ENTHUSIASTS who have followed the Tornado story from dream to reality would have been dismayed when a few weeks ago it was revealed that the great locomotive had been taken out of service during the peak summer revenue-earning season due to problems with its boiler.

I am delighted to learn that the damage is not too serious and repairs are about to commence.

Tornado should be back on the East Coast Main Line next month hauling a special train from King’s Cross to York and back.

However, it could be the end of October before she once again returns to her birthplace when she storms north from Doncaster to Edinburgh with The Royal Borderer. I can’t wait.

David Lacey, Durham.