LNER Class A4

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LNER Class A4
Up Capitals Limited express on the ECML at Wymondley, south of Hitchin 2282866.jpg
60009 Union of South Africa in 1951
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
Designer Nigel Gresley
BuilderLNER Doncaster Works
Build date1935–1938
Total produced35
Specifications
Configuration:
   Whyte 4-6-2
   UIC 2′C1′ h3
Gauge 4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Leading dia. 3 ft 2 in (0.965 m)
Driver dia.6 ft 8 in (2.032 m)
Trailing dia. 3 ft 8 in (1.118 m)
Length71 ft 38 in (21.650 m)
Width9 ft 0 in (2.743 m)
Height13 ft 1 in (3.988 m)
Loco weight102 long tons 19 cwt (230,600 lb or 104.6 t)
Total weight167 long tons 2 cwt (374,300 lb or 169.8 t)
Fuel type Coal
Fuel capacity8 long tons 0 cwt (17,900 lb or 8.1 t)
Water cap.5,000 imp gal (23,000 L; 6,000 US gal)
Boiler pressure250  psi (1.72  MPa)
Cylinders Three
Cylinder size 18.5 in × 26 in (470 mm × 660 mm)
Loco brake Vacuum
Train brakes Vacuum
60007, 60009 & 60019 have been fitted with air brakes [1]
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (140 km/h) in regular service (126.4 mph (203.4 km/h) maximum recorded)
Tractive effort 35,455  lbf (157.71  kN)
Career
Operators London and North Eastern Railway, British Railways
Class A4
Power classBR: 8P6F
Number in class35
NumbersLNER (until 1946/47): 2509–2512, 4462–4469, 4482–4500, 4900–4903;
LNER (from 1946/47): 1–34 (not in order);
BR: 60001–60034
Nicknames"Streak"
Locale East Coast Main Line
Withdrawn1942 (1), 1962–1966
Preserved 4488, 4489, 4464, 4496, 4498, 4468
DispositionSix preserved, remainder scrapped.

The LNER Class A4 is a class of streamlined 4-6-2 steam locomotive designed by Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern Railway in 1935. Their streamlined design gave them high-speed capability as well as making them instantly recognisable, and one of the class, 4468 Mallard, holds the record as the world's fastest steam locomotive. Thirty-five of the class were built to haul express passenger trains on the East Coast Main Line route from London Kings Cross via York to Newcastle, and later via Newcastle to Edinburgh, Scotland. They remained in service on the East Coast Main Line until the early 1960s when they were replaced by Deltic diesel locomotives; they themselves proving to be worthy successors to the A4s. [2] Several A4s saw out their remaining days until 1966 in Scotland, particularly on the Aberdeen – Glasgow express trains, for which they were used to improve the timing from 3.5 to 3 hours.

Contents

Overview

Gresley introduced the Class A4 locomotives in 1935 to haul streamlined Silver Jubilee trains between London King's Cross and Newcastle. The service was named in celebration of the 25th year of King George V's reign.

During a visit to Germany in 1933, Gresley had been inspired by high-speed streamlined Flying Hamburger diesel trains. The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) had considered purchasing similar trains for use from London to Newcastle but the diesel units of the time did not have sufficient passenger carrying capacity and the capital investment in the new technology was prohibitive.

Gresley was sure that steam could do equally well with a decent fare-paying load behind the locomotive. Following trials in 1935 in which one of his A3 Pacifics, No. 2750 Papyrus, recorded a new maximum of 108 mph (173.8 km/h) and completed the journey in under four hours, the LNER's Chief General Manager Ralph Wedgwood authorised Gresley to produce a streamlined development of the A3. [3] Initially four locomotives were built, all with the word 'silver' in their names. The first was 2509 Silver Link, followed by 2510 Quicksilver, 2511 Silver King and 2512 Silver Fox. During a press run to publicise the service, Silver Link twice achieved a speed of 112.5 mph (181.1 km/h), breaking the British speed record and sustained an average of 100 mph (160.9 km/h), over a distance of 43 mi (69.2 km). [4]

Following the commercial success of the Silver Jubilee train, other streamlined services were introduced: The Coronation (London-Edinburgh, July 1937) and the West Riding Limited (Bradford & Leeds-London & return, November 1937) for which more A4s were built.

Design

The A4 Pacifics were designed for high-speed passenger services. The application of internal streamlining to the steam circuit, higher boiler pressure and the extension of the firebox to form a combustion chamber all contributed to a more efficient locomotive than the A3; consumption of coal and water were reduced. A further design improvement was fitting a Kylchap double-chimney, first on 4468 Mallard in March 1938. The double-chimney improved the capability of the locomotives further, and the last three locomotives of the class (4901 Capercaillie, 4902 Seagull and 4903 Peregrine) were fitted with the Kylchap exhaust from new and the rest of the class acquired it in the late 1950s.

An unidentified A4, showing their original appearance with streamlined skirts covering the wheels. LNER A4.jpg
An unidentified A4, showing their original appearance with streamlined skirts covering the wheels.

The class was noted for its streamlined design, which not only improved its aerodynamics, increasing its speed capabilities, but also created an updraught to lift smoke away from the driver's line of vision, a problem inherent in many steam locomotives particularly those operated with short cut off valve events; fitting smoke deflectors was an alternative solution. [5] The distinctive design made it a particularly attractive subject for artists, photographers and film-makers. The A4 Class locomotives were known by trainspotters as "streaks".

The streamlining side skirts (valances) designed by Oliver Bulleid to aerofoil shape that were fitted to all the A4 locomotives, were removed during the Second World War to improve access to the valve gear for maintenance and were not replaced. [6] This apart, the A4 was one of few streamlined steam locomotive designs in the world to retain its casing throughout its existence. Many similar designs, including the contemporary Coronation Class, had their streamlining removed or cancelled to cut costs, simplify maintenance and increase driver visibility.

World record

Plaque on Mallard in commemoration of breaking the previous world speed record of 124.5 mph Mallard Record Plate 01.jpg
Plaque on Mallard in commemoration of breaking the previous world speed record of 124.5 mph

On 3 July 1938, 4468 Mallard - the first of the class to enter service with the Kylchap exhaust - pulling six coaches and a dynamometer car, set a world speed record (indicated by the dynamometer) of 126 mph (202.8 km/h). Gresley never accepted it as the record-breaking maximum. He claimed this speed could only have been attained over a few yards, though he was comfortable that the German speed record of 124.5 mph (200.4 km/h) had been surpassed. [7] Close analysis of the dynamometer roll (currently at the NRM) of the record run confirms that Mallard's speed did in fact exceed that of the German BR 05 002. [8] The Mallard record reached its maximum speed on a downhill run and failed technically in due course, whereas 05 002's journey was on level grade and the engine did not yet seem to be at its limit. [9] On the other hand, the German train was four coaches long (197 tons), but Mallard's train had seven coaches (240 tons). [9] One fact, often ignored when considering rival claims, is that Gresley and the LNER had just one serious attempt at the record, which was far from a perfect run with a 15 mph permanent way check just north of Grantham; despite this a record was set. [10] Gresley planned another attempt in September 1939, but was prevented by the outbreak of World War II. [11] Prior to the record run on 3 July 1938, it was calculated that 130 mph (210 km/h) was possible; Driver Duddington and LNER Inspector Sid Jenkins both said they might well have achieved this figure had they not had to slow for the Essendine junctions. [10]

At the end of Mallard's record run, the middle big end (part of the motion for the inside cylinder) ran hot (indicated by the bursting of a heat-sensitive "stink bomb" placed in the bearing for warning purposes), the bearing metal had melted and the locomotive had to stop at Peterborough rather than continue to London. [12] Deficiencies in the alignment of the Gresley-Holcroft derived motion meant that the inside cylinder of the A4 did more work at high speed than the two outside cylinders – on at least one occasion this led to the middle big end wearing to such an extent that the increased piston travel knocked the ends off the middle cylinder [13] – and this overloading was mostly responsible for the failure.[ citation needed ]

Performance in service

No other British steam locomotives have a longer or more consistent record of high speed running than the A4s. Instances of 100 mph running by them must exceed those of all other types combined, [14] though 90 mph running was a relatively rare event with steam traction, much less 100 mph. It should also be remembered that A4s operated on the East Coast Main Line which has more opportunities for high speed running (particularly Stoke Bank) than any other in the UK.

George Henry Haygreen (left) on his retirement day with Fireman Charlie Fisher George Haygreen (left) on his retirement day with Charlie Fisher.jpg
George Henry Haygreen (left) on his retirement day with Fireman Charlie Fisher

In August 1936 the Silver Jubilee train on the descent of Stoke Bank headed by 2512 Silver Fox driven by George Henry Haygreen achieved a maximum of 113 mph (181.9 km/h), then the highest speed attained in Britain with an ordinary passenger train. [15] The fastest recorded post-war speed with British steam was also recorded by an A4. This occurred on 23 May 1959 on the Stephenson Locomotive Society Golden Jubilee special when 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley achieved 112 mph when hauling 400 tons down Stoke Bank. The driver, Bill Hoole, had hoped for an attempt to beat Mallard's record but Alan Pegler, who was on the footplate and mindful of the risks, told him to ease off. [16]

Although A4s were primarily designed for high speed express work they were also capable of high power outputs. In 1940, 4901 Capercaillie exerted 2,200 drawbar horsepower on the straight and level track north of York when hauling 21 coaches (730 tons gross) at an average of 75.9 mph for 25 miles. [17] On W.A. Tuplin's method for grading steam locomotive performance based on both power output and duration of effort, this was the highest value ever achieved by any British locomotive, at Grade 26. [18]

The highest recorded power output from an A4 was 2,450 drawbar horsepower when Mallard herself was hauling 11 coaches (390 tons tare, 415 tons gross) up Stoke Bank at a sustained 80 mph in 1963. [19] O.S. Nock thought this performance superior to Mallard's world record run in 1938. An A4 with the same load on a "good run" would be doing about 50 to 60 mph at the summit of Stoke Bank. On a run on 8 September 1961 Mallard had its train travelling at 78 mph. [20]

Post-war history

No. 60034 Lord Faringdon hauling a train at Peterborough railway station in 1959. Peterborough North 3 geograph-2284111-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg
No. 60034 Lord Faringdon hauling a train at Peterborough railway station in 1959.

Although newer Pacifics had been introduced since the war and the streamlined locomotives were never reinstated, the A4s continued on top link duties, notably on the London to Edinburgh services.

Even after the war was over, the A4s still continued to perform non-stop services. In August 1948, 60028 Walter K. Whigham managed to perform a non-stop service run from King's Cross to Edinburgh, setting the record for distance travelled for 408.65 miles. It would hold this record until 4472 Flying Scotsman's visit to Australia in 1988. [21]

Improved methods of aligning the Gresley conjugated valve gear in the 1950s led to tighter tolerances for the bearings used within it and, consequently, to almost total eradication of the overloading of the middle cylinder.[ citation needed ] History repeated itself with the inside big end being replaced by one of the Great Western type, after which there was no more trouble, provided that maintenance routines were respected. [22]

The wholesale application of double Kylchap chimneys to the entire class was entirely due to the persistence of P. N. Townend, the Assistant Motive Power Superintendent at King's Cross from 1956. He, at first, met with considerable resistance from higher authority. When permission was eventually given, it was found that the economy obtained over the single chimney A4s was from six to seven pounds of coal per mile, which more than justified the expense of the conversion. [23]

These improvements led to greatly increased availability.

Locomotive data

Original LNER number [24] Final LNER numberBR numberDoncaster Works number [25] Original name (rename(s))Entered serviceWithdrawnNotes
2509 14600141818Silver Link7 September 193529 December 1962
251015600151819 Quicksilver 21 September 193525 April 1963
251116600161821Silver King5 November 193519 March 1965
251217600171823 Silver Fox 18 December 193520 October 1963
448223600231847 Golden Eagle 22 December 193630 October 1964
4483
(585)
24600241848 Kingfisher 26 December 19365 September 1966
4484
(586)
25600251849 Falcon 23 January 193720 October 1963
4485
(587)
26600261850 Kestrel
( Miles Beevor from November 1947)
20 February 193721 December 1965
4486
(588)
27600271851 Merlin 13 March 19373 September 1965
448728600281852 Sea Eagle
( Walter K. Whigham from October 1947)
20 March 193729 December 1962
4488 9600091853 Union of South Africa
( Osprey , its originally allocated name, during 1980s–90s due to opposition to apartheid [26] )
29 June 19371 June 1966Preserved
4489 10600101854 Woodcock
( Dominion of Canada from June 1937)
4 May 193729 May 1965Preserved
449011600111855 Empire of India 25 June 193711 May 1964
449112600121856 Commonwealth of Australia 22 June 193720 August 1964
4492 13600131857 Dominion of New Zealand 27 June 193718 April 1963
449329600291858Woodcock26 July 193720 October 1963
4494 3600031859 Osprey
( Andrew K. McCosh from October 1942)
12 August 193729 December 1962
449530600301860 Great Snipe
( Golden Fleece from September 1937)
30 August 193729 December 1962
4496 8600081861 Golden Shuttle
( Dwight D. Eisenhower from September 1945)
4 September 193720 July 1963Preserved
449731600311862 Golden Plover 2 October 193729 October 1965
4498 7600071863 Sir Nigel Gresley 30 October 19371 February 1966Preserved
44624600041864 Great Snipe
( William Whitelaw from July 1941)
10 December 193717 July 1966
446318600181865 Sparrow Hawk 27 November 193719 June 1963
4464 19600191866 Bittern 18 December 19375 September 1966Preserved
446520600201867 Guillemot 8 January 193820 March 1964
4466
(605)
6600061868 Herring Gull
( Sir Ralph Wedgwood from January 1944)
26 January 19383 September 1965
446721600211869 Wild Swan 19 February 193820 October 1963
4468 22600221870 Mallard 3 March 193825 April 1963Currently holds the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 mph (203 km/h), preserved
4469 1871 Gadwall
(Sir Ralph Wedgwood from March 1939)
30 August 19386 June 1942Damaged beyond repair by bomb on 29 April 1942.
44992600021872 Pochard
( Sir Murrough Wilson from April 1939)
12 April 19384 May 1964
45001600011873 Garganey
( Sir Ronald Matthews from March 1939)
26 April 193812 October 1964
490032600321874 Gannet 17 May 193820 October 1963
49015600051875 Capercaillie
( Charles H. Newton from September 1942)
(Sir Charles Newton from June 1943)
8 June 193812 March 1964
4902 33600331876 Seagull 28 June 193829 December 1962
4903 34600341877 Peregrine
( Lord Faringdon from March 1948)
1 July 193824 August 1966

The first four locomotives included the word 'silver' in their names because they were intended to haul the Silver Jubilee train. 2512 Silver Fox of this batch carried a stainless-steel fox near the centre of the streamline casing on each side, made by the Sheffield steelmakers Samuel Fox and Company. [27] The next batch of A4s were named after birds, particularly those that were fast flyers, Gresley being a keen bird-watcher. Five (4488–92) were named after British Empire countries to haul the new Anglo-Scottish Coronation train; and two (4495/6), intended to haul the new West Riding Limited, received names connected to the wool trade: Golden Fleece and Golden Shuttle. [28]

A rare gathering of three ex-LNER A4 locomotives at Grosmont, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, on 4 April 2008, as 60009 Union of South Africa, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60019 Bittern lined up at 7:30 am in preparation for service. A4s 20080404 NYMR 040a.jpg
A rare gathering of three ex-LNER A4 locomotives at Grosmont, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, on 4 April 2008, as 60009 Union of South Africa, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60019 Bittern lined up at 7:30 am in preparation for service.

4498 was the hundredth Gresley Pacific to be built and was named after him. Subsequently, some other A4s were later renamed, usually to names of directors of the LNER.

Withdrawal

One locomotive was withdrawn and scrapped after being damaged beyond repair in a German bombing raid on York on 29 April 1942 during World War II; this was No. 4469 Sir Ralph Wedgwood, which at the time had been overhauled and was based at Gateshead. It was running local trains to run it in and was stabled in York North Shed (now the National Railway Museum) where it suffered a direct hit; however, its tender survived and was later coupled to a Thompson A2/1.

The next five withdrawals, in December 1962, were: 60003 Andrew K. McCosh, 60014 Silver Link, 60028 Walter K. Whigham, 60030 Golden Fleece and 60033 Seagull. The rest of the class was withdrawn between 1963 and 1966. The last six in service were: 60004 William Whitelaw, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, 60009 Union of South Africa, 60019 Bittern, 60024 Kingfisher and 60034 Lord Faringdon. 60019 and 60024 were the last to be withdrawn in September 1966.

YearQuantity in
service at
start of year
Quantity
withdrawn
Locomotive numbersNotes
19423514469Destroyed by bomb.
196234560003/14/28/30/33
1963291060008/13/15/17/18/21/22/25/29/3260008/22 preserved.
196419760001/02/05/11/12/20/23
196512660006/10/16/26/27/3160010 preserved.
19666660004/07/09/19/24/3460007/09/19 preserved.

Preservation

Six of the locomotives have been preserved; three of them were assigned to sheds in Scotland after the closure of King's Cross shed (34A) to steam in 1964.[ citation needed ] Four A4s are in the UK and have run on the BR main lines at some point during their preservation career. Another two (Dominion of Canada and Dwight D. Eisenhower) were donated to the Canada and the US, respectively, upon withdrawal by British Railways. Both North American-based A4s, along with the other three British-based A4s were moved to the National Railway Museum, York, in late 2012 on three-year loans as part of the NRM's 2013 celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Mallard breaking the world speed record for steam, bringing all six preserved A4s together. [29] During 2013, 4464 'Bittern' underwent a series of high-speed runs, partly in commemoration of Mallards' record, partly to see if mainline speeds for certain heritage steam locomotives could be increased (The current maximum is 75 mph.). During the "Tyne Tees Streak" run, Bittern broke its own 91 mph speed record set just a few months prior by reaching a maximum speed of 93 mph (149.7 km/h).

From 2015 to 2020, Union of South Africa was the only A4 operational with a valid mainline certificate until it expired in 2020; 60007 was withdrawn for overhaul on 20 September 2015 and 4464 operated until the end of 2015 at the Watercress Line when it was withdrawn and placed on static display in 2018 Crewe. Union of South Africa was withdrawn in October 2021 due to boiler issues and with the coming expiration of its boiler certificate in early 2022. Sir Nigel Gresley returned to the mainline on 21 April 2022 and worked its inaugural railtour on 21 May 2022 following the completion of its major overhaul. As of 2023, 5 of 6 surviving A4's are on static display, the only working one being 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. [30] 60019 is planned to be moved from Margate to North Yorkshire for a mainline standard overhaul in 2024. [31]

Loco numbers in bold mean their current number.

ImageNumbersNameBuiltWithdrawnService lifeHome baseCurrent liveryCorridor tenderOwnerConditionNotes
Original LNER numberLNER 1946BR number
4464 Bittern at Kidderminster (3).jpg 4464 1960019 Bittern Dec 1937Sept 196628 years, 8 months Crewe LNWR LNER Garter BlueYes Jeremy Hosking [ citation needed ]Static DisplayLast to be withdrawn alongside 60024 Kingfisher.

Currently in LNER Garter Blue livery and static display at the former Hornby factory in Margate, Kent.

Planned to be moved to North Yorkshire for overhaul in 2024. [31]

Number 4468 Mallard in York.jpg 4468 2260022 Mallard Mar 1938Apr 196325 years, 1 month National Railway Museum LNER Garter BlueNoNational CollectionStatic displayFirst to enter preservation.

Was operational between 1986 and 1988.

60009 Union of South Africa at Condover 01.jpg 44889 60009 Union of South Africa ( Osprey 1988–1990)June 1937June 196628 years, 11 months Thornton Yard BR Brunswick Green, late crestYes John Cameron [ citation needed ]Static displayWithdrawn from service on 5 October 2021 due to boiler issues and boiler ticket expiry in early 2022.

Due to controversial and political issues in South Africa in the 1980s involving racial apartheid the engine was renamed to Osprey, it returned to its original name in the 1990s.

Dominionofcanada4489.jpg 4489 1060010 Dominion of Canada (originally Woodcock until June 1937)May 1937May 196528 years Canadian Railway Museum LNER Garter BlueYesCanadian Railway MuseumStatic display in Canada.Originally planned to be named Buzzard, but was changed to Woodcock and then changed to Dominion of Canada. [32] [33] The name Woodcock was given to engine No. 4493.
LNER 4-6-2 A4 Class No 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower (8500183898).jpg 44968 60008 Dwight D. Eisenhower (originally Golden Shuttle until September 1945)Sept 1937Jul 196325 years, 10 months National Railroad Museum BR Brunswick Green, late crestNoNational Railroad MuseumStatic display in the USA.Originally planned to be named Sparrow Hawk but was named Golden Shuttle instead and was eventually renamed to Dwight D Eisenhower. The name Sparrow Hawk was used for engine No. 4463. [34]
Hugh llewelyn 60007 (5371152920).jpg 44987 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley Oct 1937Feb 196628 years, 3 months North Yorkshire Moors Railway BR Express Passenger Blue, early emblem [35] YesSir Nigel Gresley Locomotive TrustOperational, Boiler Ticket Expires: 2032.Moved to the Severn Valley Railway for test running and a planned appearance at the April Spring Steam Gala.

Worked Inaugural railtour on 21 May 2022. [30]

Models

The distinctive shape of the A4 has made it an obvious choice for model manufacturers, with examples being made in the majority of the popular scales, including a wooden example for the Brio wooden railway[ citation needed ]. One of the first two Hornby Dublo locomotive models produced, in 1938, was an A4. [36] In 1999 a 'Super Detail' Hornby A4 was released,[ citation needed ] later complemented by a budget 'Railroad' model[ citation needed ] Hornby also produced an 'OO'-scale live steam version in September 2003, that used an electrically heated boiler to produce steam – not previously possible in such a small model. Trix produced an 'OO' scale model A4 from 1970; it was re-branded as a Liliput model in 1974 and survives to this day in modified form as a Bachmann model – Kader, Bachmann's parent company, had bought Liliput in 1993. [37] Dapol currently produce several versions of the A4 class in N gauge [38] and have also expanded their Black label range to include the A4 class as well. [39]

Notes

  1. Fox, Peter; Hall, Peter; Pritchard, Robert (2007). Preserved Locomotives of British Railways (Twelfth edition). Platform 5, Sheffield. ISBN   978-1-902336-57-2.
  2. Marsden, Richard. "The Gresley A4 Pacifics". LNER Encyclopedia. Winwaed Software Technology LLC. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  3. Hughes, Geoffrey (2001). Sir Nigel Gresley: The Engineer and his Family. The Oakwood Press. pp. 128–129. ISBN   0-85361-579-9.
  4. Nock, O.S.: The Locomotives of Sir Nigel Gresley (London: The Railway Publishing Co., 1945) p. 129
  5. Locomotive Practice & Performance by Cecil J Allen p. 56
  6. Robertson, Kevin: The Leader Project: Fiasco or Triumph? (Oxford: Oxford Publishing Company, 2007) ISBN   0-86093-606-6
  7. Hughes, Geoffrey (2001). Sir Nigel Gresley: The Engineer and his Family. The Oakwood Press. p. 147. ISBN   0-85361-579-9.
  8. Speed on the East Coast Mainline p64, P Semmens
  9. 1 2 "Fastest Steam Locomotive". www.germansteam.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 April 2006.
  10. 1 2 Boddy, Neve & Yeadon 1973 , p. 125
  11. Boddy, Neve & Yeadon 1973 , p. 126
  12. Boddy, Neve & Yeadon 1973 , pp. 103, 126
  13. Allen, CJ, "Two Million Miles of Train Travel", ISBN   0-7110-0298-3
  14. Locomotive Performance by R Nelson, p. 12
  15. Jones, Robin (2013). Mallard 75. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group Ltd. p. 54. ISBN   978-1-909128-15-6.
  16. Speed on the East Coast Main Line by P Semmens, pp. 90–92
  17. Locomotive Practice & Performance by Cecil J Allen, p. 153. Original run published in Railway Magazine, September 1940. [ page needed ]
  18. British Steam since 1900, W.A. Tuplin, George Allen and Unwin / Pan Books [ page needed ]
  19. Nock, O.S. (1985). British Locomotives of the 20th Century vol 3: 1960–the present day. London: Guild Publishing/Book Club Associates. pp. 89–91. CN9613.
  20. Farr, Keith (July 2013). Pigott, Nick (ed.). "Practice & Performance: New Light on ... Mallard the Magnificent". The Railway Magazine. Vol. 159, no. 1347. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. pp. 16–17. ISSN   0033-8923.
  21. Marsden, Richard. "The Gresley A4 Pacifics". LNER Encyclopedia. Winwaed Software Technology LLC. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  22. Scott, Ron; Reed, Brian (1971). "Gresley A4s". Loco Profile. No. 19. Berks UK: Profile Publications. p. 166.
  23. Rogers, Col. H.C.B., Thompson & Peppercorn Locomotive Engineers (Ian Allan, London UK 1979 ISBN   0-7110-0910-4.) p.52
  24. The ABC of L.N.E.R. Locomotives (Renumbering Edition), Ian Allan, 1946
  25. Boddy, Neve & Yeadon 1973 , fold-out sheet inside rear cover
  26. "Union of South Africa locomotive to steam into Shildon". BBC. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  27. Boddy, Neve & Yeadon 1973 , p. 120
  28. Boddy et al. 1963 , p. 52
  29. "BBC News – Mallard 'sister locomotives' arrive at Liverpool docks". bbc.co.uk. 3 October 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  30. 1 2 "Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Members Tour (Crewe - Carlisle)". RailAdvent. 12 May 2022.
  31. 1 2 "Steam locomotive 60019 Bittern set for overhaul in North Yorkshire". RailAdvent. 9 June 2023.
  32. "History is made as A4 locos reunite at York". York Mix. 3 July 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  33. "60010 Dominion of Canada (LNER 4489, LNER 591, LNER 10 & BR 60010)". Preserved British Steam Locomotives. WordPress.com. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  34. "60008 Dwight D Eisenhower (LNER 4496, LNER 598, LNER 8 & BR 60008)". Preserved British Steam Locomotives. WordPress.com. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  35. Holden, Michael (24 January 2023). "Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley unveiled in blue livery". RailAdvent. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  36. "LNER 4-6-2 'Sir Nigel Gresley' Class A4". Hornby Railways . Archived from the original on 1 February 2010.
  37. Ramsay, John; Hammond, Pat (2002) [1998]. King, John (ed.). Ramsay's British Model Trains Catalogue (3rd ed.). Felixstowe: Swapmeet Publications. pp. 298, 302, 33. ISBN   0-9528352-7-4.
  38. "Dapol A4". www.ngaugeforum.co.uk.
  39. "Dapol Black Label A4 – Dapol". rmweb.co.uk.

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LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard is a 4-6-2 ("Pacific") steam locomotive built in 1938 for operation on the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works to a design of Nigel Gresley. Its streamlined, wind tunnel tested design allowed it to haul long distance express passenger services at high speeds. On 3 July 1938, Mallard broke the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 mph (203 km/h), which still stands today.

LNER Class A4 4488 <i>Union of South Africa</i> LNER Class A4 steam locomotive built in Doncaster in 1937

60009 Union of South Africa is a LNER Class A4 steam locomotive built at Doncaster Works on 16 April 1937. It is one of six surviving A4s. Its mainline certification expired in April 2020. As the locomotive is subject to a boiler inspection, it was moved to the East Lancashire Railway as the original plan was to keep it running there until the end of boiler certificate and then send it somewhere else for static display, but a cracked boiler tube forced it into retirement prematurely. It was briefly renamed Osprey during part of the 1980s and 1990s due to political opposition against apartheid in South Africa at the time.

<i>Silver Jubilee</i> (train) London and North Eastern Railway train

The Silver Jubilee was a named train of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) that ran between 1935 and 1939.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class V2</span>

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class V2 2-6-2 steam locomotives were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for express mixed traffic work, and built at the LNER shops at Doncaster and Darlington between 1936 and 1944. The best known is the first of the class, 4771 Green Arrow, which is the sole survivor of the class.

LNER Class A4 4496 <i>Dwight D Eisenhower</i> Preserved LNER Class A4 locomotive

60008 Dwight D Eisenhower is an LNER Class A4 steam locomotive named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, the United States General of the Army.

LNER Class A4 4464 <i>Bittern</i> One of the 35 built of the A4 steam engine class

4464Bittern is a London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class A4 steam locomotive. Built for the LNER and completed on 18 December 1937 at Doncaster Works as works number 1866, it received number 4464. After that it was renumbered 19 on 16 August 1946 under the LNER 1946 renumbering scheme, and finally 60019 by British Railways on 10 October 1948, after nationalisation. Of the 35 strong class, it is one of six to survive into preservation but it is one of only two currently scheduled to be certified for mainline use.

LNER Class A4 4498 <i>Sir Nigel Gresley</i> Preserved LNER Class A4 locomotive

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is an LNER Class A4 4-6-2 ("Pacific") steam locomotive built to a design of Sir Nigel Gresley in 1937 at Doncaster Works for operation on the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). The locomotive holds the post-war speed record for steam locomotives on British Railways. The locomotive was withdrawn from service in 1966 and purchased for preservation the same year; it is one of six A4s to be preserved.

LNER Class A4 4489 <i>Dominion of Canada</i>

4489 Dominion of Canada is an LNER Class A4 steam locomotive. It is a 4-6-2 locomotive built to the same design by Sir Nigel Gresley as the more famous Mallard. There were 35 A4 locomotives built in total. Originally numbered 4489, it was renumbered 10 on 10 May 1946, under the LNER 1946 renumbering scheme of Edward Thompson and, after nationalisation in 1948, British Railways added 60000 to its number so it became 60010 on 27 October 1948. It was renumbered back to 4489 following a cosmetic restoration at the National Railway Museum in York during late 2012 and early 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Peppercorn Class A1</span> Class of British 4-6-2 locomotives

London and North Eastern Railway's (LNER) Peppercorn Class A1 is a class of 4-6-2 "Pacific" steam locomotives built between 1948 and 1949 at Doncaster and Darlington Works to a design of Arthur Peppercorn. Forty-nine were built for hauling express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line owned by LNER's successor, British Railways' North Eastern Region. None of the original 49 Peppercorn A1s survived into preservation, with the last being scrapped in 1966. The 50th Peppercorn A1, 60163 Tornado, was completed in 2008 as an evolved member of its class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Gresley Classes A1 and A3</span> Class of 4-6-2 pacific locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley

The London and North Eastern Railway Gresley Classes A1 and A3 locomotives represented two distinct stages in the history of the British 4-6-2 "Pacific" steam locomotives designed by Nigel Gresley. They were designed for main line passenger services and later express passenger services, initially on the Great Northern Railway (GNR), a constituent company of the London and North Eastern Railway after the amalgamation of 1923, for which they became a standard design. The change in class designation to A3 reflected the fitting to the same chassis of a higher pressure boiler with a greater superheating surface and a small reduction in cylinder diameter, leading to an increase in locomotive weight. Eventually all of the A1 locomotives were rebuilt, most to A3 specifications, but no. 4470 was completely rebuilt as Class A1/1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class A4 2509 Silver Link</span>

LNER Class A4 2509 Silver Link was a 4-6-2 "Pacific" built in 1935 for the London and North Eastern Railway. It was the first of the Streamlined Class A4s built to haul express passenger trains on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). 2509 was one of four A4s to be painted in a special silver livery to pull a new train called the Silver Jubilee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class B17</span> Class of LNER 4-6-0 steam locomotives

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class B17, also known as "Sandringham" or "Footballer" class was a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive designed by Nigel Gresley for hauling passenger services on the Great Eastern Main Line. In total 73 were built.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class P2</span> Class of 6 three-cylinder 2-8-2 locomotives

The London and North Eastern Railway Class P2 was a class of 2-8-2 steam locomotives designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for working heavy express trains over the harsh Edinburgh to Aberdeen Line. As they were to serve on Scottish expresses, they were given famous names from Scottish lore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Thompson Class A1/1</span>

The LNER Class A1/1 consisted of a single 4-6-2 "Pacific" express passenger locomotive rebuilt in 1945 from an A1 class locomotive, by Edward Thompson. It was intended as the prototype of a new design of pacific locomotives improving the A4 design of Thompson's predecessor Sir Nigel Gresley. No further examples were built due to Thompson's retirement in 1946.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GNR Class H3</span> Class of 65+10 British 2-6-0 locomotives

The Great Northern Railway Class H2 and H3 was a class of 2-6-0 steam locomotive designed for mixed-traffic work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Thompson Class A2/1</span>

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) Thompson Class A2/1 was a class of 4-6-2 steam locomotives built at Darlington locomotive works during 1944. They were originally ordered as Class V2 locomotives, as designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, but were revised during construction into a 4-6-2 'Pacific' arrangement under the instruction of Edward Thompson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class A4 4902 Seagull</span>

LNER Class A4 4902 Seagull was one of 35 Doncaster built LNER Class A4 Gresley Pacific steam locomotives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class A4 60034 Lord Faringdon</span>

LNER Class A4 60034 Lord Faringdon was one of 35 Doncaster built Class A4 Gresley Pacific steam locomotives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LNER Class A3 2750 Papyrus</span> Express steam locomotive

LNER Class A3 2750 Papyrus was a 4-6-2 "Pacific" steam locomotive built for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works to a design of Nigel Gresley, entering service in March 1929. Primarily used to haul express passenger trains on the East Coast Main Line by LNER and its successor, British Railways, it is notable for achieving what was at the time a world record-breaking speed for a steam locomotive of 108 mph on 5 March, 1935. A fictionalized account based on the locomotive's service history and speed record, 2750: Legend of a Locomotive by H.C. Webster, was published in 1953 and reprinted in 2016.

References