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Trains in most of SE England run from a 660Vdc third rail and new trains all have electrical equipment under the floor. This is a recipe for complete network closure in extreme weather conditions.
http://www.a1steam.com/images/storie...rst_211209.jpg
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8428097.stm
http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?opt...ews&Itemid=123
(Incidentally, it's so much easier to post on the Island than on the Zed but I did give it another try today).
"The new Peppercorn class A1 pacific’s 1940s technology was able to withstand the snow and ice that brought much of Southern England to a standstill and hauled ‘The Cathedrals Express’ from London Victoria to Dover and back."
Not entirely correct, while any steam locomotive (and there are several operating in the UK) can operate under such conditions and supply heat and light to the coaches only Tornado having modern technology added it is the only one certified for mainline operation. All others in the UK and US must incorporate a protection Diesel when operated on the main, the exception is when operated on private excursion railroads.
I'll bet there were Diesels doing the very same thing but being what it is Tornado got all the attention. It has been the star of the show since its very first test run and no wonder, it is the only A1 in existence since the last was scrapped leaving a gaping hole in the Pacific Class. Great bit of PR work lads, bravo! Here it is on a test run in primer grey with http://www.a1steam.com painted on the tender before it was finished in classic BR green.