A £3M project to build Britain’s first full-size steam locomotive in more than 50 years has entered its final stage – with a lick of paint.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s gleaming locomotive, Tornado, received its first coat of apple green paint, at the National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, yesterday.

It is expected that the paintwork will be completed by the end of this week.

Tornado made its maiden journey last month, and broke the 75mph speed limit on its debut by reaching 82mph.

A team from the trust, headed up by NRM expert Tony Filby, is working at full steam to paint No 60163, in readiness for its first passenger-carrying mainline run, on January 31.

Mr Filby’s said: “To be a part of this great moment in locomotive history is a real high point in my career and, as I retire in January, I can’t think of a more fitting swansong.”

“I didn’t think, when I started this job in 1975, that I would be painting a brand new locomotive built in Britain, so it’s a great pleasure.”

David Elliott, the trust’s director of engineering, said: “I can’t believe this moment has finally come, 18 years in the making and finally Tornado is getting her apple green livery.”

For more information about the trust, visit a1steam.com