There was excitement on the tracks in Boston this morning as crowds gathered to witness the annual arrival of a true railway spectacle – the Jolly Fisherman excursion train, hauled by the iconic Tornado steam locomotive.
The special service, operated by The Railway Touring Company, runs once a year from London Kings Cross to the seaside resort of Skegness and is a firm favourite among rail enthusiasts and nostalgic travellers alike. This year’s journey saw diesel locomotive 47802 leading the 10-carriage train, with the magnificent 60163 Tornado coupled to the rear for the return leg to the nations capital.
The train passed through Boston at around 11:30am, drawing large numbers of spectators who lined the platforms at Boston railway station and surrounding areas, including the Sluice Bridge, to catch a glimpse of the powerful locomotive in action. Phones and cameras were raised in unison as the sleek green engine made its stately entrance into the town, its presence marked by a sense of reverence and excitement.
Tornado is no ordinary steam engine. Built from scratch by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and completed in 2008, it became the first new main line steam locomotive constructed in the UK since 1960. Designed to replicate the legendary Peppercorn A1 class of the 1940s, Tornado has captivated the public imagination for over 15 years and continues to be a star attraction on the country’s rail network.
Beyond its heritage appeal, Tornado boasts a remarkable résumé. It has hauled the Royal Train, starred in the family film Paddington 2, and featured on television shows including Top Gear. In 2017, it made headlines by becoming the first steam locomotive in the UK to reach 100mph in over half a century, during a landmark test run that rekindled the magic of Britain’s steam-powered past.
The Jolly Fisherman excursion is named after Skegness’s famous seaside mascot and offers passengers a chance to experience the romance of vintage rail travel, complete with the nostalgic sights, sounds and smells of steam. For the people of Boston, the train’s annual visit provides a moment of shared joy and an opportunity to celebrate the town’s role in this picturesque journey to the coast.
As the train gently departed, heading north toward the Lincolnshire coast, children waved, enthusiasts cheered, and many were left reflecting on the enduring power of steam to bring generations together — if only for a fleeting moment.
The Tornado is expected to return later today as the Jolly Fisherman completes its round trip back to the capital, once again passing through Boston and thrilling spectators along the route.
