The Mallard is a historic steam locomotive that was built in 1938 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). It holds the world speed record for steam locomotives, reaching 126 mph on July 3, 1938. After retiring from regular service in the 1960s, Mallard has been preserved and is now part of the UK’s National Collection at the National Railway Museum in York.
What is the Mallard steam train famous for?
The Mallard is most famous for setting the world speed record for steam locomotives in 1938. On July 3rd of that year, Mallard achieved a top speed of 126 mph while running on the slight downward grade of Stoke Bank south of Grantham on the East Coast Main Line. This broke the previous record set by the German DRG Class 05 002 which reached 124 mph in 1936. Mallard’s record remains officially unbroken to this day, making it the fastest steam locomotive in the world.
Why was Mallard able to set the world speed record?
There were a few key reasons why Mallard was able to reach such a high speed and set the world record:
- Advanced design – Mallard was built using state-of-the-art engineering and aerodynamic design features for the time. This included its long, streamlined shape and diagonal cylinders and smokebox.
- Lightweight construction – Mallard was made with a lightly constructed chassis and boiler which reduced overall weight and allowed for faster acceleration.
- High power output – Its Gresley conjugated valve gear allowed Mallard’s engines to operate at a high power output and efficiency.
- Ideal conditions – On its record run, Mallard had good weather and ran slightly downhill which aided top speed.
- Expert crew – An experienced LNER crew including driver Joseph Duddington was at the controls during the record attempt.
When and where was Mallard built?
Mallard was built in 1938 at Doncaster Works in Yorkshire, England. Doncaster was one of the main locomotive construction and maintenance centers for the LNER. Mallard was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the famous A4 class of locomotives. In total, 35 A4 class engines were produced by the LNER between 1935 to 1938, all designed for speed and power.
What route did Mallard take for its world record run?
On July 3, 1938, Mallard left London King’s Cross station heading north on the East Coast Main Line. Its record run occurred while traveling back down Southbound between Little Bytham and Essendine. This stretch of railway had a slight downhill grade of 1 in 178, which helped Mallard reach top speed by Stoke Summit near Grantham. The exact route was:
- Depart King’s Cross 03:30
- Peterborough 04:14
- Stoke Tunnel 05:01 (reach record speed)
- Arrive Grantham 05:10
- Arrive Peterborough 05:50
- Back to King’s Cross 07:54
The famous record run lasted for 1 mile 36 chains or 3,600 meters between mileposts 901⁄4 and 77. Mallard covered this in a time of 42.5 seconds.
What happened to Mallard after its record run?
Mallard continued in normal service after its record triumph, operating express passenger trains for the LNER. During WWII it was repainted in wartime black livery. Mallard operated until 1963, traveling over 1.5 million miles in its career. It underwent several preserved at the UK’s National Railway Museum where it remains on display to this day. Mallard is now part of the UK’s National Collection and has traveled to the US and Canada on special rail tours. It underwent restoration work between 2009-2010. Mallard marks the pinnacle of British steam locomotive engineering.
Where is Mallard now?
Today Mallard is on permanent display at the National Railway Museum’s museum in York, England. This is one of Britain’s largest railway museums and the national railway heritage center. Mallard is exhibited in a specially built display hall called the Great Hall alongside other famous locomotives like the Flying Scotsman. The museum provides access to the locomotive from multiple viewing angles on different levels. Mallard remains in its classic 1930s era LNER garter blue livery and in its preserved condition.
Can you ride on Mallard?
Unfortunately, Mallard is no longer in working order, so the public cannot ride this specific locomotive anymore. However, there are opportunities to ride behind other preserved A4 class locomotives:
- Union of South Africa – Sister engine to Mallard, runs special charter tours
- Bittern – Returned to mainline service in 2008
- Sir Nigel Gresley – Repatriated to the UK in 2017
These A4 class engines are nearly identical to Mallard, providing a similar experience to riding behind the world speed record holder. During special events, the National Railway Museum runs demonstration trains using its working vintage locomotives. So while you can’t ride behind Mallard itself, opportunities exist to experience the same class of locomotive.
What is Mallard’s number and class?
Mallard is numbered 4468 and is part of the LNER Class A4 locomotives. Its full designation is LNER 4468 Mallard. Some key facts about Mallard’s class and number:
- Class A4 – Designed for express passenger trains by Sir Nigel Gresley in 1935
- 35 locomotives built by LNER from 1935-1938
- Named after birds; Mallard is a species of wild duck
- Numbered by LNER from 4482-4500, then 4464-4471
- 4468 – Mallard’s original number when built and in service
- Retained its 4468 number its entire life through preservation
Mallard has a very famous and easily recognizable number and class designation as the holder of the steam speed record.
What modifications were made for Mallard’s record attempt?
Mallard did not undergo any major modifications to achieve its record speed. This was primarily to ensure its record would be valid under normal service conditions. However, a few small changes were made specially for its record run:
- Slightly larger driving wheels (7′ 8″) than usual (7′ 5″)
- Modified blastpipe and chimney
- Special fast-running balancing of reciprocating parts
- Lightened frame, smaller cab, no generator or electric lighting
- Polished and varnished paint finish to reduce drag
These subtle alterations eked out every bit of possible speed from Mallard on its special record attempt.
How fast is 126 mph for a steam train?
In 1938, Mallard reaching 126 mph was an incredible achievement:
- 50% faster than regular 100-110 mph LNER express trains
- 25% faster than the previous record holder’s 124 mph
- Far beyond normal safe limits for operation at that time
Mallard had to sustain this record speed for a full mile to qualify, making it even more remarkable. The train’s severe shaking and rapid wheelspin as it peaked at 126 mph showed just how violently fast that speed was.
Even today, despite modern technology, 126 mph is still extremely fast for a steam locomotive. It demonstrates the immense power and engineering that went into the A4 class engines. Mallard’s record has never been broken in the 85+ years since it was set.
Could Mallard have gone even faster?
There is some speculation that Mallard could potentially have reached an even higher top speed beyond its 126 mph record, perhaps up to 130 mph. Some factors suggest this:
- Mallard was still accelerating when it passed the speed record markers
- Its 125 mph safety valve did not lift during the run
- Mallard quickly slowed after passing Stoke summit
- Higher speeds were likely achieved but not able to be verified for record
However, going above 126 mph was highly dangerous and impractical. There was significant risk of catastrophic wheelslip or a derailment. The train was already nearing the limits of control during its record run. Any faster and the train dynamics would have been unmanageable.
While hypothetically possible, any speed higher than 126 mph was simply too dangerous to practically and safely achieve in 1938.
How has the speed record held up over time?
Remarkably, Mallard still holds the official speed record for steam locomotives more than 8 decades after setting it in 1938. There are several factors behind why it has endured so long:
- The rapid decline of steam meant few rival attempts
- Diesel and electric trains surpassed steam capabilities
- Speed focused more on railcars rather than bulky locomotives
- Tightening safety standards prevented risky speed attempts
- Mallard’s well-verified 126 mph record was extremely difficult to break
While a few claims of unverified higher speeds exist, Mallard’s record remains the only officially confirmed fastest steam locomotive in the world.
Could Mallard’s record be broken today?
It’s highly unlikely Mallard’s 126 mph record could be broken by a new attempt today. There are several big challenges:
- New strict safety standards would prevent such high-speed running
- Finding suitable extremely long stretches of mainline track is difficult
- Huge costs and small benefits of trying to break an 80+ year record
- Far greater public scrutiny and demands for safety
- Modern health and safety regulations basically prohibit such risky speed attempts
While advanced steam locomotives could perhaps reach Mallard’s speed, the practical difficulties and dangers make any official new record try near impossible now.
How has Mallard been preserved?
Mallard is one of the most famous locomotives in the world, and great care has been taken in preserving it:
- Withdrawn from service in 1963 after over 1.5 million miles
- Minor collision damage repaired during its service life
- Displayed at museums in York and London before moving to NRM
- Underwent full restoration work in the 1980s
- Repainting and maintenance done to keep its condition
- Housed in climate controlled conditions
- Commemorative plaques added but no major new equipment
Mallard remains in its original form as much as possible. It represents an icon of British engineering and rail history.