On This Day 78 Years Ago – World speed record for steam set at 125 mph!
On 3rd July 1938 the world speed record for a steam locomotive was set in the UK by the A4 Class Mallard at 125.88 mph (202.58 kph).
The streamlined A4 class was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley to power high-speed trains. Its high power in combination with its aerodynamic body allowed the class to easily reach speeds of over 100 mph (160 kph) although in everyday service it rarely went that fast. No regular steam-hauled rail service in the UK reached even 90 mph let alone 100 mph. The Mallard covered Read more [...]