Mallard

    Mallard   Mallard is the world's fastest steam engine, holding a speed record of 126 mp/h. He is a very popular exhibit at the National Railway Museum and is very well looked after.
 * Number: 4468, previously 60022
 * Designer: Sir Nigel Gresley
 * Built: March 3rd 1938
 * Retired: April 25th 1963
 * Restored: 1986-8

Mallard was built on March the 3rd, 1938, at Doncaster, where Gordon, "Flying Scotsman" and "Green Arrow" were built. On July the 3rd of that year, while undergoing tests, he established a world speed record of 126 mp/h.

After the decline of steam, Mallard was immediately preserved and put on display at the Museum of British Transport in Clapham, London. In 1975 he was taken to the National Railway Museum, where he remained until 1986, when he was overhauled and taken onto the main line. In 1988, the 50th anniversary of his record, he was retired and put back on display.

Basis


Mallard is a LNER A4 4-6-2. Spencer is another member of this class.

Livery
Mallard is painted in the LNER's garter blue with red wheels and steel rims.

Appearances
Mallard made a minor appearance in "Thomas and the Great Railway Show" volunteering for a railtour to the seaside, saying that the residents once paid for his repairs. He was previously mentioned in "Gordon the High-Speed Engine".