North Yorkshire
Steam legends to gather
ONE of the greatest days of the golden era of the railways will be rekindled this summer with a spectacular steam reunion.
On July 3, 1938 the Mallard set a world speed record for a steam locomotive when it reached 126mph on the East Coast main line near Grantham. The record still stands today.
The Mallard is now part of the collection at the National Railway Museum in York and on July 5 and 6 it will be joined by three operational A4 locos.
The Mallard, Bittern, Sir Nigel Gresley and Union of South Africa will be brought back together for the first time since their heyday.
And photographers are expected to flock to the event to capture the re-union on film.
Museum director Andrew Scott said: "This phenomenal line-up will offer the chance for everyone who is passionate about these engines to take part in the celebration of the record and be part of a spectacular event that will go down in history."
There are only six A4 locomotives that still exist in the world today and the other two are in the USA.
The museum's head of commercial development, Judith Whitaker, said:
"This event is believed to be the only one of its kind that will take place in our lifetime.
"Therefore rail enthusiasts and those who remember the A4s thundering along the UK's mainlines are being encouraged to secure their place in history, as tickets are expected to sell out fast."
Anyone interested in going along should visit www.nrm.org.uk and follow the link, or call 0870 7010 208. Tickets will be £32.50.
For those wanting something a little more special, there will be a one-off chance to dine with the locomotives on the evening of July 5, including unique cab access and additional photographic opportunities.
4:22pm Thursday 8th May 2008
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