Hornby TT3007M Gauge TT Steam locomotive A4 4-6-2 4468 'Mallard', epoch III

Tender locomotive A4 4-6-2 4468 'Mallard', epoch III

The LNER Gresley A4 is one of the most iconic express locomotives in Great Britain, with its streamlined casing a classic symbol of the attitude towards speed and design in the 1930s, which saw increased competition to the railways from road and air travel. The LNER Board knew that they had to make travel between the major cities faster, comfortable and more reliable.

The most famous of these A4 locomotives is surely 4468 Mallard, the locomotive that broke and still holds the world record for the highest speed achieved by a steam locomotive. This record was achieved at the height of the streamlined battle between Gresley’s A4 and the Streamline Coronation of Stanier’s LMS. Mallard would go onto serve under BR as 60022 before being withdrawn in early 1963 having been earmarked for preservation as early as 1960, its historical significance recognised and understood.