Saw Dominion of Canada at Kings Cross when I was young - around 1952/3 perhaps. In rich BR green, nameplates shining, and unless I'm wrong,a silver bell. Seem to remember it was pulling proper old LNER teak coaches on the Aberdeen run. This wd have been on a Sat (possibly Sunday) morning. But no parents alive to confirm details for me. Absolutely beautiful locos and always gave me butterflies in the stomach to see them!
@Matthew Barrick yes but the British made the most beautiful of all steam locomotives and the British invented the steam train. The steam train's natural home is Great Britain not America.
I remember the A4s running through Monifieth on the Aberdeen line in the mid 60s... the elevated railway line runs beside the road on one of the routes I took to school - fantastic for a wee boy of 10 or so. The only name I remember seeing is Union of South Africa.
Actually, there are times when a locomotive class is built in different groups, and sometimes they make a change of metals and materials used, as well as a slight change in the dimensions, so maybe something like that happened when Mallard was built. Either that, or it's the lucky duck.
Went to visit my mate in doncaster in may, & thought I'd go to visit the NRM at york. Immagine my delight looking from the window of the crappy class 158, I saw 60009 union of south africa in full steam, with a rake of mk1 coaches....lovely. Saw it again later that day from the balcony of the NRM.
Great to hear you refer to the A4s as Streaks.As a 60s train spotter we had nicknames for the locomotives we spotted. I’ll annoy Southern loco fans. The streamlined BB and West Country’s we called Flat Gobs.
Well considering many called them spam cans then then not going to be sure they that upset with you. Coronations likened to bathtubs and never found a fan of them to be upset by that either.
AFAIK, all the A4s were built with the valances - they were part of the streamlining. They were removed during the war because they interfered with maintenance, and every locomotive was needed full-time. Only Mallard was given them back for preservation.
I have to admit, I am an American Railfan that does not really like British or European Railways, however, I do have to admit that the A4's are nice lookin steamers. Glad several were saved. On our side of the pond, several Famouse steam locomotives were scrapped, Like NYC 4-6-4's and4-8-4's, hudsons and Niagra's
Back in easter 2006, I was on holiday in Dubbo NSW, and large as lifew, 3801 was steaming its way through the state. I saw it some days later at Lithgow (zig-zag)
And Sir Nigel Gresley served his apprenticeship at HORWICH loco works. So did I, er but not at the same time, lol. A superb video Mr Harris, as always.
Got to love those Mallards. Only thing close to 'em in the US were the Southern Pacific streamlined Coast Daylights. But the Mallards were the true speed demons.
@3801Catcher Have you not Seen 60019 Bittern rebuilt in LNER Garter Blue WITH VALENCES for another 3 YEARS on the mainline? Valences are no issue. With the patterns for Tornado's wheels, which are the same diameter and spoke number, new ones could easily be manufactured, as could a new smokebox. Tornado has proved that all aspects of locomotive construction are possible, and there is no reason that a British steam loco should not run again
thanks for telling me, i thought it cought before it went in. im in america and we have few hand stoked steam engions. the challenger was fed by a screw coming from the tender to the fire box so thats why ive never seen it.
See all but one of the A4s at kings Cross station in the fiftys and managed to cab a few of them including Mallard.The one that escaped my attention was William Whitelaw who stayed up the north.Can anybody let me no why this was.
Don't forget that 4468 Mallard, 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower, 60010 Dominion Of Canada, 4464 Bittern, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60009 Union Of South Africa still survive.
Perfect illustration at the end of how an A4 throws it's smoke high above the engine. The streamlined Duchess class were said to have better streamlining. However, they were renowned for allowing the exhaust smoke to cling to the casing and this would often blot out the driver's view.
You know, I have just figured out why the Mallard was the only A4 that could exceed 110mph. Look at his cylinders. Then at another A4's cylinders. There is a more streamlined shape to his than any other A4. His sides also have a more roundish edge to them and his funnel is also more streamlined, like Flying Scotsman's dome. PLEASE FIX HIS BOILER AND RUN HIM AGAIN AS PUBLIC SERVICE PLEASE!!!!!
0:39 Hey The LNER Gresley Streamlined A4 Pacific Preserved Engine Bitten Repainted As Sliver Link Is A Bit Like Spencer The Grand Engine From Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends. Thanks Mate. X
@littlegiant18794 I agree, the most famous locomotive there is; several A4's running today on the mainline, why isn't this one out there earning revenue from the thousands that would pay to go on a train pulled by this engine?
It's probably the metal used or Mallard has overdone itself and wore out faster than the remaining A4s, such as Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern. That is, if those engines are still up and running. Or maybe, like on Flying Scotsman, the valve gear was modified?
@littlegiant18794 Many reasons. Mallard has valence's, making access to the driving wheels near to impossible. The smokebox has a few cracks, and the driving wheels also have cracks. Wheels could be sourced from a Gresley Pacific.
Yep, the Mallard (and her sisters) were all designed by the same guy - you could say these A4 class locos were the "next-gen" of the Flying Scotsman-types (A1 and A3 class)...
Very enjoyable video, I liked the film's point about how spartan the crew's arrangements were on many locos, I think the GW must have been worst; they never even introduced closed cabs.
@theshedrailway the A3s have 220psi boilers actually. and a time run would have nothing to do with how much coal and water an engine can carry, it would be about power and aerodynamic properties, of which the latter would certainly see the record breaking A4 come out on top
The Princess Coronation did not run out of puff as you say.It ran out of track and went over the avoiding lines south of Crewe at 53 MPH,After attaining 114MPHdown Madely bank.
As pointed out already then coronation ran out of track, when braking into Crewe then travelling well above speed supposed too and a lot of broken crockery, take a look at the west coast main line vs east coast main line or even the great western and can see why LMS would struggle to beat as don’t have the flat straights that those do. Great western Bristolian had the highest average timetabled speed and fastest run with that done with a castle which not even reckoned as most powerful engine. And if you really want to get down to it then coronation actually finished her scheduled run as opposed to having to be taken off and sent for repairs. Due to the consternation created with coronation doing 50+ on a 20mph section then LMS and LNER made a gentleman’s agreement that would stop speed record attempts as potentially endangering the public on them. Nobody has actually attempted to break the speed record since mallard though if people attempted with what learnt since and improvements then suspect tornado or even Duke of Gloucester given a proper space and slot on the east coast main line or the GW billiard table sections could top 126 now. When vintage trains did high speed castle run from Bristol to Paddington then had first great western and network rail people on board and they pulled a great western service train out of the way to allow the special to keep going on the fast line so attempting the record would involve some serious planning and co-operation from the other TOCs.
@EastMidlandsSteam They are not actually. The only differences are the streamlined casing (obviously), different cylinders and a higher boiler pressure (A3 220psi, A4 250psi). The A4s are effectively streamlined A3s, just like the V2 is effectively an A3 with just 2 leading wheels, not four, and smaller driving wheels (6ft2 not 6ft8)
No, 2509 Silver Link was scrapped. For the anniversery they made Bittern look like Silver Link, but now Bittern is back to black and green, no valances, and double chimney (Silver Link had single chimney & side valances)
Today's trains are a mess! sure they can doo 300 mph but i'd rather be in a coach behing the mallard then in the TGV. 5 more years to the 80th aniversery. Please bring all 5 of these beuties out to run the mainline!
Hope you can come over here one day mate, we have so many places to show you.I think we'd start with Mallard though.The guy in this video who is doing the commentary (Nigel Harris), we saw him in costa coffee shop on York station on the 30th last month.Many Thanks to Nigel & his team on their great magazines I enjoy them very much.Cheers
@and60007 70013 has been returned to steam because she is a celebrity engine, she has achieved something unique. 4468 has done the same, but is much more famous. Many of her parts are in quite good nick, with the support Oliver Cromwell got, I reckon a steam railway appeal could see the A4 back in action in 5 years, which she deserves
apparently according to wikipedia it says that mallard is unlikely to return to service as there are other A4s are steamable. Do they not realise mallard is a duck and you cant cage a duck it neds to spread its wings
@TTTEFanNo22 Thanks! 'Tornado' was built on the basis of a regular small sub by a lot of people; I'd certainly contribute to get 'Mallard' back where it belongs, and so I'm sure would thousands of others. If 'Bittern" can be rebuilt on the Mid Hants why can't Mallard?
Because there were 35 built, 4469 was bamaged in the war and withdrawn, leaving 34 to BR Ownership. The LNER renumbered them all 1 to 34 and BR added 60000, hence Mallard went from 4468 to 22 to 60022 4498 you refer to is Sir Nigel Gresley also know as 60007.
@54687y would cost too much tho. plus it's a gift from the UK for the assistance the countries gave them in the wars, and they are also tributes. Dwight D Eisenhower (or Dwight designer as I called him!) was a brilliant american war general, and without the Dominion of Canada Britain may well have lost the war.
One thing has always intrigued me about the A4s is what appears to an extra piston on the rear right hand driving wheel. Does anyone know what purpose it was there For?
"Sir Nigel Gresley designed his A4 with the speed of a Greyhound and the strength of a Boar!" Very true words...
Saw Dominion of Canada at Kings Cross when I was young - around 1952/3 perhaps. In rich BR green, nameplates shining, and unless I'm wrong,a silver bell. Seem to remember it was pulling proper old LNER teak coaches on the Aberdeen run. This wd have been on a Sat (possibly Sunday) morning. But no parents alive to confirm details for me. Absolutely beautiful locos and always gave me butterflies in the stomach to see them!
railway preservation is a wonderful thing. without it it would not be possible to still hear and see a A4 at speed
The A4 must be the most beautiful locomotives of all time!
In my opinion Jupiter is
thank you but a4 mallard is the fastest 125 mph cool
Ethan Serrano her to speed I 126mph
I think the carnations are the most beautiful
@Matthew Barrick yes but the British made the most beautiful of all steam locomotives and the British invented the steam train. The steam train's natural home is Great Britain not America.
What a superlative sight these locomotives made (and continue to make today!)
I remember the A4s running through Monifieth on the Aberdeen line in the mid 60s... the elevated railway line runs beside the road on one of the routes I took to school - fantastic for a wee boy of 10 or so. The only name I remember seeing is Union of South Africa.
MALLARD returned to steam in 1988!
Actually, there are times when a locomotive class is built in different groups, and sometimes they make a change of metals and materials used, as well as a slight change in the dimensions, so maybe something like that happened when Mallard was built.
Either that, or it's the lucky duck.
Went to visit my mate in doncaster in may, & thought I'd go to visit the NRM at york. Immagine my delight looking from the window of the crappy class 158, I saw 60009 union of south africa in full steam, with a rake of mk1 coaches....lovely. Saw it again later that day from the balcony of the NRM.
The Mallard's secret to running faster than the rest of the A4 locos is that he has covered cylinders, making a streamlined shape to them.
Wonderful examples of a lost age. Another country, really. Gotta love 'em.
back when I found The British Railway Series, I learned more and more about the Gresley A4's
Great to hear you refer to the A4s as Streaks.As a 60s train spotter we had nicknames for the locomotives we spotted. I’ll annoy Southern loco fans. The streamlined BB and West Country’s we called Flat Gobs.
Well considering many called them spam cans then then not going to be sure they that upset with you.
Coronations likened to bathtubs and never found a fan of them to be upset by that either.
A beautiful film. Absolutley beautiful.
AFAIK, all the A4s were built with the valances - they were part of the streamlining. They were removed during the war because they interfered with maintenance, and every locomotive was needed full-time. Only Mallard was given them back for preservation.
Love A4s!!!!!! 😍
It's quite mesmerising to see some of the old A4s which no longer exist (Like Falcon and Dominion of New Zealand) operating here.
The fastest WW2 conventional aircraft, the Mosquito, was built in Sir Nigel Gresley’s back yard at Salisbury Hall, Hertfordshire.
How people could scrap something so amazing always baffles me!
At least be grateful that 6 A4s survive. Save that quote for classes that were made completely extinct like the E2 and the Blue Pullman.
I have to admit, I am an American Railfan that does not really like British or European Railways, however, I do have to admit that the A4's are nice lookin steamers. Glad several were saved. On our side of the pond, several Famouse steam locomotives were scrapped, Like NYC 4-6-4's and4-8-4's, hudsons and Niagra's
Mallard deserves another chance to run again in the future! Maybe doubleheading the Mallard with Flying Scotsman or Tornado!
I never new there was so much history surrounding the A4!
I wish I could get a oo model of one, one of the most beautiful locomotives ever
Hornby make in nice model of Mallard.Try Hatton's models In Liverpool.They have them all !!!!
Back in easter 2006, I was on holiday in Dubbo NSW, and large as lifew, 3801 was steaming its way through the state. I saw it some days later at Lithgow (zig-zag)
My second favourite:silver link travelled on the ECML
She may do one day. After all, it's getting close to the 100th aniverssary of her world record.
Long live steam
Mallard better run again UNDER STEAM, the seventy fifth of the record run is next year!!!
And Sir Nigel Gresley served his apprenticeship at HORWICH loco works. So did I, er but not at the same time, lol. A superb video Mr Harris, as always.
Got to love those Mallards. Only thing close to 'em in the US were the Southern Pacific streamlined Coast Daylights. But the Mallards were the true speed demons.
@3801Catcher Have you not Seen 60019 Bittern rebuilt in LNER Garter Blue WITH VALENCES for another 3 YEARS on the mainline? Valences are no issue. With the patterns for Tornado's wheels, which are the same diameter and spoke number, new ones could easily be manufactured, as could a new smokebox. Tornado has proved that all aspects of locomotive construction are possible, and there is no reason that a British steam loco should not run again
I hope they do, and it probably will happen as that is an important historical event.
thanks for telling me, i thought it cought before it went in. im in america and we have few hand stoked steam engions. the challenger was fed by a screw coming from the tender to the fire box so thats why ive never seen it.
See all but one of the A4s at kings Cross station in the fiftys and managed to cab a few of them including Mallard.The one that escaped my attention was William Whitelaw who stayed up the north.Can anybody let me no why this was.
No pun intended at the "lucky duck" part.
Don't forget that 4468 Mallard, 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower, 60010 Dominion Of Canada, 4464 Bittern, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60009 Union Of South Africa still survive.
Oh look, it's Spencer.
@scotsman125 i know this was put up months ago, but let me in on this i would love to see this beauty run in the 2010's
Perfect illustration at the end of how an A4 throws it's smoke high above the engine. The streamlined Duchess class were said to have better streamlining. However, they were renowned for allowing the exhaust smoke to cling to the casing and this would often blot out the driver's view.
A size of paper was named after these locos.
the A4 look good buger off
Super!
I love this Locomotive.
Thank you.
it looks sooo 'right' with the valaces on
British engineering at it's very finest!!
Happy anniversary Mallard.
bring those to A4s back i say!!!!
You know, I have just figured out why the Mallard was the only A4 that could exceed 110mph.
Look at his cylinders. Then at another A4's cylinders.
There is a more streamlined shape to his than any other A4. His sides also have a more roundish edge to them and his funnel is also more streamlined, like Flying Scotsman's dome.
PLEASE FIX HIS BOILER AND RUN HIM AGAIN AS PUBLIC SERVICE PLEASE!!!!!
0:39 Hey The LNER Gresley Streamlined A4 Pacific Preserved Engine Bitten Repainted As Sliver Link Is A Bit Like Spencer The Grand Engine From Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends. Thanks Mate. X
@littlegiant18794 I agree, the most famous locomotive there is; several A4's running today on the mainline, why isn't this one out there earning revenue from the thousands that would pay to go on a train pulled by this engine?
It's probably the metal used or Mallard has overdone itself and wore out faster than the remaining A4s, such as Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern. That is, if those engines are still up and running.
Or maybe, like on Flying Scotsman, the valve gear was modified?
That was a great video and a nice chance to learn more about the A4s. Thank you so much for uploading.
Inspired me to make a little tribute video.
PLEASE BRING BACK THE MALLARD!!!!
Her sister 4464 bittern, was recently restored to her original garter blue livery like mallard.
@littlegiant18794 Many reasons. Mallard has valence's, making access to the driving wheels near to impossible. The smokebox has a few cracks, and the driving wheels also have cracks. Wheels could be sourced from a Gresley Pacific.
Yep, the Mallard (and her sisters) were all designed by the same guy - you could say these A4 class locos were the "next-gen" of the Flying Scotsman-types (A1 and A3 class)...
It would be nice if mallard was back in steam now so she can try and get up to 126mph
The NMR considers Mallard to precious to evet run under her own power,and remember that the 125.88 MPH run left Mallard badly damaged
she'll never run again if the national railway graveyard has it's way
This is probably for the best. They probably want to conserve the surviving original parts of Mallard.
Or they want to but don't know how with the missing parts
@@CW56 meanwhile they overhaul the shit out of Scotty. Logic i guess :/
Wdym?????
How wrong can someone be ?
Very enjoyable video, I liked the film's point about how spartan the crew's arrangements were on many locos, I think the GW must have been worst; they never even introduced closed cabs.
ton up bill your the man respect!!!!!
@theshedrailway the A3s have 220psi boilers actually. and a time run would have nothing to do with how much coal and water an engine can carry, it would be about power and aerodynamic properties, of which the latter would certainly see the record breaking A4 come out on top
me to aswell as the flying scotsman
the fastest steam loco at 126mph set in 38. it smoked the coronaton locos that were out of puff at 112mph
The Princess Coronation did not run out of puff as you say.It ran out of track and went over the avoiding lines south of Crewe at 53 MPH,After attaining 114MPHdown Madely bank.
As pointed out already then coronation ran out of track, when braking into Crewe then travelling well above speed supposed too and a lot of broken crockery, take a look at the west coast main line vs east coast main line or even the great western and can see why LMS would struggle to beat as don’t have the flat straights that those do.
Great western Bristolian had the highest average timetabled speed and fastest run with that done with a castle which not even reckoned as most powerful engine.
And if you really want to get down to it then coronation actually finished her scheduled run as opposed to having to be taken off and sent for repairs.
Due to the consternation created with coronation doing 50+ on a 20mph section then LMS and LNER made a gentleman’s agreement that would stop speed record attempts as potentially endangering the public on them.
Nobody has actually attempted to break the speed record since mallard though if people attempted with what learnt since and improvements then suspect tornado or even Duke of Gloucester given a proper space and slot on the east coast main line or the GW billiard table sections could top 126 now.
When vintage trains did high speed castle run from Bristol to Paddington then had first great western and network rail people on board and they pulled a great western service train out of the way to allow the special to keep going on the fast line so attempting the record would involve some serious planning and co-operation from the other TOCs.
@EastMidlandsSteam They are not actually. The only differences are the streamlined casing (obviously), different cylinders and a higher boiler pressure (A3 220psi, A4 250psi). The A4s are effectively streamlined A3s, just like the V2 is effectively an A3 with just 2 leading wheels, not four, and smaller driving wheels (6ft2 not 6ft8)
No, 2509 Silver Link was scrapped. For the anniversery they made Bittern look like Silver Link, but now Bittern is back to black and green, no valances, and double chimney (Silver Link had single chimney & side valances)
I AGREE!!!!
Many thanks for posting - really enjoyed this
what's the background music? i fancy using it for my mallard's backing track in videos
@bwarrrrk The fastest run by an LMS Coronation pacific was 114 in 1937 by the Class Pioneer
Actually, you want some locomotives in different countries so people can see them. One of these days, I'd like to see Dwight.D.Eisenhower.
The Ike is that the national Railway museum In Green Bay Wisconsin you can actually get into the cab!
@BenReillyUK Yes, I am! These parts will sell well on the black market!
Today's trains are a mess! sure they can doo 300 mph but i'd rather be in a coach behing the mallard then in the TGV. 5 more years to the 80th aniversery. Please bring all 5 of these beuties out to run the mainline!
This music is used in
The Firm Total Body: Better Body and Buns (1998)
The Firm Firm Parts: Tough Tape 2 (1999)
This music in BOTH COOLDOWNS.
I think the Mallard has to be the best looking loco in the world
brilliant clip, thankyou
Hope you can come over here one day mate, we have so many places to show you.I think we'd start with Mallard though.The guy in this video who is doing the commentary (Nigel Harris), we saw him in costa coffee shop on York station on the 30th last month.Many Thanks to Nigel & his team on their great magazines I enjoy them very much.Cheers
So sad that none of the four Silver Jubilee engines survived
If she could run in the late 80s, why not rebuild her and run her again?! Who's with me?
@and60007 70013 has been returned to steam because she is a celebrity engine, she has achieved something unique. 4468 has done the same, but is much more famous. Many of her parts are in quite good nick, with the support Oliver Cromwell got, I reckon a steam railway appeal could see the A4 back in action in 5 years, which she deserves
Typical discipline here and even the locomotive engineer is in formal attire.
@draculapw i heard it was in canada. plainly it should be here running special trains on the mainline :-D
apparently according to wikipedia it says that mallard is unlikely to return to service as there are other A4s are steamable. Do they not realise mallard is a duck and you cant cage a duck it neds to spread its wings
mallard needs to be restored to steam now that union of South Africa is retired
I Love a4 mallard is great engine and Breack record
Mallard should be bought back to steam for next year
Excellent loco!
Silver link is my favorite
this is my favorite class is the A4 Class locomotives :)
It wasn't Mallard that nearly caused an accident. That was 6220 at Crewe. However, Mallard did rip it's cylinder lining to shreads as it decelarated.
Whats the background track at the start?
StontonGrangeRailway ตน
Leading The World By John Devereaux
whats this song? 0:01
Prolly lost
@draculapw I think it's in Montreal or somewhere like that
What is that song at the start
@TTTEFanNo22 Thanks!
'Tornado' was built on the basis of a regular small sub by a lot of people; I'd certainly contribute to get 'Mallard' back where it belongs, and so I'm sure would thousands of others. If 'Bittern" can be rebuilt on the Mid Hants why can't Mallard?
its not called The MALLARD its just mallard, and i half to agree i wish they would restore her
Because there were 35 built, 4469 was bamaged in the war and withdrawn, leaving 34 to BR Ownership. The LNER renumbered them all 1 to 34 and BR added 60000, hence Mallard went from 4468 to 22 to 60022 4498 you refer to is Sir Nigel Gresley also know as 60007.
i mostly learn about Gresley A4 Sir Ralph Wegwoord, both Herring Gull and Gadwall
What kind of music is that at the start?
@54687y would cost too much tho. plus it's a gift from the UK for the assistance the countries gave them in the wars, and they are also tributes. Dwight D Eisenhower (or Dwight designer as I called him!) was a brilliant american war general, and without the Dominion of Canada Britain may well have lost the war.
i agree
One thing has always intrigued me about the A4s is what appears to an extra piston on the rear right hand driving wheel.
Does anyone know what purpose it was there For?