Which locomotive holds the world speed record for a steam powered train?

On the 3rd July 1938, on Stoke Bank, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, UK, the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) A4 Pacific (4-6-2) locomotive "Mallard" set the world record for a steam powered train at 126 MPH (203 Kph). The train Included a dynamometer car and was ostensibly conducting brake testing. The record has yet to be broken and, with no current contenders, is likely to remain.

"Flying Scotsman", an earlier LNER A3 Pacific, was the first to be officially recorded at 100 MPH (160 Kph), and “Princess Elizabeth” was a contemporary Pacific locomotive running on the rival London and North Western Railway (LNWR). "Tornado" is a recent Pacific locomotive, built by private enterprise.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

9 Comments

Denise Currie

That was the easiest set of 10 bonus quiz questions ever, I didn't have to use any of my hints and sailed through it, Thanks

David Coe

The Mallard is a beautiful piece of machinery, powerful but elegant. It's proportions are pleasing to the eye, even stood still, but see that fleet blue creature at speed and she is mechanical grace of the highest order, quite stunning!

David Coe

Mike Hibner, Unless they have an official timekeeper on board, that apocryphal claim is moot.

Alec Boreham

Mike Hibner, the difference being is both of those speeds were claimed, the Mallard was timed.

Mike Hibner

Too bad two American locomotives, pulling trains and not running downhill, didn't know there was a world record. Both exceeded 126 mph, substantially. One reached speeds of 140 mph whenever the train was running behind schedule. Just saying...