We are here in the York Railway museum, home to some of our most prestigious railway engines. This is the Mallard, officially the World’s fastest Steam Locomotive. This powerful, aerodynamic masterpiece rocketed to 126mph in 1938, a steam speed record that was never surpassed. It has been on display here since 1975 after retiring from service in 1963 It last completed a run in July 1988 from Doncaster to Scarborough and back.

The need for speed
Mallard is an A4 class locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley. The A4s were built to power high-speed trains in the late 1930s, and their shape was honed in a wind tunnel to help them cut through the air as cleanly as possible—making speeds of 120mph and above possible. www.railwaymuseum.org.uk

The Pip, (adjacent photo-best full screen too) shows the cab view of the Mallard.

Best full screen.

Enjoy the day.