Press Office
National Railway Museum's historic reunion is a steaming success
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Mallard breaking the world speed record for steam traction on 3rd July 1938, the National Railway Museum (NRM) played host this weekend to one of the most spectacular sights in the history of steam locomotive preservation.
This weekend saw the NRM reuniting four magnificent A4 steam locomotives for the first time since their heyday by welcoming Bittern, Sir Nigel Gresley and Union of South Africa to stand side by side with the world record holding Mallard.
There are only six A4 locomotives remaining in the world – four in the UK, one in the USA and one in Canada, and it’s possible that the four UK based locomotives may never come together again, creating an amazing photo opportunity which wasn’t to be missed.
Andrew Scott, Director of the National Railway Museum, said,
“On 3 July 1938 Mallard, which usually takes pride of place in the NRM’s Great Hall, set a world speed record of 126mph that still stands today. Now, almost 70 years on, she has been reunited with her fellow class-mates once more. This phenomenal line-up offered the chance for everyone who is passionate about these engines to take part in the celebration of the record and be part of a spectacular event that will go down in history.”
Earlier in the week railway men David Court, Ronnie Walker and Ken Willetts visited the NRM to reminisce about their experiences of working on the footplate of a mighty A4 locomotive. As the driver and former firemen stepped aboard Mallard in the NRM’s Great Hall, they were able to share their first-hand knowledge of driving and firing an A4 locomotive at speed and provided a real idea of how driver Joe Duddington and fireman Tommy Bray pushed Mallard to the limit 70 years ago.
July 2008