Tornado Heads to Cornwall This Sunday – But It’s Not Just for the Trainspotters

Published On: 21 May 2025Last Updated: 21 May 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Tornado running on the Settle and Carlisle Line. - Copyright Shep Woolley

Record-breaking steam engine to appear in St Blazey as MPower Cornwall makes final push for new training centre

Britain’s famous steam locomotive ‘Tornado’ will be in Cornwall this Sunday, 25th May, helping to raise the final funds needed to launch a new engineering training centre in St Blazey.

The new facility is being developed by MPower Cornwall C.I.C. (‘MPower’), a social enterprise focused on practical engineering and construction skills, with plans to open its doors in September.

A New Home for Hands-On Learning

The training centre will sit at the heart of Cornwall’s rail network, making it accessible to people from across the Duchy by public transport. The project is especially aimed at children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a focus on STEM education.

MPower’s training will take place around the Grade II* listed railway turntable in St Blazey, restored in 2023 by the group. That restoration provided hands-on experience for NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) volunteers under the guidance of experienced engineering mentors.

The turntable was officially reopened by the world-renowned ‘Flying Scotsman’, and now serves as the centrepiece of MPower’s plan to deliver real-world skills training.

📷Emma and Kieran receive instruction from Alan on Turntable Maintenance

Final Push for Funding

‘Tornado’ will arrive in Cornwall pulling the ‘Royal Duchy’ excursion train from Bristol to Par, stopping at MPower’s site at around 2pm. The locomotive will stay for around 90 minutes while it is turned and prepared for the return journey.

MPower is using the visit to help raise the remaining £75,000 needed to complete the site’s secure fencing and safety upgrades before the September launch. A CrowdFunder will be launched in early June.

During Sunday’s visit, teas and coffees will be available with donations going towards a new community defibrillator on St Blazey Road. Stewards will be on hand to explain more about the MPower project.

To find out more or contribute to the campaign, visit www.mpowerkernow.org.uk or email the team at community@mpowerkernow.org.uk.

📷Emma Helping with Turntable Maintenance

Backing from Industry

The project has already gained support from major civil engineering firm BAM, which has provided financial backing, materials and professional support.

“The help we have received recently, particularly from BAM, has been invaluable,” said Duncan Mitchell, founder and CEO of MPower. “They have given us significant financial backing, as well donating materials and providing professional support. However, to enable MPower to complete the work and enable young people under the age of 18 to access the site from September, we still require in the region of £75,000, and will be launching our Crowd-Funder in early June to achieve this. The funding will also help with our ambition to provide community access on special occasions in future.”

BAM’s Director for Rail, Richard Watts, said: “MPower should act as inspiration to industry of what can be achieved to bring much needed skills and resource into this crucial yet demanding economic sector. Attracting and retaining young and new engineering talent is doubtless going to be an industry imperative and is singularly one of the biggest challenges of the next decade in engineering.”

Changing Lives, Not Just Careers

Cornwall has one of the highest proportions of NEET young people in Europe. Duncan says the training centre will offer an alternative route to success.

“There is a pressing need for vocational training in order to address the UK’s technical skills shortage,” he said. “By introducing people to basic technical concepts and practical learning at an early age, we can spark their passion for engineering and construction, and build a skilled workforce for the future.”

MPower’s first success stories are already emerging. Austen, a former NEET volunteer, completed a Level 2 engineering course with distinctions and now works full-time as a welder while studying for an HND in Engineering.

The programme has also partnered with training providers such as Cornwall Marine Academy to develop progressive vocational pathways into skilled technical careers.

“Together, we can empower young people with skills that will benefit them, industry, and society as a whole for generations,” said Duncan.

📷Josh, Zack and Tom Receive Instruction in the use of Gas Cutting Equipment from Kev and Ian

A Rare Sight in Cornwall

The visit from 60163 ‘Tornado’ will be a rare treat for steam enthusiasts. Entering service in 2008, Tornado is the first and only brand new mainline steam locomotive built in the 21st century.

It is expected to arrive at the St Blazey turntable at 2pm and will remain on site for around 90 minutes.

Find out more and support the appeal at www.mpowerkernow.org.uk.