mallard's speed record, but so much nicer if the record could be broken here......

Anyway, back to Railway covers. The Main Line Tests have been completed, and Tornado is now in the paint shops in York, being painted in the LNER Apple Green livery. We are hoping to get the covers ready for despatch in the next few weeks - but we certainly want them to be out in time for Christmas.

I have heard that further covers are planned for next year, with new designs, for various "firsts" like the first passenger train. I only heard this morning, so I don't know anything more at the moment.

This might be my last post for this year so, in case I don't have any more news for you between now and then, have a very Merry Christmas.

Sarah

P.S. For the younger rail enthusiasts (and the young at heart!) I can confirm that we WILL be producing a cover for the 50th Anniversary of Ivor the Engine, a great little train of Wales......! Again, no designs have been finalised yet, so more will be known in the New Year, but we are working with Peter Firmin, one of Ivor's creators, to produce a cover. It will also be a fundraiser for one of Peter Firmin's nominated charities.