Hi, folks, "MALLARD" driver here, I drove the mighty beast on 13/8/88 over the Settle to Carlisle route, I was limited to 60 m,p,h, which to her was just a steady trot, down mallerstang bank, she was screaming on her whistle , to go faster and faster and when I rubbed the brake,she juddered and sqeeled in protest,,,A week later they knocked the life out of her and buried her in the tomb of York museum.
Thanks for your input John, what great memories you must have. I travelled on one of those runs over the S &C, quite a thrill to ride behind her. A great shame that she's now stuffed and mounted. I thought it a waste of money bringing the two A4s from America when Mallard could have been returned to steam
I've worked in a large museum and they are some of the worst places to put great Items like Mallard. The have this "Museum mentality" which means they would rather see a exhibit decteareate physically than repair or maintain it in working order. God save them from replacing a worn out item with a new one, even if it's an authentic spare. Just look at the abortion they've made of the Cutty Sark!
My grandfather had a hand in building the Mallard. He was a riveter at the Doncaster works. I never got to see her in action, and agree it is a shame she’s just sat in York rather than still running like the Flying Scotsman.
What can I say that hasn't already been said, I suppose it's a great treat when you've captured these events before most people had stated videoing, and the results are amazing..so well done Austin...5*
I have not seen Mallard run, but I had the privilege of watching 4472 in Australia, double heading with our (enormous by comparison) 3801 Pacific into the southern outskirts of Brisbane - at 81 mph at dusk - spewing the occasional hot coal from the chimney, firebox glowing and ground shaking as they went past. Then I could understand boys around the world watching and waiting for their favourite local express engines to storm past. What an evening! I got a ticket for speeding on my way home :(
Undoubtedly the British built the world's best steam trains. Just waiting for Bachmann to release The Mallard any day now, Beautiful steam, beats diesel for me any day.
I was watching Flying Scotsman in Australia and this one of your came up Austin....what a superb record of when Mallard did the main line for a short while...thoroughly enjoyed it...Bob
They are great memories to have Vic, I fell in love with A4's when I saw the cover picture on a Peter Handford EP, 'Gresley Pacifics' and then my Dad took me to York to see them in the flesh, magical!!
The Mallard was pulling severn cars when it broke the record. Any alleged claim of any train going faster than the record is unconfirmed, hence it's still the record.
What a Gorgeous piece of engineering!! when i was kid i allllways wanted a model kit of the mallard! i really want to try my hand out driving to drive a proper steam train!
Thanks, she is currently on display at the National Railway Museums outpost, Locomotion, at Shildon. There are no plans at present for an overhaul to enable her to steam again.
fantastic footage,,i was born in leeds and visited NRM every year as a kid,,ive stood on the foot plate of the "Mallard"..My dad worked at leeds engine company as a forgeman ,and forged the cowcatcher for the "Flying Scotsman" for it's first trip to America
Thank you, the A4's are fine engines and look made for speed. We are indeed spoilt in the UK, a few weeks ago there were three steam specials within 100 miles of my home.
I JUST LOVE THE LOOK OF A4 WITH VALANCES!..they should all look this way! I recall messing around (as and apprentice) on the UofSA..when it was in at St Rollox works in Glasgow around 1977 for some bushes..........
Just look at how sleek and super modern it is, 1930's? It totally pre empts future high speed trains in its lines. Stunning looking machine. Never seen a better looking steam train
Yes, I think it's a shame she couldn't be restored for this anniversary year. I'm sure the cost of bringing the two back from America would have been better spent on Mallard itself
how i envy you, i'm only 23 so this is a whole era i have missed, but thanks to model railways, im reliving this with our layout and locos im collecting depicting BR Eastern Region
Thanks very much, it's always pleasing to know that my videos trigger happy memories. Standing on the footplate you can imagine the excitement there must have been in 1938.
It's about time someone put forward the incredible Mallard for a major sponsorship to meet the costs for repairs and overhauling, maybe from the proceeds of National Lottery or something like that. How I wish these trains were back on the tracks again where they truly belong!
the Mallard has such a unique paint scheme. I'm from "across the pond." if you put two British steamers side by side from the same class, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. But you see the Mallard coming and you know it's her.
Sadly not, she is on display at a part of the National Railway Museum. However, a sister loco, no.60019 'Bittern' has just been repainted in Blue with the side valances so looks identical to 'Mallard'. She is running her first railtour this Saturday in the guise of no.4464 so you should see some footage on TH-cam from someone.
Never mind the "VHS" quality - you captured a lot here., including the pre-welded rail wheelbeats. Great to see this just after Mallard was towed to Shildon. A reminder of what could be, given a vast amount of money.
I'm still amazed that a steam engine managed in excess of 125mph. If i remember rightly, the Mallard still holds her world record, but she did blow a boiler in the process
One thing I'd love to see when she's back on the Main Line is her going for her record again or dare I say it, break it. To me it would be a complete rarity to see any steam locomotive today going at 100 miles per hour like any express engine would have done in the old days. To see Mallard going for her record again would be the greatest event to happen in Main Line steam workings.
Excellent stuff, can't believe it's over 20 years ago! No apology necessary for VHS/tripod either, you have a steady hand. There are rather a lot of gricers at Standedge and Ais Gill aren't there - wonder why?
I would like to see an LNER A4 brought to Australia, as the Flying Scotsman (an LNER A3 at the time) was way back in 1988. It's just a pity that our lousy track wouldn't stand up to her 125 MPH running! I wonder what steam loco is like at that incredible speed???
She was only restored sufficiently in order to run the anniversary trains around 1988 and it was always the intention for her to go back on statc display at the NRM
Thanks very much, quite agree with your sentiments re the 'modern' railway. I have found a little more film of 'Mallard' which I intend to upload very soon!!
I was on the station at Grindelford in 1988 when she stopped for a photo oppurtunity. the crowds were so bad the only way you could get a photo was to hold your camera high and hope for the best. some people even jumped onto the track to get shots, a passenger train had to stopped coming the opposite way out side the station. the driver of Mallard was blowing the whistle like mad in order to get these people off the track. they just thought he was doing it for effect.!!
Wow 4 A4s can operate! One of my favorite locomotives. Anyone know how many have a corridor tender? I know 60007 does. Too bad here in the USA none of the Hiawathas survived past the very early 1950s
Well don't forget she is not really lost, just not working. She is part of the new Streamlined exhibition at the NRM. You can never really say never regarding a future steaming, especially when another anniversary of her record run comes up
It's remarkable that even now very few expresses these days go much faster than Mallard and this was way back in the 30's :) . 126mph is still pretty fast by today's standards. Sure such immense speeds are quite regular nowadays but a modern train such as Class 390 Pendolino still only does about 125 mph in service; it can do 140 at maximum though but it does show that some of these older trains still rival more modern trains in speed :)
Hi, folks, "MALLARD" driver here, I drove the mighty beast on 13/8/88 over the Settle to Carlisle route, I was limited to 60 m,p,h, which to her was just a steady trot, down mallerstang bank, she was screaming on her whistle , to go faster and faster and when I rubbed the brake,she juddered and sqeeled in protest,,,A week later they knocked the life out of her and buried her in the tomb of York museum.
Thanks for your input John, what great memories you must have. I travelled on one of those runs over the S &C, quite a thrill to ride behind her. A great shame that she's now stuffed and mounted. I thought it a waste of money bringing the two A4s from America when Mallard could have been returned to steam
I've worked in a large museum and they are some of the worst places to put great Items like Mallard. The have this "Museum mentality" which means they would rather see a exhibit decteareate physically than repair or maintain it in working order. God save them from replacing a worn out item with a new one, even if it's an authentic spare.
Just look at the abortion they've made of the Cutty Sark!
Luckiest train driver in the world
My grandfather had a hand in building the Mallard. He was a riveter at the Doncaster works. I never got to see her in action, and agree it is a shame she’s just sat in York rather than still running like the Flying Scotsman.
How do we know you are Mallard's driver from 1988?
Thanks, she is a beautiful machine. I'm still amazed at the number of people who have watched this.
Thanks Anwar, she is a real thoroughbred machine and it was great to have the opportunity to film her
When you think how old the design is, the A4 still looks very modern. An inspired piece of design
What can I say that hasn't already been said, I suppose it's a great treat when you've captured these events before most people had stated videoing, and the results are amazing..so well done Austin...5*
I have not seen Mallard run, but I had the privilege of watching 4472 in Australia, double heading with our (enormous by comparison) 3801 Pacific into the southern outskirts of Brisbane - at 81 mph at dusk - spewing the occasional hot coal from the chimney, firebox glowing and ground shaking as they went past. Then I could understand boys around the world watching and waiting for their favourite local express engines to storm past. What an evening! I got a ticket for speeding on my way home :(
Undoubtedly the British built the world's best steam trains. Just waiting for Bachmann to release The Mallard any day now, Beautiful steam, beats diesel for me any day.
I was watching Flying Scotsman in Australia and this one of your came up Austin....what a superb record of when Mallard did the main line for a short while...thoroughly enjoyed it...Bob
They are great memories to have Vic, I fell in love with A4's when I saw the cover picture on a Peter Handford EP, 'Gresley Pacifics' and then my Dad took me to York to see them in the flesh, magical!!
Fabulous !!!! would love to see this train in person. From the States here.
Nicely done. The final view looked as if they were in a painting. Thank you for sharing.
The Mallard was pulling severn cars when it broke the record. Any alleged claim of any train going faster than the record is unconfirmed, hence it's still the record.
Thanks again Bob, it is a treat for me that so many seem to enjoy these old videos.
really great video superb. Loved the view comming through the cuting and the scenery was stunning
Love the look of the Mallard, my fav steam loco. To see this running at 125mph must have been amazing!
Absolutely awesome footage, a beautiful piece of machinery. Thanks for sharing.
What a Gorgeous piece of engineering!! when i was kid i allllways wanted a model kit of the mallard!
i really want to try my hand out driving to drive a proper steam train!
Excellent job! Always been a fan of Mallard. It was good to see her in motion.
Superb video mate. Its a real treat to see this magnificient locomotive on the rails. Thank you so much for sharing it. Take care.
...anwar...
Thanks, she is currently on display at the National Railway Museums outpost, Locomotion, at Shildon. There are no plans at present for an overhaul to enable her to steam again.
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the video. I did actually get on the footplate at York when she was in steam...unforgettable.
fantastic footage,,i was born in leeds and visited NRM every year as a kid,,ive stood on the foot plate of the "Mallard"..My dad worked at leeds engine company as a forgeman ,and forged the cowcatcher for the "Flying Scotsman" for it's first trip to America
Thank you, the A4's are fine engines and look made for speed. We are indeed spoilt in the UK, a few weeks ago there were three steam specials within 100 miles of my home.
Amazing. Great filming, incredible locomotive, and a great train ride. Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D
remember seeing this awesome train in a museum in Yorkshire
Indeed, York is her permanent home but it was great to be able to see her stretch her legs
acw71000 youre so lucky man :) great video btw!
Promises to be a memorable event with her so close to the scene of the record run after all these years
I JUST LOVE THE LOOK OF A4 WITH VALANCES!..they should all look this way!
I recall messing around (as and apprentice) on the UofSA..when it was in at St Rollox works in Glasgow around 1977 for some bushes..........
Just look at how sleek and super modern it is, 1930's? It totally pre empts future high speed trains in its lines. Stunning looking machine. Never seen a better looking steam train
Thanks very much, I think it's great that your daughter can see Mallard in action, makes my posting the video worthwhile.
Excellent ... another iconic piece of British engineering at its best !
Thanks, glad to bring back those memories for you. Just wish todays camera equipment was available back then.
The Mallard & the Flying Scotsman
R treasures we can still enjoy...
SPECTACULAR !
Yes indeed, such a shame that Mallard is unlikely to run again
Yes, I think it's a shame she couldn't be restored for this anniversary year. I'm sure the cost of bringing the two back from America would have been better spent on Mallard itself
how i envy you, i'm only 23 so this is a whole era i have missed, but thanks to model railways, im reliving this with our layout and locos im collecting depicting BR Eastern Region
Thanks very much, be lovely to see 'the old bird' flying along the mainline again!
Thank you, I went back to the same spot on Standedge a few years ago to film again but unfortunately the trees and bushes have really taken over
Thanks very much, it's always pleasing to know that my videos trigger happy memories. Standing on the footplate you can imagine the excitement there must have been in 1938.
Thank you, it only seems like yesterday that she was running on the mainline
You're right there, just flick a switch on a diesel and off you go. A steam engine needs so much more, teamwork between driver and fireman for one
Thanks Bob, wouldn't mind having the opportunity to film her again with our present equipment, but sadly that seems unlikely
It's about time someone put forward the incredible Mallard for a major sponsorship to meet the costs for repairs and overhauling, maybe from the proceeds of National Lottery or something like that. How I wish these trains were back on the tracks again where they truly belong!
Cheers, I'm amazed how popular it seems to be
the Mallard has such a unique paint scheme. I'm from "across the pond." if you put two British steamers side by side from the same class, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. But you see the Mallard coming and you know it's her.
Sadly not, she is on display at a part of the National Railway Museum. However, a sister loco, no.60019 'Bittern' has just been repainted in Blue with the side valances so looks identical to 'Mallard'. She is running her first railtour this Saturday in the guise of no.4464 so you should see some footage on TH-cam from someone.
Never mind the "VHS" quality - you captured a lot here., including the pre-welded rail wheelbeats. Great to see this just after Mallard was towed to Shildon. A reminder of what could be, given a vast amount of money.
Yes A4's really suited the streamlining, a really handsome machine
I think all our operational A4's have the corridor tender. Those Hiawathas were an awesome looking machine, what a shame that none survived.
Thanks very much, she certainly drew the crowds when she was on the mainline
Thanks, and apologies for the late reply! Few more trees and bushes on that climb to Standedge now too!
Thanks very much, it was great to see her out in the open again. One day a return to steam maybe.....
Wow. Drop-dead beautiful locomotive!
A beautiful loco nice filmed. Thumbs up! :)
@Mechknight73 - she didn't blow her boiler. A bearing overheated. She was able to carry on to the next station and was repaired.
I agree fully, so good that there is plenty of steam still about to recapture those memories.
Thanks very much. Its not an impossibility that one day she could return to steam but I doubt I'll be around to see it.
Thanks very much, look forward to seeing that video sometime.
Super stuff. The climb up Standedge was awesome.
I love the sharper whistle on Mallard. It is so different to the other A4.
I'm still amazed that a steam engine managed in excess of 125mph. If i remember rightly, the Mallard still holds her world record, but she did blow a boiler in the process
One thing I'd love to see when she's back on the Main Line is her going for her record again or dare I say it, break it. To me it would be a complete rarity to see any steam locomotive today going at 100 miles per hour like any express engine would have done in the old days. To see Mallard going for her record again would be the greatest event to happen in Main Line steam workings.
77 Years since the steam record was set.
Quite incredible isn't it.
Currently on display at Locomotion, Shildon, not at the NRM at present
A 126mph piece of history, it was completely knackered after that record breaking run! i wonder what would it would of done if it wasnt!
It was hand held actually but image stabilising wasn't heard of back then!
I think you're right, PRR S1 was a brilliant piece of engineering. Mallard was run almost to breaking point to get that record
Yes, I suppose there must be quite a few variations between whistles
Excellent stuff, can't believe it's over 20 years ago! No apology necessary for VHS/tripod either, you have a steady hand.
There are rather a lot of gricers at Standedge and Ais Gill aren't there - wonder why?
Superb footage of the old bird from this era!! 5*****
Certainly is a great shame that we won't see her on the mainline again.
I like the bit at 4:32 when the person watching on the bank as the train comes round falls flat on their arse as the train passes!
I would like to see an LNER A4 brought to Australia, as the Flying Scotsman (an LNER A3 at the time) was way back in 1988. It's just a pity that our lousy track wouldn't stand up to her 125 MPH running! I wonder what steam loco is like at that incredible speed???
It was 1988, the fiftieth anniversary of the record run.
She was only restored sufficiently in order to run the anniversary trains around 1988 and it was always the intention for her to go back on statc display at the NRM
Thanks very much, quite agree with your sentiments re the 'modern' railway. I have found a little more film of 'Mallard' which I intend to upload very soon!!
Thanks, glad to hear of your interest in steam, keep on enjoying it.
Thank you, it is sad that we probably not see her stretching her legs again but three working A4's in 2008 can't be bad can it?
A truly beautiful locomotive.
@Robcatist :Actually, the only damage was to one of the big end bearings because the centre cylinder's timing was slightly out.
I was on the station at Grindelford in 1988 when she stopped for a photo oppurtunity.
the crowds were so bad the only way you could get a photo was to hold your camera high and hope for the best.
some people even jumped onto the track to get shots, a passenger train had to stopped coming the opposite way out side the station.
the driver of Mallard was blowing the whistle like mad in order to get these people off the track.
they just thought he was doing it for effect.!!
Cheers, you should try a driver experience course, great day out and unforgettable.
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
FANTASTIC!!!!!
Hi Geoff in CANADA
The Mallard is built in March, 3rd 1938 and my birthday is on March, 3rd! L O L !
i expect they will bring her back to life for the 100th year aniversary of her record run but it would be nice to see her in steam before that.
It does and I think the same applies to any streamlined engine or even cars
The A4's have a different type of blastpipe to other locos, thats what makes them seem quieter
I suspect there were a few parts that needed replacing after the record run!!
Classic films Austin and converted well. I doubt we'll never see her in anger again so especially good to see/hear her in full cry. Chris
Thanks for that, I think I will stop all further views and stick on 4468!! What a coincidence.
Wow 4 A4s can operate! One of my favorite locomotives. Anyone know how many have a corridor tender? I know 60007 does. Too bad here in the USA none of the Hiawathas survived past the very early 1950s
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it.
brings a tear to your eye know that she will never run agine and makes you proud to be British!
Thank you, I would like to think the people of Britain are proud of our heritage but sadly, too many are not.
Thanks, perhaps a million might do it, the new parts is the stumbling block with the NRM as they like to keep things as original as possible.
Well don't forget she is not really lost, just not working. She is part of the new Streamlined exhibition at the NRM. You can never really say never regarding a future steaming, especially when another anniversary of her record run comes up
It's remarkable that even now very few expresses these days go much faster than Mallard and this was way back in the 30's :) . 126mph is still pretty fast by today's standards. Sure such immense speeds are quite regular nowadays but a modern train such as Class 390 Pendolino still only does about 125 mph in service; it can do 140 at maximum though but it does show that some of these older trains still rival more modern trains in speed :)
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you, A4's are certainly beautiful engines.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video
I think for a lot of people Mallard would be their favourite...a race would be very interesting!!