A LOCOMOTIVE steamed in to Shildon to take its place in a line-up of historic engines gathering to mark Mallard’s record breaking exploits.
The A4 class Bittern steamed up the East Coast Mainline to Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon today (Tuesday, February 11).
Earlier fellow A4 engine Dwight D Eisenhower arrived on a low loader.
This weekend, all six remaining A4 class locos gather at Locomotion for the week-long Great Goodbye, the last reunion before two disappear back to their homes in north America.
It will mark the 75th anniversary of Mallard becoming the world’s fastest steam engine with a speed of 125.88mph on July 3 1938.
Anthony Coulls, senior curator of railway vehicles, said: “Preparations for The Great Goodbye are in full swing.
“It’s always special when a locomotive comes under its own power. Four hundred plus people came to see Mallard and Union of South Africa arrive by steam last week.
“It’s really fantastic to see everything coming together in time for this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible visiting Locomotion to see this spectacle.”
Dominion of Canada is due to arrive by low loader at Shildon tomorrow (Wednesday, February 12) and Sir Nigel Gresley will steam to the site on Thursday. (February 13) The Great Goodbye runs between Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 23 with doors open from 9.30am to 5pm between and free entry.
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