Ex-LNER ‘A4’ Class 4-6-2 No.4468 ‘Mallard’ became famous by setting the World Speed Record for a Steam Train of 126 mph in July 1938. This record still holds, and is unlikely ever to be surpassed. ‘Mallard’ was the natural choice for official preservation and can be seen today in ‘pride of place’ in York Railway Museum. However, to mark the 50th Anniversary of its record breaking run, the locomotive emerged from the museum to haul a few special trains. It is seen here, in its 1938 appearance, climbing past Birkett Common on the southbound climb from Appleby to Ais Gill on the Settle – Carlisle line, 50 years after making its record breaking run.
