Mallard and The Great Gathering at York

126mph – Mallard and the A4's

“Not many people know this … ?”

On July 3^rd 1938, A4 Class Mallard clocked 126mph along the East Coast Main Line and broke the world steam speed record – one that still stands today.

Mallard was the 28^th of the 35, A4 Class 4-6-2 express steam locos, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley – completed in March 1938 at a cost of £8,500. It had several design improvements from earlier A4s, particularly the double chimney to aid steaming.

The streamlining was supposedly developed in a wind tunnel, sweeping the smoke exhaust away from the cab windows. Internally, the boiler operated at a higher than normal pressure and careful shaping of the steam pipes ensured the 3 pistons worked more efficiently.

Queueing to get into the NRM

 

The Great Gathering of the last six A4s in existence

 

 

Historic photo – by No.4468 Mallard

 

Dominion of Canada, in a cosmetic paint job, was brought over from Montreal

 

Dwight D Eisenhower, also repainted, was brought over from Wisconsin, USA

 

No.6007, Sir Nigel Gresley is based on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is in full running order. Seen here in BR blue livery

 

 

Union of South Africa, in BR green livery, runs excursions on the main line (we saw it at Crewe Heritage Centre – see link)

 

Bittern in BR blue livery – runs on the main line

 

Bittern with the streamline side valances

 

The original technical drawings 

 

Just wonderful!