In a few weeks time the National Railway Museum in York will be celebrating a British locomotive setting the world speed record for steam locomotives some 75 years ago. 'Mallard' has been one of the star exhibits at the museum since it's opening, but it isn't the only locomotive of it's type to survive.
Two of these locomotives went overseas in the 1960s. 'Dwight D Eisenhower' (in green) went to the National Railroad Museum in Wisconsin USA, while 'Dominion of Canada' went to the Canadian Railway Museum near Montreal.
Both have been returned to the UK on temporary loan for the anniversary. They have been visually restored and are now in the main hall of the museum, with 'Mallard' close by.
Three more privately owned working examples of this type will also be on display at the beginning of July, and will also work a number of special trains to and through York, so there should be photos of steam in action next month.
So for the moment, here are the two exiles back home and at rest, waiting for the party!
Very nice shot of these locomotives. I've always felt the European versions of locomotives were much more classy than the US versions. Your museum is a great spot to visit, though I only had about 2 hours on my way through to do so. It is impressive.
Fantastic capture and such awesome looking locomotives. I wondered the other day if there could be a revival of steam engines with the increasing cost of oil
Thank you Bob - I think the designer of these locomotives had a real flair for making machines look beautiful. I tend to visit the museum about every 4 - 6 weeks, since the exhibits on display do change quite regularly.
Thank you Tony - it would be great to see a return to steam! However, I read recently that there is a shortage of suitable coal for preserved locomotives here, so I don't expect to see a change back to steam anytime soon.
Thank you Padlock - the big gathering of the six of these locomotives starts on 3rd July and is repeated in the autumn.
Ian
Thank you Hillary, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Graham - they really do look like fast locomotives, with their streamlined shape.
Ian
Thank you Ferry - they are impressive to see working too.
Ian
Thank you Karen, glad you like it
Ian
Thank you Jacqui,it's a really fascinating museum with lots to see and do.
Ian
Thank you Lynda, glad you like it
Ian
Thank you Bob - I think the designer of these locomotives had a real flair for making machines look beautiful. I tend to visit the museum about every 4 - 6 weeks, since the exhibits on display do change quite regularly.
Ian
Thank you Ross, they are really graceful machines.
Ian
Thank you Lee - I agree, it's a fascinating place to visit
Ian
Thank you Malc, it is a fascinating museum, and I do visit quite regularly
Ian
Thank you Tony - it would be great to see a return to steam! However, I read recently that there is a shortage of suitable coal for preserved locomotives here, so I don't expect to see a change back to steam anytime soon.
Ian
Thank you Brian, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Therese - they are over 75 years old, so they aren't doing bad!
Ian