| Date | Text | |
|---|---|---|
03 Jul 1938
Fastest steam locomotive |
Fastest steam locomotive In 1938, the Mallard was documented as the world's fastest steam locomotive travelling at 126 mph (202-km/h) at milepost 90ΒΌ, on straight, slightly downhill tracks, between Little Bytham and Essendine, on the East Coast Main line of the London and North Eastern Railway, in England. It was hauling six coaches and a dynamometer car recording the speed, with a total tare of 240 tons. The Mallard was designed as a streamlined express locomotive with an aerodynamic body, 70-ft long, weighing 165 tons with tender. Its build date was 3 Mar 1938, and it was used in service until it was retired 1963. After restoration in the 1980's it made a few special runs, and is now in the National Railway Museum, York. |
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