Mallard Sets Steam Locomotive Speed Record
July 3rd, 1938
July 3rd, 1938
How Long Ago?
86 years, 8 months, 12 days ago
Location
East Coast Main Line, England
Category
Transportation & Infrastructure
People
- Sir Nigel Gresley
Links & References
Tags
Mallard Sets Steam Locomotive Speed Record
The Mallard, a British steam locomotive, achieved a speed of 125.88 miles per hour, making it the fastest steam train ever built. On a test run in England, the Mallard, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, broke preceding records while traveling on the East Coast Main Line. The feat was part of the locomotive's performance tests and demonstrated advancements in engineering and design in the railway sector during this period. This remarkable speed was a significant achievement in the world of steam locomotives, showcasing the capabilities of technology in the late 1930s.
Mallard reached 125.88 mph in 1938.
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.
Test run was on the East Coast Main Line.
Record stood for decades in railway history.
What Happened?
The Mallard, a class A4 steam locomotive, was designed by the famed engineer Sir Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). On this illustrious day, it achieved an unparalleled speed of 125.88 miles per hour (202.58 km/h) during a trial run on the East Coast Main Line in the UK. The quest for speed was emblematic of the competitive spirit in the railway industry during the interwar years, where companies sought to attract customers by improving train performance. Gresley’s innovative engineering, including the locomotive’s streamlined design, contributed significantly to this achievement. The test run was conducted near Grantham, Lincolnshire, where the conditions were ideal for accomplishing this groundbreaking speed.The run was officially timed and witnessed by railway officials. The measurement of speed was precise, and as a result, the Mallard was officially recognized by the world for this extraordinary milestone. This record stood for decades, with the Mallard becoming an iconic symbol of railway power and elegance. The A4 Pacific locomotive remained a favorite among rail enthusiasts and served in regular service until the late 1960s, later being preserved as a significant piece of railway history. The achievement marked not just a technical triumph but also provided a focal point for the ongoing fascination with rail travel, bolstering the reputation of steam locomotives before the rise of diesel and electric trains took prominence in the industry.
Why Does it Matter?
The speed record set by the Mallard is significant because it encapsulates the peak of steam locomotive technology. This achievement highlighted the investment in railway infrastructure and innovation during a period of rapid industrial growth in the UK. The record drew attention to the capabilities of steam trains, fostering enthusiasm for rail travel and technology that was instrumental in shaping modern transportation systems. The legacy continues as Mallard remains a symbol of engineering excellence.
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