Tornado rebuild

[60048]

I am a big fan of the A1 Steam Trust, but I think they have lost their way a bit with the sad loss of David Elliott, and Mark Allatt leaving the ranks there doesnt seem to be the right leadership from those at the top these days. Unfortunately, the lack of the Aberdonian is a clear example of that, over promising and under-delivering.

A friend of mine work with the railway press and apparently they were advised earlier this year of an ETCS day at the GCR Loughborough with Network Rail and the A1 Trust officials explaining how they have fitted ETCS, the challenges and showing what they have done. This was then cancelled three days before because the loco would not be ready. Given that the Tornado didnt move to the GCR until 24th May, one wonders who on earth in the trust thought the loco would ever be ready for a media day on 18th April.

Given that the SRPS fleet of coaches is also now on an operating agreement with LSL once its CDL fitted, I do wonder if we will see A1SLT Aberdonian trips again ... or will they be LSL operated with Blue Peter? I cannot see Vintage Trains taking ECS stock to Scotland for a trip and then bringing it back, its an expensive ECS working.

Richie

[Atlantic 3279]

Apologies for digressing from the pure Tornado theme, but having just read in the latest P2 bulletin a forecast of a FURTHER FOUR YEARS to finish the loco, I'm asking myself very seriously whether I would have been willing to contribute as a founder, as I did, had I known that the construction of the loco would be allowed to drag on for so long. I'm highly tempted to think that the trust has put too many irons in the fire simultaneously in recent years, with multiple appeals for funding for change of premises, track laying, support coach and so on, in addition to tinkering around with a start on a V4. It seems to me as if manpower and attention that ought to be concentrated on finishing the P2 project is being spread too widely and thinly, and a serious risk of causing donor-fatigue is being run.

[Mercator II]

Apologies for digressing from the pure Tornado theme, but having just read in the latest P2 bulletin a forecast of a FURTHER FOUR YEARS to finish the loco, I'm asking myself very seriously whether I would have been willing to contribute as a founder, as I did, had I known that the construction of the loco would be allowed to drag on for so long. I'm highly tempted to think that the trust has put too many irons in the fire simultaneously in recent years, with multiple appeals for funding for change of premises, track laying, support coach and so on, in addition to tinkering around with a start on a V4. It seems to me as if manpower and attention that ought to be concentrated on finishing the P2 project is being spread too widely and thinly, and a serious risk of causing donor-fatigue is being run.

I think you're not far off Graeme, from the dealing I have with them from a volunteer perspective is that too much is asked for too little return. I think the V4 will not happen, with the passing of Mr Elliott, a main stay and driving force, and an ever aging populous of those higher up, I don't see too many lining up to give their time freely for the amount of work required

Delays in Tornado has damaged the reputation of the trust, and lack of appearance in public has seen donators go else where let's face it, plenty of other new builds on the go, G5 & B17 in eastern spring to mind

They need to drive a good range of reasonable tours next year, accessible for all areas not just running the Aberdeen specials all summer plus a few others, to get the profile back up, thus hopefully driving more towards P2

Time will tell

[Hatfield Shed]

I am a big fan of the A1 Steam Trust, but I think they have lost their way a bit with the sad loss of David Elliott, and Mark Allatt leaving the ranks there doesnt seem to be the right leadership from those at the top these days...

As one who was unaware of all this, I can only say from my career experience that when leadership is replaced by leavership (whatever the causes) any organisation is dying on its feet: it's swift recovery at such a moment with fresh blood, or close the shop to avoid too much collateral damage.