LNER Class A4 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LNER Class A4 |
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| 60009 Union of South Africa in 1951 | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Designer | H. N. Gresley |
| Builder | LNER Doncaster Works |
| Build date | 1935–1938 |
| Total production | 35 |
| Configuration | 4-6-2 |
| UIC classification | 2'C1h |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Leading wheel diameter | 3 ft 2 in (0.965 m) |
| Driver diameter | 6 ft 8 in (2.032 m) |
| Trailing wheel diameter | 3 ft 8 in (1.118 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 102 tons 19 cwt (230,600 lb or 104.6 t) |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 167 tons 2 cwt (374,300 lb or 169.8 t) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 8 tons 0 cwt (17,900 lb or 8.1 t) |
| Water capacity | 5,000 imperial gallons (23,000 L; 6,000 US gal) |
| Boiler pressure | 250 psi (1.72 MPa) |
| Cylinders | Three |
| Cylinder size | 18.5 in × 26 in (470 mm × 660 mm) |
| Top speed | 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) in Regular Service (126.4 miles per hour (203.4 km/h) maximum recorded) |
| Tractive effort | 35,455 lbf (157.71 kN) |
| Locomotive brakes | Vacuum |
| Train brakes | Vacuum 60009, 60007 & 60019 have been fitted with air brakes |
| Career | LNER, BR |
| Class | A4 |
| Power class | BR: 8P6F |
| Number in class | 35 |
| Number | LNER: 2509–2512, 4462–4469, 4482–4500, 4900–4903, LNER 1–34 (not in order), BR: 60001–60034 |
| Nicknames | "Streak" |
| Withdrawn | 1942, 1962–1966 |
| Disposition | 6 preserved |
The LNER Class A4 was a famous type of steam locomotive (a train engine) built in England. These powerful engines were made starting in 1935. Sir Nigel Gresley designed them for the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) company.
A total of 35 of these locomotives were built. They were designed to be very fast and had a super sleek, aerodynamic shape. This special shape helped them cut through the air easily.
One of the most famous A4s is number 4468, named "Mallard". It is known as the fastest steam locomotive ever made! On July 3, 1938, "Mallard" set a world speed record of 125 miles per hour (201.16 km/h).
Today, only six of these amazing A4 locomotives still exist. The others were taken apart for scrap metal when steam trains were no longer used in Britain.
Images for kids
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Plaque on Mallard in commemoration of breaking the previous world speed record of 124.5 mph
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George Henry Haygreen (left) on his retirement day with Fireman Charlie Fisher
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No. 60034 Lord Faringdon hauling a train at Peterborough railway station in 1959.
_on_his_retirement_day_with_Charlie_Fisher.jpg)
