A4 Pacific Locomotives

The 'A4' class of Pacific locomotives, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the London & North Eastern Railway in the 1930s, was arguably the most distinctive and most famous type of steam locomotive built in Britain. Their streamlined design not only reflected the art deco and modernist style of the era but was also functional, enabling them to travel efficiently at high speeds. On 3 July 1938 the most famous locomotive in the class, Mallard, broke the world speed record for a steam locomotive, travelling at 126mph. This record has never been broken. A total of 35 of these beautiful locomotives were built from 1935-38. The first four were originally painted silver, included the word 'silver' in their names, and were built to haul the glamorous new 'Silver Jubilee' train from London and Newcastle. This book introduces the 'A4s' with a history of their construction, design and service for over 30 years.